JESSE BURKE

PASTOR OF STUDENT MINISTRIES

Jesse is one of those few people who is actually from Prescott, and has always had a heart for Prescott. He graduated from Prescott High Shool in 2000, while reaching out to his fellow students through involvement in Young Life, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and as a leader in the youth group at First Baptist Church. Jesse felt God calling him to continue His work with students so he attended Moody Bible Institute where he earned a B.A. degree in youth ministry. After college, Jesse returned to Prescott feeling a special burden from God for this town. Upon his return, Jesse helped lead the Heights Church junior high program for a little over a year before accepting the position as Pastor of Student Ministries at First Baptist Church.

Julie grew up in First Baptist Church. Julie and her family have been longtime members and supporters of the church. Jesse and Julie met in junior high, dated in high school and college, and were married in 2004. After graduating from Prescott High School, Julie attended Herington Institute of Interior Design in Chicago and earned an Associate degree in Interior Design. She is currently working for Adams Architecture where she helps in the designing and drafting of custom homes.

Jesse still has a passion for the youth of Prescott. He sees himself as a tool parents can use in bringing up godly children. Jesse's philosophy of ministry is concerned with raising fully developed disciples of Christ. In an effort to do this, Jesse's youth group's focus is less about games and crazy times and more about knowing God and connecting to other students who will be graduating from his program knowing who God is, loving Him and using the gifts they have received from Him to serve the body of Christ.