About Jared

An encourager by nature, a communicator by calling.

Jared Wockenfuss (Wok-in-foos) is an enthusiastic speaker, a men's minister, an effective communicator and a family man, able to minister to the entire family in a relatable, practical way.

Portrait of Jared Wockenfuss standing on outdoor stairs

The story

A life filled with interesting experiences.

Small town, seven brothers

Jared was raised the youngest of seven boys in a small town in South Dakota. Growing up in a small town had many advantages, but the emphasis on family became one of the most important things in his life, and it still shapes the way he speaks about relationships, responsibility and time.

Jared reading the Sunday comics on a porch bench

Twenty years in the local church

Jared has served the local church for over 20 years in various roles: as a Children's/Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor and Men's Pastor. Those years of faithfully preparing and delivering messages gave him valuable insight into the pressures and issues people face on a daily basis.

Students and families gathered at an event with Jared

Stepping out to speak

“Life is too short to be boring. After years of faithfully preparing and delivering messages in the local church about the most exciting message of Hope ever, I decided to step out in faith and share these inspirational, encouraging, exciting and often entertaining messages with groups all around the country.”
Jared Wockenfuss
Jared speaking on stage with a microphone

A communicator, not a performer

Jared's style blends storytelling, humor, audience participation, illustrations and real-life encounters. He has been described as funny and insightful, but the goal is never the laugh. It's an educational, inspiring, challenging message that people remember.

Jared with a young Captain America fan

Serving today

Jared serves full time as a missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is the SESD Program Director of Leagues for South Dakota FCA. He has also been blessed to speak in several churches in rural South Dakota.

Jared at the It's Good To Be Here mural in Atlantic, Iowa
A full gym of students and families at an event with Jared Wockenfuss

Where Jared serves

Anywhere people need encouragement.

Jared speaks primarily to faith-based and nonprofit organizations, and has spoken in a wide variety of venues over the years.

  • Church services
  • Pulpit supply
  • Men's events & retreats
  • Community outreaches
  • FCA events & camps
  • Leadership trainings
  • Summer camps
  • Father/son events
  • Chapels
  • Keynote addresses