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Here is a list of kind words and recommendations :: Newest on top
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I have had the privilege of working with Erik Willits for the past five years. Erik is gifted in his ability to communicate the Gospel and is able to speak to both teens and adults. He is a student of the Bible and articulates his thoughts in relevant and creative ways. His communication skills allow him to minister to small groups, seminars, camps and conferences.
When I served as the Illinois District Youth president, we brought Erik in for two events. At our district youth camp, he was the camp speaker, and at our Spiritual Life Retreat, Erik served as our primary Bible teacher for the weekend. I enjoyed Erik so much I invited him to speak at my local church during our Revolution revival services. In each venue, Erik was an outstanding speaker, minister and servant. I would recommend him for any event without hesitation.
Todd Holman
Student Pastor :: Casey Community Church
Illinois District Youth (N.Y.I.) President
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Real and relational are not just words I throw around; they are characteristics that Erik embodies. At a district youth event we had in Northwest Indiana, Erik spoke openly and honestly to our students about needs and suffering around the world. He also addressed how we as Christ followers should respond to this suffering. Students left with new insight and a passion for justice. Through Erik’s teaching, they understood better what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Aaron VanStrien
Youth Pastor :: Frankfort First Church of the Nazarene
District 30-Hour Famine Coordinator
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I have known Erik’s ministry for 9 years. I have watched him grow into an
excellent communicator of the Gospel. I have always been impressed with his
way of connecting to students, both in the down times and while speaking. I
would say that his ministry to my students has been one built upon the
relationships that he forms each year. I have continued to have Erik speak
at our Spring Renewal. This has enabled him to form a level of
accountability with the students, so he is able to speak directly with them
about their faith journey.
I have also had Erik speak at numerous district events, which have included
churches from across the state. Even with a large group he does not lose
his effectiveness. His stories, illustrations and reading of God’s Word
draw the students into his message of the love and hope found in Christ. He
is definitely one of the great youth speakers for this generation and the
ones to follow.
Cory Stipp
Pastor to Youth & Families :: Central Church, KS
District Camp Director
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I have known, studied and ministered with Erik Willits for almost 10 years now! Erik has been shaped and influenced by several great Wesleyan teachers and thinkers. Most notably we studied theology under Dr. Craig Keen, former president of the Wesleyan Theological Society, currently teaching at Azusa Pacific.
In his preaching and teaching Erik has always let the very Wesleyan themes of prevenient grace, the means of grace, and perfect love hold a central place. It is rare to find a young communicator who is as grounded in our rich Wesleyan heritage who can speak an exciting and relevant message to our youth. Erik is just such a communicator. I recommend him whole-heartedly.
Tony Jeck
Director of Youth and College Ministry
Aldersgate UMC, Montgomery, AL
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I have done many events with Erik Willits, most recently our “Renew Retreat” for our High School Students at Good Shepherd Church in Naperville, IL. The weekend was incredible and Erik had very a relevant teaching approach that connects right to the heart of our students. They responded incredibly and were even heard quoting him weeks after the retreat.
Erik’s teaching is great but he is also incredibly relational with the students. He takes the time to hang out with and meet them where they are. He engages them in conversation and encourages them on many levels.
This was not the first time I’ve brought Erik in for a retreat. Erik and I have had a continuing ministry partnership, which is incredibly valuable to me as a youth pastor. I believed and support his ministry, he’s a relevant and fresh communicator to this generation.
I’ve never been disappointed!
Tara Beth Leach
Student Ministries Director :: Good Shepherd Church, Naperville, IL
www.welcomegrowserve.org
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Most teenagers who make commitments to follow Christ do so in the context of camps and/or local church youth ministries. The most important component of these contexts is both the message and who is communicating it. Erik is visibly a student of the scriptures and the teachings of Jesus and communicates the Gospel in a fresh and relevant ways. He doesn’t water down anything, yet effectively communicates deep truths in the language of the students. I would invite him back to speak to my students in a heartbeat!
Erick Ewaskowitz (2008)
Youth Pastor :: Wesley Church, Waukegan, IL
Youth Ministry Liaison for the North Central Conference of the Free Methodist Church
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It has been my pleasure to have worked with Erik Willits as an organizer of a Teen Retreat as well as be the parent of a teen participating in several events where Erik has been the presenter. Erik presents Bible messages very clearly and easily for Teens to understand and relate to in their own lives as they seek closer relationships with Christ.
As the organizer of a Spring Retreat for our Youth Group, Erik was the first evangelist I contacted to speak for the weekend. Fortunately for us, he was available and did a fabulous job. Our weekend focus was on the Journey with Christ and Erik presented from Jonah and Colossians and reminded the Teens of our responsibilities as we walk this journey with Christ. Erik’s ability to relate his childhood stories to his message bring a great deal of power and credibility to the message of Christ. Erik was very flexible in his schedule throughout the day, which made my job easier and made our entire event very enjoyable.
From the parental perspective I’ve appreciated the way he digs deep into scripture and especially when he was relating to the Lord’s Supper and the need to ‘remember’ what Christ did for us. I am always thrilled to know my children are receiving the truth each time Erik preaches. Erik has powerful messages and does not dance around some of the hard lessons that are important for Teens to grasp.
And, most importantly, Erik was always mixing with the teens and getting to know them personally. Our teens have a great deal of respect for Erik knowing they can have fun with him and learn more about God’s word at the same time. Erik’s lifestyle in attitude, language and fun, is a good example for Teens. I would highly recommend Erik for any youth event.
Clarissa Fuller (2008)
Parent, Youth Sponsor and Event Planner
Owego First Church of the Nazarene, Owego, NY
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Why would I recommend Erik?
His abilities to be HEARD (He preaches and teaches in a away that connects) and to HANG (With people of all ages and stages of life. It’s part of what earns him the right to share), His desire to live a HOLY life and to challenge others to do the same. Most of all I would recommend him because of his HEART for God and others.
Rev. Randy Parmer, Director of College-Age/Young Adult Ministries for the Georgia District Church of the Nazarene.
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Erik did a wonderful job speaking to and leading our students in a time of worship. I believe Retreats are a major part of Student Ministries and Erik helped make that event what I wanted it to be. A fresh voice speaking to your students and helping them grasp a new look at the scriptures is what Erik can give you.
Gary Gerstenberger, Youth Pastor
22 years in Youth Ministries
Indianapolis Westside Church of the Nazarene
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My son Jacob was one of the 6th graders at the Beavercreek Ch. of the Nazarene Middle School retreat. I just wanted to say thank you for your ministry and for your investment in my son’s life. This was Jacob’s first retreat and he was very apprehensive about going. His Dad and I really had to “make” him go! He had a blast and said he can’t wait ‘til the next one! He told me that what made it really good for him was connecting with you 1:1 because that helped him feel comfortable and helped him connect with your messages better. He really enjoyed just having conversation with you over meals, etc. I think it was especially significant for him to connect with a young adult leader who is so mature in the faith and sold out for Christ. I’m so grateful for spiritual mentors in my children’s life who will be Christ to them and encourage them in their walk. We’re laying a foundation at home, but it’s so important for our kids to have other adults to nurture and encourage them.
Anyway, thank you for your ministry, and I pray that God will continue to richly bless you as you follow the call. (Prov. 3: 5, 6) I checked out your website—it looks like your ministry is doing amazing things for the Kingdom!
Elizabeth A. Wourms, M.Div., Consultant
Transformational Leadership Connection
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As the Senior Pastor at Saint James UMC , Montgomery ,AL. , I am excited to recommend Erik Willits. Erik worked for us as interim Youth Pastor for 8 months and did an outstanding job growing our youth ministry , working with other staff and relating to our members and guests. Erik also helped to build a team of interns and leaders, he was able to delegate and coordinate with strong leadership gifts. He is an excellent speaker/communicator of the gospel, he communicated with relevance and clarity to the young people of our church.
Sincerely,
Lester Spencer; Senior Pastor
St. James United Methodist Church
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For a young man to have a single focus and to pursue that focus is rare in this world. This focus becomes what he is and shapes him for the task. This is happening in the life of Erik. I want to recommend him as an evangelist for your people.
Yours in Cross Style
sTephen Manley; Evangelist
Cross Style International Ministries
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Having known Erik since very early in his walk with the Lord, it has been inspiring to watch Him grow against all odds in “wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man.” He is a shining example of what God can do through a little church in a little town who takes a little kid under it’s wing and shares Jesus with him.
Erik is working hard to make good on their investment. He is a competent scholar, a compelling communicator, a compassionate friend, and a charismatic personality.
You can trust Erik’s sincerity and integrity. I have trusted him with my church.
Scott Sherwood, Senior Pastor
First Church of The Nazarene
Bloomington, IL
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It has been my privilege to work personally with Erik Willits. He served as an intern at our church in the spring of 2002. During that time, he had opportunities to preach often and be involved in various other ministries.
Erik is a gifted preacher. He knows how to take a text and apply the Biblical principle as well as communicate the relevance to our present culture. Erik is very personable and connects well with people groups of all ages. Any church would benefit from his preaching and teaching.
I highly recommend Erik Willits as you consider scheduling your upcoming spiritual emphasis or revival campaigns. The Lord has blessed Erik with a gift of preaching His Word. I am sure, should you decide to use Erik, your church will be served well.
Mark E. Fleschner; Senior Pastor
Terre Haute First Church of the Nazarene
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To Whom It May Concern:
This is a letter of recommendation for Erik Willits. I have known Erik since he was a teenager in my youth group at the Church of the Nazarene in Freeport, Illinois. Erik had an extraordinary passion for God at an early age that continues to be reflected in an up-to-date, vibrant, ministry. Erik is totally committed to God’s will for his life; he lives his faith, talks his faith, loves his faith, and shares his faith. He is an authentic, Spirit-directed Christian, who truly loves his Lord with heart, body, mind, and soul.
Erik is gifted to speak to this generation. He has a clear grasp of postmodernism and understands how to effectively communicate Christ’s love through speech, writing, lifestyle, and relationships. We recently had Erik back as our youth revival speaker. God worked in the lives of our teenagers and it was joy be a part of the Spirit working through Erik Willits.
Erik is committed to the Word of God, preaching it, teaching it, and learning it. I frequently hear Erik talking about the new things God is teaching him. Erik’s speaking ministry is especially refreshing because he articulates so enthusiastically the new things God is doing in his life and shares the life application of what he has learned to his audience. Erik is well read, and has a lifelong learner’s heart.
Without hesitation, I recommend Erik Willits for any ministry assignment to which God is leading him. Erik really doesn’t need a letter of recommendation from me; the Holy Spirit has already gone before him.
Sincerely,
Brett Spengler; Youth Ministries Director
First Church of the Nazarene, Freeport