Higher Call Youth Source began in 2005 as a result of God's direction in the life of Doug Watson. Doug has served churches in full-time youth ministry since 1979 when he graduated from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. He later attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and completed his M.A.R.E. with a Youth Emphasis. Doug has been recognized as a key youth minister both locally and nationally, having served in state leadership positions in Texas, Florida, and Missouri and worked with leadership in the National Network of Youth Ministries, Purpose Driven Youth Ministries, Lifeway, the Assembly of God Youth Ministries, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was recently recognized by his peers as youth minister of the year in the state of Missouri.
More recently, Doug completed nine years as Youth Pastor for Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri, helping grow that ministry to more than 200 students and 50 adult leaders active in the youth ministry of that church. God has led him to now to move into a "faith" missionary position as the Coordinator of the Springfield Area Youth Leader's Network, serving churches, students, and youth leaders of evangelical youth ministries in the Ozarks. As part of this work, Doug has also begun this specialized ministry of providing consultation and support leadership to churches and youth leaders nationally through "Higher Call Youth Source."
This ministry operates and supports Doug's family through: donations and monthly commitments from partners who are individuals, businesses, churches and organizations; and from honorariums and expenses provided by churches and groups who allow Doug or the team to come and work with them in leadership and training. You may find a list of training and support possibilities for churches, youth groups and leaders elsewhere on this website. Doug continues a limited part-time ministry as Worship Leader of "The Heights" contemporary worship at National Heights Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri.
Higher Call Youth Source also has available the services of two other youth pastors who are working with Doug in this resource ministry:
Shane Kennard, pictured here with his wife of 4 years, Nichole -- presently Youth Pastor at Heber Springs, Arkansas, First Baptist Church. Shane is a former student and intern in Doug's minsitry who has completed seminary as well as served in youth ministry in churches in Missouri, Texas, and Arkansas for over 5 years. He has recently worked with nationally renowned youth leader Richard Ross in developing some cutting-edge concepts for church youth ministries to be offered by Higher Call Youth Source.
Aaron Kruse -- presently Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church, Battlefield, Missouri, and President of the Springfield Youth Leaders Network. Aaron has served churches in Missouri as youth minister for nearly five years. He has a passion to support volunteer and part-time youth leaders in their ministry to reach students.
