Dustin Dalton felt called to ministry but wasn’t sure where. When a friend from church gave him the number of YOKE Founders John & Helen Coatney, he decided to reach out. Dustin didn’t know anything about YOKE when he met the Coatneys for dinner, but quickly decided this was exactly where God was leading him. “It just felt right,” he recalls. “I knew John and Helen had a heart for serving God and others.” That night, Dustin became a YOKE Folk—a role he would embrace for the next six years.
Dustin began serving at Rutledge Middle in 2013 and his wife, Madison, joined him a year later. Dustin would later lead Grainger County’s Future Folk, YOKE’s leadership training program for high school students. The couple cherishes countless memories, but one moment stands out: Dustin breaking a table during a skit. “Nine years later, kids and YOKE Folk still talk about it,” he laughs. Madison, who caught the moment on video, adds, “The room erupted with laughter—it was priceless!”
But beyond the fun, their time in YOKE was life-changing. “It introduced me to incredible friends,” Madison says. “We were there to impact kids, but they impacted us just as much.” Dustin remains in touch with many of the students he mentored. “It’s amazing to see them grow into young leaders,” he says. “Some still call me ‘their YOKE Folk’—a title that brings me great joy.”
Now married for five years and parents to their son Reide, the Daltons continue to serve their community. Dustin works in his family’s business, Dalton Hydraulics, while staying involved in youth ministry, and Madison serves in Grainger County Schools’ central office.
“Being a YOKE Folk strengthened my faith and showed me the joy of serving God,” Dustin reflects. “Middle schoolers face so many distractions pulling them away from Christ. YOKE provides a safe, fun place to help them find their identity in Him.” Madison agrees: “Middle school is tough. YOKE gives kids a place to belong, build relationships, and hear about Jesus. It’s a life-changing ministry.”
