Leadership comes in all forms and sizes, but the results are the same. Leaders influence behavior and make a difference in people’s lives. Profiling leaders reveals a diverse combination of traits, but changing lives is a common theme.

Leader Profile

Corey Minter

Can you think for yourself? Signs of maturity, according to Corey, are revealed when believers do not simply accept what the church or minister says but wrestle with God’s Word to find answers for life. Corey teaches his youth group to think for themselves, to struggle with their own faith so when each of them hit the “Why?” time during or after college, he or she will be ready for it.

Corey’s father worked as a skilled electrician, training military personnel at Guantanamo Bay until Corey was five. After he and his family relocated to Virginia Beach, Corey attended Gateway Christian School. He remembers his father faithfully reading his Bible every morning before work. He recalls seeing his mom praying in her room regularly, and these influences helped him to know early in his childhood that he was called to ministry.

Since July of 2009, Corey has served as youth minister at New Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Joelton, Tennessee. Corey loves to connect with young people, preach, and study.

Corey, you are a great leader!

Describe your quiet time.

“It’s my first appointment of each morning. I want to begin my day in prayer and fall asleep every night talking to God. Once a week, I do a five-mile prayer hike, taking my dog Denali with me.”

Describe an ideal date for you and Rachel.

“We both love literature and reading classic books. We love dinner at Carrabba’s and a movie. I enjoy analyzing books and movies.”

What are the top three books you have ever read (other than the Bible)?

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper

Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis

What are you reading right now?

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan,

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Onward by Howard Schultz

How would you improve your leadership style?

“I am too laid back. Fearing that delegation may appear to show favoritism, I often hold on to tasks. My busyness often occurs because I did not hand items off to other capable people.”

Paper or Plastic Questions

Mountains or Ocean? Ocean

Music or Talk Radio? Audio Book

Coke or Pepsi? Sweet Tea

Email or Texting? Texting

Mac or PC? Mac

Socks or house shoes? Bare feet

Leader Profile is a regular feature of ONE Magazine. Learn more at www.randallhouse.com.