Joel Stepanek

Joel has served in ministry for 20 years and is passionate about empowering parishes, dioceses, schools, and apostolates find their identity, execute strategy, and lead individuals into a relationship with Jesus Christ. He has been in a variety of leadership roles where he has built and guided teams to execute a strategic vision. He has served as a Vice President for Parish Services for Life Teen where he developed youth ministry resources including a groundbreaking confirmation program, Purpose, and provided training for thousands of youth ministers and parishes in 22 countries. He currently serves as the Vice President for Programming and Administration for the National Eucharistic Congress.

Joel holds a Master of Arts degree in religious education with an emphasis in youth and young adult ministry from Fordham University and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University-Global. He uses this unique combination to help parishes develop organizational mission, evaluate and define their parish culture, and implement a strategic vision. 

Joel resides in Phoenix, Arizona and is an avid “Spartan”-racer, marathon runner, enjoys cooking and weightlifting, and loves spending time with his wife, Colleen, and three children, Elijah Daniel, Sophia Grace, and Micah James.

He is a sought-after speaker who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of individuals throughout the world from parish halls to large arenas on the topics of discipleship, leadership, organizational health, and the Eucharist.

Joel is the author of several books, including:

Beginning Well: Seven Spiritual Practices for the First Year of Almost Anything

Chasing Humility: 8 Ways to Shape a Christian Heart

XY: An Authentic Masculine Identity 

True North: A Roadmap for Discernment

CANA Talk - details to follow