References

Check out what people are saying about Runks

Runks has a passion for Jesus that is contagious to students. So many students have heard about Jesus, but Runks does an incredible job of showing what a changed life for Jesus really looks like. He is engaging with students and keeps them on the edge of their seat as he unpacks truth in a way that is relevant to them. It’s difficult to find speakers who are both Biblical and evangelistic and Runks is both to the core. We will be sure to have Runks back with us in the future.

Sam Midgett – Student Pastor – First Baptist Concord – Knoxville, TN


“Runks was such a great person to have at our camp.  He makes himself available to the kids and brings the message of Jesus in such a way that all our students listen.  They thoroughly enjoyed him and we saw many come to Jesus. I was so glad to work with someone who was easy to get along with and wasn’t a “diva”.  Runks is a speaker who understands what youth ministers are working to accomplish and then he jumps in and works with them!”

Grant T. Byrd, D.Ed.Min.-Student Pastor-First Baptist McKinney, Texas


“In a culture where so many, especially students, have seemingly lost their moral and ethical compass, true evangelists who preach our desperate need for Jesus are becoming harder and harder to find…and then there’s Runks! Without a doubt, very few will communicate the hope of Jesus so clearly and passionately!”

Jared Wood – Jared Wood Band – Dallas, Texas 


“Runks undeniable love for Christ and passion for teens blows up the room.  His desire to lead teens to Christ through a relevant, humorous approach is unmatched by any youth communicator I have ever had the privilege of worshipping with.  He gets teens, and teens get him… that is a good combination”

 

Danny Phillips – Student Pastor –  Old River Baptist Church – Dayton, Texas


“Runks is an amazing speaker that will bring truth and the Gospel to any event. He has an incredible ability to engage everyone in the room and lead an invitation where people respond to the Gospel. I would gladly bring him to any event that I am doing!”

Chris Roller – Student Pastor – First Baptist Church – Rogers, Arkansas


“We just had Runks at our disciple now. His messages were clear, powerful, and humorous. Totally connected to our kids, and he was outstanding for what our students and their friends needed from the speaker. My pastor was so impressed that we are having Runks back this Sunday for an all church event, expecting over 2,000 this Sunday! Thrilled to have him share with our entire church.”

Jerry Royal – Executive Pastor – First Baptist Church – Wichita Falls, Texas


“Runks is a passionate, God-fearing, wild Christ follower that will bring the Gospel in a clear and powerful way to those he speaks to. I am blessed to be friends with him and love partnering with him any chance I can get!”

Ren Watkins – Student Pastor – CrossPointe Church – Madison, Alabama


“You are going to love Runks! Your students will be engaged with him the minute he walks on stage. He has joy, energy and a command of the stage that will have your students hanging onto every word.  He will bring God’s Word to life!  Students will have a clear understanding of the Gospel and a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. Whether you are doing a one night evangelistic night or a week long camp, look no further than Runks. I have seen God use Runks not only in my church but also in many other events. Your church and leadership will be glad that you did. Plus, Runks is a man of God who will continue to encourage you and pray with you after the event. Can’t say enough good things about him!”

Chris Hurt – Minister to Students – Frisco First Baptist


Runks is one of my favorite people to bring in to preach to my students. He is memorable, open and honest. If you are looking for a speaker that you don’t have to worry about what they will preach, then Runks is the man for your event! If you are looking for someone who is going to preach the truth and sit down with your students at meal times, Runks is the man for your event! If you are looking for someone to push the status quo of your group and call them to repent, Runks is the man for your event! You will get the Gospel clearly presented and a call to respond to it when you bring Runks in for your camp/Dnow or whatever event you want. Bring him in!
Scott Spruill
Big Country Baptist Youth/PreTeen Camp Director 2022/23, Lueders, TX

“High energy, bold Truth, and a wealth of life application is what Runks Runkles brings to the table. I’ve worked with him multiple times and have been more than impressed every single time. The best part is, Runks is the real deal. He’s all about Jesus on and off the platform and loves people with reckless abandon. There’s no one I’d rather work with!”

Britton Hardcastle – Worship Pastor – Friendship Creekside – Dripping Springs, Texas


“As an ADHD youth pastor, Runks is my hero! I’ve found no other speaker that is quite so engaging with students, but also holds so firmly to the Scriptures as the standard that we lead from. He is someone you can trust on the stage, and enjoy as a friend when the sermon is over. Book him!”

T.J. Lewis – Student Pastor – Lake Church – Arlington, Texas


“Runks stories draw kids in, his authenticity exemplifies God’s grace and mercy, and his love for the Word of God is refreshing!  My students can’t get enough of him!”

Heather Flies – Junior High Pastor – Youth Specialties C.O.R.E. Training Team -Woodale Church – Eden Prairie, Minnesota


“Runks is very charismatic, outgoing, dynamic, and deep in his speaking!! He has a very creative way of drawing teens and adults in with his life experiences. God uses Runks in a very powerful and unique way to impact people for Christ. I would highly recommend Runks as a speaker, he is great to work with and has a servants heart.” 

Dennis Rohlmeier
Student Pastor – Greater Houston Camping Assoc – Canyon Lakes, Texas


“It has been fantastic to be able to work with Runks several times. He has an incredible passion for the Gospel, the Word of God, and for seeing youth come to know Christ as their savior. His exciting personality is seen both on stage and off as he actively connects with the students he is speaking to. We cannot wait to have him back!”

Matthew Dereck – Program Coordinator – Camp Shamineau – Motley, Minnesota


“Runks is one of the most engaging and energetic speakers I have ever had the privilege of hearing. He connects with students at large events of hundreds and at small events of fifty.  The most important thing about Runks is that he loves Jesus and communicates the gospel clearly.  We invited Runks to come be the speaker for our Disciple Now Weekend and he was able to encourage and challenge the students to not only share the gospel, but also, how-to-live in light of the gospel.  Another quality about Runks is that he is what you see and hear.  He is authentic and vulnerable and hyperactive all at the same time.  I appreciate his genuine heart for Jesus and for students. I would highly recommend Runks to anyone in need of an effective and engaging preacher.”

Todd Liston – Pastor of Students – Central Valley Baptist Church – Meridian, Idaho


“Runks did a great job at our retreats, mixing humorous stories with a solid Biblical foundation to bring a powerful message to our Students.”

James Rock – Program Director – Trout Lake Camp – Pine River, Minnesota


“We’ve had the privilege of both bringing in Runks to speak at our student revivals as well as hear him at youth events near us. There are very few evangelists that can grab and hold teenagers’ attention while skillfully speaking the truth of God’s Word and hitting them square in the heart with the Gospel of Jesus. Runks does it….every.single.time! And bonus: Runks encourages old youth guys like me with his genuine passion and energy.”

Doug Goodman –High School Pastor – East Union Baptist Church – East End, Arkansas


“Runks is a 6’6′ red-headed, A.D.H.D. kid magnet whose message has the humor of a stand-up comedian and the depth of a theologian.”

Paul Mints
Lead Pastor – The Community at Lakeridge – Mansfield, Texas


“Runks is a master craftsman at telling stories woven with Biblical truth. Runks’ humor, honesty and authenticity help him connect with high schoolers.  When young people see they are not alone in their struggles then they respond to the only complete answer, Jesus, and Runks knows how to lead them there each time he talks.”
Jason Wilkie
Executive Director – Camp Siloam – Siloam Springs, Arkansas


“Runks is the clearest presenter of the gospel to students I have ever met. He has an uncanny ability to disarm the hardest of hearts through his own experiences and humor and follow it with sound biblical gospel teaching. We have used Runks for conferences on several occasions and the result is always the same… students get saved and lives changed.”

Matt Terry – Middle School Pastor – East Union Baptist Church – East End, Arkansas


“Runks is one of my favorite communicators because this guy is REAL and Students LOVE him.  Not only does he CONNECT but he has an ability to cause Students to THINK, and not just to THINK but to ACT upon what he have been hearing and encountering thru RUNKS.”

Robbie Robison – Youth Communicator – Nashville, Tennessee


“Runks brought the Word!  He served with a humble heart and was very flexible to work within Super Summer’s demanding schedule. The students connected with him on and off the stage as his love for Christ and teenagers was evident. His transparency and boldness as a preacher were refreshing and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to others.”

Leighton Flowers
Youth Evangelism Director – Baptist General Convention of Texas


“Runks brings his personal story and the redeeming love of Jesus to life in a very real way. Our students immediately engaged with Runks and he led them to the throne! I appreciate his humor and ability to communicate to the hurting and to those that feel alone. He motivated our students to be more like Christ! His interaction with our students when he was not on stage was great and our students loved that they could actually talk to him. Two Thumbs Up!”

Dustin Sams
Executive Pastor – The Grove Church -Titusville, Florida


Runks brings a fresh approach to reaching students with a stimulating and challenging message!  You will not be disappointed by deciding to work with this ‘crazy’ man of God!”

Gary Grecco

Mason-Dixon Youth for Christ Executive Director – Mega-Conference Program Director – Hampstead, Maryland


“Runks is stoked about God’s Word and awesome at relating it to students. Runks is a great big kid in one minute and revealing the truth of God’s power the next. Runks the real deal for speaking with students because he doesn’t sugar coat scripture.  Runks hits students where they are and allows God to change their lives in a huge way. If you want someone to challenge your students to step up their relationship with Christ Runks is the best bet.”

Kent Wells – Campus Pastor – Cross City Church – Euless, Texas


“Runks has a story to tell.  It is the story of true rescue and redemption.  Runks will connect with your students immediately. Not just with his humor, but because his story hits home with so many.  God is using Runks in a powerful way to reach students all over this country.  Do not hesitate to bring Runks to your event!”

Chris Clayton – Worship Leader/Producer/Songwriter -Nashville, Tennessee


“When the game is on the line, you send in your best to get the win. Runks is ‘that guy.’ I cannot have him at a youth function without knowing that when the function is over, the students as well as the adults, will demand my ‘life’ if I don’t have him back! He delivers every time, to every individual, in every way possible. If you want to have the best encounter with your students, better have Runks on your team.”

Ed Lowe – Senior Pastor – Retta Baptist Church – Burleson, Texas


“Runks does an amazing job of making God’s word come alive. His use of timely illustrations and humor keep everyone engaged that leads to deep spiritual change.”

Tim Martin – Former Student Pastor – First Baptist East – Lawton, Oklahoma


“My name is Mark Foor, and I am a fulltime missionary working for Central Pennsylvania Youth Ministries. We have had the pleasure of having Runks as our speaker at our Impact youth event, held in Harrisburg, Pa., twice. Runks has been such a blessing to our event and to all in attendance. Not only is he a great, funny guy, but he relates to the teens. We have had a lot of speakers at our event, and Runks is one that grabs the attention of the teens and holds it all the way through his message. If you are youth worker, you know how difficult that is to accomplish! His messages are biblical, God-centered, and full of God’s truth. The kids love him because of the way he delivers his mesage. He draws them in with hysterical personaltiy, and then hits them with the truth. It is always something that they all can relate to, and he conveys the message of God’s grace, forgiveness and love in a unique and inspiring way. Runks also always takes the time to hang with the kids after and between sessions. He is there to build relationships with the teens, and to answer questions the teens might have. I personally wish we could have him every year because my kids love him so much, and they always seem to get something new from his message, or from talking to him one on one. So, if you are looking for a speaker for your youth event, that is funny, relatable, attention holding, gives the teens the truth from God’s word, and from his own life experiences, Runks is the guy for you. He has been such a great blessing to our ministry and to our kids. I know he will be a blesssing to you and your event.”

Mark Foor
Central Pennsylvania Youth Ministries


“Runks did an AMAZING job at our DNOW this past Spring!  He is that rare mix of high energy, attention grabbing entertainer and deep, theologically sound, challenging teacher of Scripture. This is a very difficult combination to find in a speaker…there are many gifted entertainers that students connect with on an emotional level and there are many gifted teachers that students connect with on an intellectual level but very few who can pull off both with the level of excellence that Runks manages and neither aspect is sacrificed or compromised for the sake of the other.  Our students are still talking about DNOW seven months later and many of them have said that weekend was a turning point in their lives as followers of Jesus Christ. As a staff member I was impressed with Runk’s genuineness as well.  He was the same kind hearted, Jesus loving guy off stage, away from the kids as he was when in front of them.  It was a true pleasure serving with him and we have already booked him to be our DNOW speaker this upcoming year as well.  When we announced this to our students they nearly blew the roof off of our student building…they are PUMPED!”

Kevin Buie
Next Generations Pastor – First Baptist Church – Forney, Texas


“Runks was our speaker for our youth evangelism event this summer called SONFEST. We had over 900 in attendance and Runks did an excellent job of speaking to the hearts of the youth and they responded to him well. He really knows how to speak to today’s youth and I highly recommend him. I will use him again.”

Mark Keith

Evangelism Consultant

Utah/Idaho Southern Baptist Convention


“Runks is an energetic speaker that knows how to captivate his audience.  What I especially love about Runks is that when he speaks to students he gets on their level making them laugh one minute and then right back to a serious point that impacts a student’s life in the next. I love working with Runks and know that students love hearing him speak as much as they love hanging out with him when he’s not on stage.”
Jeff Johnson – Worship leader – Jeff Johnson Ministries


“Runks will keep your student’s attention with humor and real-life stories that they can relate too. They will be challenged to grow in their faith, to allow God’s healing of their emotional pain, and live the abundant life God has planned for them.  We will definitely have Runks back again”

Wayne Davis
Executive Director – Plains Baptist Camp & Retreat Center – Floydada, Texas


“Runks is doubled- over, laugh till your stomach and face hurt funny….so that God can blast away at the deep (and so many hidden) hurts that students are struggling with these days. Runks has been broken…and knows the fears and reservations that keep so many of us from being real and broken before Jesus. So, if you want to have your students hear from someone who has met Jesus even in the most terrifying of places…deep in his own soul….then Runks is your guy.”
Chris Little  – Pastor – Crosspoint Community Church – LaGrange, Texas


“Runks is one of my favorite people. He is authentic & refreshing. People see through facade. This is why Runks is used in such powerful ways by God. He comes with a sincere heart for Jesus and people, and brings honesty with him. You will be blessed by Runks as a person, and as a preacher.”
John Sherrill – 220 Ministries


“Everything about Runks communicates with teenagers- his words, his experiences, his attire. Everything.  Runks is essentially the message.  “Force of Nature” accurately describes his presence.  The “force” your students will have to reckon with is the power of God moving in this man’s life.  Runks has been a part of every record breaking event that I have hosted as a Student Minister.  If there is a way to guarantee your event will be successful, my advice is to book the man known as Runks”

Keith Warren

Executive Pastor

Northside Baptist Church – Weatherford, Texas


“Runks is a uniquely gifted communicator, especially for the youth culture. He will touch your heart, punch your funny bone and give you practical guidance in living God’s truth in your everyday life. Don’t miss any opportunity to hear him speak.”

Dan Smith

Executive Pastor

Tri County Church -Du Bois, Pennsylvania


“I have known Runks for 18 years. I know him to be uniquely gifted to communicate with the students of the day.  Runks has an engaging way of sharing the Gospel that really makes kids want to listen and hear the Gospel.  I know of no one who is more capable of sharing the Gospel with coming generations. He is one who acts with integrity in his ministry and responsibility in dealing with churches and students.  I recommend him whole-heartedly.”

Steve Vernon, D.Min.
Associate Executive Director – Baptist General Convention of Texas


“Runks is ‘Crazy with Content’! I had the great privilege of co-pastoring a camp with Runks and was blessed by his heart for God and students. He is hilarious, but his humor is utilized as a tool to effectively communicate to students. If you do not know Runks, invest the time to get to know him. You will be blessed.”

Casey CeaseCommunicator – Executive Director – Transform Ministries


“Runks related incredibly well with our students at Falls Creek. His messages were well prepared, well delivered and well received. Our students connected with him immediately.”

James Lankford

Former Student Ministry and Evangelism Specialist – Falls Creek Program Director – Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma


“The cornerstone we stand by at Super Summer is that 1. Jesus must be preeminent and 2. the Word of God must be preached. Runks nailed it on both counts and that is why we are having him back next year!”

Terry McIlvain
Former Youth Evangelism Director – Kansas/Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists


“Runks is one if the most uniquely gifted communicators of the gospel out there. He skillfully combines humor, relevance and straight Bible in a way that challenges and changes students. It is evident that God has intentionally and uniquely equipped him to lead and speak to students in a way that leads to life change.”

Clint Ivy – Former Minister of Students – Prestonwood Baptist Church – Plano, Texas


“I have had Runks come and speak to youth and college students since 2000. His heart for God and unique and relative speaking style connects with teens and young adults alike.”

Tommy Foster – Former Student Pastor – Hillcrest Baptist Church -Dallas, Texas