“Mike shows me what Jesus is like.” – JT, WyldLife kid in Great Miami Valley, Ohio
Isn’t that what being a WyldLife leader is all about?
For 12 years, Mike Allen* has been showing JT and other middle school kids who Jesus is. Mike and his wife, Janie, are the parents of five boys, and Mike works full time as a physical therapist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Mike and Janie served as leaders while attending Ohio State. When they graduated, got married, and started jobs, they became involved in the local area in other ways.
It wasn’t until their oldest son entered Plains Junior High School that Mike stepped back into leadership. WyldLife had started the year before, and Mike’s initial plans were to bring his son and a carload of kids to club. Soon, he was stopping in to say “hello” to the college leaders, then he was hanging out in case they needed an extra set of hands. After a semester, Area Director Sheila Chambers asked if Mike wanted to be a WyldLife leader.
Mike said “yes” and jumped in with both feet. He compares his experience as a parent leader to the disciples telling Jesus, “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish to feed 5,000 people.” He didn’t feel he had much to offer, but was willing to give what he had. He soon became the team leader, building relationships with the kids, their parents, and college leaders.
Most of the time, the way to experiencing greater community and impact begins with a fairly simple “yes.”
“Mike invites kids into his life and home. When he speaks of Jesus, you can’t help but want to hear more. It’s who he is,” says Sheila. “He has mentored and discipled college co-leaders in life-changing ways, as well. His impact is immeasurable.”
Mike is currently leading even though he doesn’t have a child at the school. His youngest son will start there next year. Mike continues to lead because he sees kids at this age who are trying to figure out how to grow up.
“Why would I not do it?” asks Mike. “That’s the age when I started exploring faith on my own. I love getting to be a safe place while kids discover who God is.”
Mike has seen kids with no faith background respond to the gospel, continue following Jesus in high school, and go on to become leaders in the area. Mike says his own faith has remained “fresh and vibrant” because he serves as a WyldLife leader. He imagines God telling him, “I’m not done with you yet. Whatever you give me, watch and see what I do with it.”
Mike encourages parents and others who may think they’re too old to be WyldLife leaders to take a risk and see what God has in store for them. They may experience moments with God they never imagined.
Mike says his oldest son, Ben, “caught the bug” and has been leading alongside him for the last four years. The two of them were at camp with a cabin full of boys, including one of Ben’s younger brothers. Mike describes the experience watching him lead cabin time.
“Who am I that I get to watch my son explain the gospel to his little brother and his friends?” asked Mike. “This is a gift I never would have thought to ask for.”
*Mike was named The 2025 Outstanding WyldLife Leader of the Year
Three Simple Ways to Make an Impact in 2026
Mike Allen’s story isn’t significant because of any extra time or training he had. He simply said yes and watched where God led. This is what creating impact is all about.
Say yes to the little things.
Mike started modestly, with giving kids a ride and saying “hello” to college leaders. He started saying yes in small ways. It’s like the saying of how everyone wants to change the world, but no one wants to do the dishes.
What if the world is changed by people who start washing dishes?
In 2026, what are consistent ways you can begin to say “yes” rather than waiting for the perfect time or even “more margin”? What rhythms of carpooling, or making meals, or showing up to sporting events already provide opportunities? Remember, just like the loaves and fishes, God multiples small, consistent offerings.
Take lessons from your own story.
For Mike, he goes to middle-school-aged kids because that’s when he started to explore his own faith. It’s a natural way to give back. By knowing his story, he was able to see ways that others had helped him grow to where he is today — and give back in powerful ways.
Who has helped you in your story? How can you emulate them?
Oftentimes, this help occurs at high-leverage moments. Middle school is one, where kids start to ask questions about their own faith. Transitions are natural leverage moments – leaving high school and going to college, entering the work force: these are times when your influence can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
Keep your faith public.
Mike’s time with kids has helped his own faith. Leading others can feel overwhelming at times, but these are places where we meet God deeply and get a front-row seat to what he’s doing.
It’s easy to let faith become theoretical or private. It’s also easy to think “going public” means posting your opinion on social media. But we don’t need more private faith, nor do we need more opinions. We need people with presence — willing to show up with a ride or in a young person’s life to listen.
Notice places where you’re already serving and how you can show up even more.
Invite others to serve alongside you.
Pay attention to moments of grace and name them aloud.
There are all sorts of ways to keep your faith public — in a real and present way.
Remember, Mike’s goal wasn’t to become the WyldLife leader of the year. It was to be available.
How can you be available this year? There may be nothing more countercultural, and no better way to see what God is up to!
To find out more about ways to engage in local Young Life, find Young Life near you.
