After nearly a decade with YOKE, Jonathan Haskell has announced that he will step down from his role as Executive Director this month. Jonathan first joined the YOKE staff in 2015, bringing with him a passion for ministry and a heart for students.
“Honestly, I didn’t know much about YOKE’s incredible story when I was first approached about this position,” said Jonathan. “I was most drawn to the opportunity to impact middle school students, to equipping and mobilizing young leaders, and to making a positive difference in our public schools in the process.”
“Jonathan has been instrumental in growing YOKE to the point we are at today,” said Joe Matlock, President of YOKE’s Board of Directors. “He has a true servant heart, and he has faithfully led the cause of leading middle schoolers to Christ. While he will be missed by the team at YOKE, we know he will be successful in his new endeavor, and we wish him the best.”
“I’ve served as both a missionary and a pastor, I’ve planted churches and spent nearly two decades in nonprofit ministry, but I’ve never been able to see discipleship so clearly at work as I have during my time with YOKE,” Jonathan explained. “I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to see YOKE kids grow up to be YOKE Folk themselves and to see YOKE Folk find their own calling, start their own families, and impact the Kingdom of God in their communities in their own unique way.”
Jonathan informed the board’s executive committee late last year that he sensed God leading him in a new direction. They have been working behind the scenes on a transition plan and hope to be able to announce a successor in the coming days.
Though stepping down from his current role, Jonathan will remain one of YOKE’s most passionate champions. “We have a talented and experienced team, a diverse and committed board of directors, and a proven track record of ministry,” added Jonathan. “I think YOKE is well positioned to continue and extend its life-changing ministry with middle school students.”