Chris Dillbeck: Building Bridges One Heart At A Time

This week I want to highlight the work of Chris Dillbeck, a Young Life area director from Owensboro, Kentucky and one of the rising stars in the Young Life-Catholic conversation. Chris’ ecumenical approach and his commitment to Christ is showing both the mission of Young Life and the Catholic Church how unity and collaboration can make a powerful impact on reaching a world of kids.

As a non-denominational Protestant raised in the South, Chris was all too familiar with the bias surrounding the Catholic Church. Then, in a stroke of God’s humor, Chris moved to Owensboro, KY, a town who’s population is more than 80% Catholic. “I knew right away that if I was really going to reach our community, I would need to do it side by side with Catholics,” Chris noted. “Some told me that we didn’t need Catholic financial support to make it. I told them, ‘That’s not the point. If we’re gonna reach every kid, we have to have Catholics on our team.’”

Since then, Chris has made an intentional effort to build bridges with local Catholics and cast a vision of reaching kids together. And his work has paid off. “I appreciate Chris on so many levels,” noted Charlie Hardesty, a Catholic youth minister from Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. “He’s one of my close friends. He’s one of the most genuine guys you’ll ever meet. I value that tremendously.”

Charlie and Chris could often be seen going to the school lunchroom together or sitting together at a ballgame. “Ya know, Jesus sent his disciples out two by two,” Charlie reflected. “I get to do that with Chris. He’s not competitive about kids. He just wants kids to meet Christ. It’s a great blessing to be able to do that together.” Charlie also commented on how much of an encouragement Chris is to him personally. “I know that Chris isn’t using my relationship to get to my kids. Chris just genuinely cares about me.”

Chris’ personal authenticity and relational style has opened doors even at the diocesan level. Melinda Prunty, Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Owensboro, spoke about the impact that he’s had amongst local Catholics. “He just gets it. He’s so willing to engage, to be honest and share his passion for reaching kids. He understands the concerns that many Catholics have and he’s committed to walking side by side with Catholics to minister to kids in the most respectful and sensitive way.”

Recently, Chris’ work attracted the attention of the local bishop, the Most Rev. William Francis Medley, who invited him to share his vision for YL-Catholic collaboration in the diocese. The diocese is currently outlining a plan for a new evangelization that would bolster the Catholic commitment to reach lost kids and encourage a collaborative relationship with Young Life in reaching every kid, everywhere for Christ.

The momentum has spilled over into the realm of local Catholic parents who are excited about Chris and the work that he’s doing. Amy Carrico, a Catholic parent who was actively involved in Young Life when she was in high school, is leading a bridge-building effort so that local Catholics will come to understand the powerful work of Young Life and how it can bless local Catholic kids. In November she will be hosting a dinner, bringing other Catholic parents, youth ministers and diocesan officials together with Young Life staff to chart out a path for cooperative mission to kids. This is incredible bridge-building stuff!

Chris, you’re a wonderful witness to Jesus and a model for Young Life staff around the globe. I celebrate the work you’re doing and pray that the Lord of the harvest will bless and multiply your ministry to kids!

*If you want to support Chris' ministry, please contact him at:

Young Life Owensboro

5402 Beech Hill Ln

Owensboro, KY  42301

cdillbeck@gmail.com

270-724-0302

Chris (left) with kids at Young Life camp this summer.