Joel Stepanek has been actively and passionately involved in ministry for over 15 years. What began as a simple internship in a parish youth ministry office evolved into an incredible adventure that led him on numerous middle school lock-ins, high school retreats, parish missions, and ultimately to meet his wife, Colleen. Joel is the Vice President of Parish Services for Life Teen International where he guides several teams that support Catholic parishes in creating and sustaining vibrant youth ministries that form passionate Catholic evangelists and disciples.

Joel is a sought after speaker who has traveled across the world speaking to groups of all sizes, ages, and vocations. Joel is the author of several books, including “Chasing Humility: 8 Ways to Shape a Christian Heart,” “XY: An Authentic Masculine Identity,” “True North: A Roadmap for Discernment,” “Getting More Out of Confession,”and “The Greatest Job on Earth: The Seven Virtues of an Awesome Youth Minister.” He is a co-author of “The 99,” an evangelization program from Ascension and is a contributing author for Youth Cartel and Youth Specialities.

Joel received his Master’s degree in religious education with an emphasis in youth and young adult ministry from Fordham University in New York City. In addition to his ministry at Life Teen, he continues to serve in the field of higher education as adjunct faculty for Franciscan University of Steubenville. Joel is an avid crossfitter, enjoys cooking and gardening, and loves spending time with his wife and two children, Elijah Daniel and Sophia Grace.