True Direction Ministries began as part of a providential puzzle in 1988, known originally as Teen Direction Ministries. Founder Chuck Beckler had recently left the youth pastorate to pursue a partnership with Sonlife Ministries, developing ministry training materials steeped in the relational model of Jesus. Teen Direction operated as a 501(c)3 organization and a full board of directors was assembled to provide biblical leadership and fulfill legal requirements. The board would pray, give direction, manage and travel to speaking engagements--the primary efforts of TD's ministry to young people. Teen Direction quickly expanded to youth conferences, consulting and adult and family events, with a commitment to teach God's Word and build relationships for the purpose of discipleship training. God has been very kind. As the years have passed, God has built a TD community that has seen different board members and partners, but the focus has remained Soli Deo Gloria!
Now known as True Direction Ministries, we continue to work together to bring the gospel to a desperate world. Across youth, family, marriage and In-Home Mentoring events, TD desires to see disciples made. We all clearly understand the key to the TD puzzle is the Builder, for apart from Him we can do nothing. What an adventure it has been! Our pathos has never been stronger as we unite together for the King. Oswald Sanders said, " Human weakness provides the best backdrop for the display of Divine power." Looking back across three decades, we realize it's all been a gift from our kind LORD. The TD puzzle continues as the Builder does his work, which causes great joy about the future of our history.
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Communicating God's Direction for Life
Our mission is to make disciples by communicating God's Word, in obedient response to the Great Commission as found in Matthew 28. Christ's pattern for disciple-making is clear: teach truth and build relationships. Truth transforms lives and relationships serve as the universal opportunity for communicating truth. In John's Gospel, we read, "...the Word became flesh and dwelt among us". Jesus Christ, the Son of God, literally pitched His tent to live in our midst and touch our lives. We have a loving, personal God who continually reaches down to be among us. He came as the Savior, with a model for us to follow. We desire to pattern our mission after His, to make much of God, to pursue and know people, and to always lovingly communicate God's direction for life.
True Direction Ministries, together with its Board of Directors and partners, ascribes to and affirms the following doctrinal pillars as necessary and essential truths. Learn more about the doctrinal pillars of True Direction Ministries »
Scripture is the only written revelation of God to man, stands entirely without error, teaches what is necessary for salvation, and is the exclusive test of truth.
As the sinless son of God, Jesus Christ fully secures our salvation by making atonement as our substitute. Christ is our only effective mediator and his work—life, death and resurrection—alone is sufficient for a restored relationship with God.
God's grace is not one ingredient for salvation, but is the sole ingredient and has its source in him alone.
Justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone and cannot be coerced or earned by any human means.
In everything, our concern is alone for God's kingdom and glory.
If you would like to contact someone from the board, please send a message to info@truedirectionministries.org.
Chuck Beckler is founder of True Direction Ministries and is passionate about seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ turn our world upside down. Chuck is a seasoned communicator and has been speaking to men, women, and students for more than 30 years. Neither a lecturer nor an entertainer, Chuck communicates with sincerity to the hearts of people, not just to the heart of their problems. In addition to his ministry as a speaker and trainer, Chuck served as a youth pastor and most recently as the Senior Pastor of Valley Community Church in the suburbs of Chicago. He has maintained his credentials with the Evangelical Free Church of America since the mid-1980s. Chuck and his wife, Linda, currently reside in McHenry, IL.
Jim Kohl is a native of the Midwest and has worked in marketing and brand strategy for more than a decade. Although not involved in ministry vocationally, Jim does see his life as given over to full-time ministry for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. With a hunger to build relationships and foster community, Jim has devoted much of his time to both youth ministry and adult small group ministry. Husband to Jackie and father to JR, Calvin, Cason and Mary, Jim currently lives in Cary, IL. Jim and his family worship and serve with fellow believers at EFC of Crystal Lake.
Dan Cox was born and raised downstate, in the Peoria, Illinois area. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He served in a variety of ministries at the North Suburban Evangelical Free Church in Deerfield, Illinois following his graduation from seminary. Since 2002, Dan has served as the Senior Pastor of Wonder Lake Bible Church in Wonder Lake, IL.
Ron Kirkeeng is a life-long native of Crystal Lake, IL and a disciplemaker of students, serving as a Pastor of Student Ministries with the Evangelical Free Church of Crystal Lake for 15 years. Ron has a passion for connecting with youth of all ages, as an academic tutor and little league baseball coach. He and his wife, Mystele, have two boys, Logan and Isaiah. The Kirkeengs enjoy sports, pizza, and movies as a family.
Reg Hamilton grew up in Wichita, Kansas learning about discipleship during his time at Frontline Student Ministries at First Evangelical Free Church. He then moved to Chicago while completing college and graduate work at Trinity. Reg earned his B.A. in Youth Ministry in 1995 and a Masters of Religious Education in 1997, while interning at the Evangelical Free Church of Crystal Lake. Upon graduation, Reg moved to Emporia, Kansas where he served as Youth Pastor for 8 years. In 2006, he moved to Gardner, Kansas where he remains Pastor of the FUEL and JOURNEY Student Ministries at New Life Community Church. He thoroughly enjoys and is continually thinking about how to train and equip a great team of adult volunteers and discipling students more and more into Christ's likeness. Reg has been married to Jayne since 1994 and has one daughter (Audrey) and two younger boys (Ryan & Trevor) who love to keep things interesting!
Pete is an esteemed executive with four decades of professional experience in the financial services sector. His commitment to and enthusiasm for the spread of the gospel have been a great encouragement to TD over many years. Pete faithfully serves and stewards as Treasurer. He and his wife, Carol, reside in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
"Chuck Beckler through the years has proven to be an effective and strategic communicator in a variety of settings. His passion for the Lord, prophetic gifting, and deep desire to be used by God has made him effective in many situations. I would highly recommend Chuck if you need a strong biblical communicator for church groups, men's ministries, youth gatherings, or church-wide services."
Dr. Dann Spader | President of Global Youth Initiative | Batavia, IL
"As a camp speaker, Chuck is able to connect with youth in a way that engages them emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Beyond the entertainment, the youth respond to the deep and important truths presented from God's Word. Outside of the chapel services, Chuck and his lovely wife, Linda, make themselves available to the youth and staff to minister to them on a one-on-one basis. The impact of their ministry is as effective outside of chapel as it is within."
Jeff Knoll | VP & COO, Michindoh Conference Center | Hillsdale, MI
"Chuck has a long-standing, proven record of greatly impacting young people, not with "fluff" but with the meat of the Word. As you will agree, young people desperately need doctrinally sound teaching. I would like to comment Chuck to you and encourage you to consider having him for your next retreat, Bible Conference, special event or simply pulpit supply. He will honor the Lord and His Word and be used to touch the lives of those you shepherd."
Dr. Jamie Mitchell | NewSong Fellowship Church | Lancaster, PA
"It has been my pleasure to serve with the Becklers on many occasions over the years. They are a couple that I would trust my group to every time."
Tracy Hipps | Christian Service Mission | Birmingham, AL
"Chuck has a unique skillset. He is a storyteller who, because of his passion, experiences and study, makes his points clearly while riveting his audience. Chuck is also one of a very few truly funny communicators. He connects to his listeners quickly with his hilarious and even quirky brand of humor. What he never loses, however, is his desire to focus on the main task of turning attention to the Savior."
Rev. G. Douglas Routledge | Crossroads Farm | Reading, MI