TITLE: Director of Youth Pastor Resources

Background
I was born and raised in Nebraska the son of a youth pastor. After high school I attended college at John Brown University and received a Bachelors degree in Middle School Math and Science. During college I took a semester off and worked for Campus Life in Lincoln, Nebraska, doing outreach to high school students. I then went on a 4 month mission trip to the Dominican Republic. It was through those two experiences that I discovered a passion I have to see students reach their potential and grow as leaders in the Church.

How did you become a Christian?
I became a Christian at a young age. My dad had been involved in youth ministry and had a heart for his children to become Christians at a young age. One night he came into my room with a green tract and shared the Gospel with me. Since then I have had many experiences which have driven me deeper in love with Him.

What is a leadership lesson you have learned while serving at LeaderTreks?
Since joining LeaderTreks I have learned the importance of serving in one’s giftedness. I have seen many students and youth workers come alive when they are doing what they were uniquely created by God to do. Likewise I have seen the frustration on their faces when they are not passionate about what they are doing.

What is one of your gifts and how do you use it?
My Leadership Type is a Mover. I enjoy bringing a team or group together and motivating them to accomplish a task. On a daily basis I use it here in the LT office leading the YPR team.

Who is one student that you have seen grow as a leader?
Sam was a guy I had on a couple of trips to Costa Rica. In many people’s eyes he had arrived as a student leader: worship leader at church and influential among peers. The second time I had him on a trip I really challenged him to take his team to the next level by saying the hard things and asking more of his team. He did it and discovered the power of passion. He was able to motivate his team to work through 6 hours of hard downpour to accomplish a huge task in the name of Jesus Christ.

Family
My wife Kristin and I have enjoyed leading many LeaderTreks trips together over the past years. Just this year we brought the newest member of Team Schulte into the world: Joshua. Our prayer is that he will grow up to be a proclaimer of the Gospel to those around him.

Personal Blog
http://matteolt.blogspot.com