David Hasz & Jon Hasz transitioning out of Teen Mania & The Honor Academy
For 25 years, Teen Mania Ministries has been reaching teenagers with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Still committed to this mission, we enter into our next chapter ready to meet this generation where they are in new and innovative ways. As we do so, we will be saying goodbye to two of our most-beloved leaders, David Hasz and Jon Hasz, who have served the ministry selflessly and with full dedication for decades.
David, who currently serves as Executive Vice President of Teen Mania and Executive Director of the Honor Academy, will be following God’s call on his life into a new direction, having spent 17 years working with the ministry reaching this generation with the gospel. He will continue on with Teen Mania through August 11, when the current class of Honor Academy interns will graduate. David joined the staff at Teen Mania in 1996; previously he traveled extensively with Ron and Katie Luce, sharing their vision for overseas missions and evangelism. David has served in numerous capacities within Teen Mania throughout his time with the ministry.
David said:
“What an amazing 17 years it has been to serve alongside all of you with Teen Mania Ministries. I am thankful for the great memories, incredible friendships, and most of all for the privilege of getting to play a small part in helping shape and influence the lives of this young generation—truly it’s been an honor. Though these have been such wonderful years, Beth and I now feel our time at Teen Mania has come to a close. We are praying about our next steps and are seeking God about where He would have us go. To all of you who have blessed us with trust, friendship, support and prayers, I say a heartfelt thank you. May God continue to bless you as we all seek to honor Him with our lives and move forward as He leads.”
Jon, who serves as Teen Mania’s Chief Financial Officer, will be departing the ministry on June 1. Jon has been a vital member of the Teen Mania staff for 12 years, and has a heart for reaching the lost for Christ. Jon came to Teen Mania in 2000 after working for eight years in Christian education and administration as a math teacher, athletic director and varsity basketball coach. He has served in a variety of roles within Teen Mania: the Honor Academy from 2000 to 2003, as Executive Director of Global Expeditions from 2003 to 2006, and as Executive Director of Acquire the Fire from 2006 to 2008, before becoming the ministry’s CFO.
Jon said:
“It has been a distinct honor for me to have rubbed shoulders with the many staff and interns at Teen Mania over the last 12 years. I look forward to what God calls me to in the next chapter of my service to Him and will continue to pray for the influence of Teen Mania to grow as they follow His direction.”
Ron Luce, Teen Mania’s founder and president, said the departure of David and Jon will be felt throughout the ministry and praised the impact the men have had on the lives Teen Mania reaches:
“Jon and David have literally seen millions of people impacted because of their sweat, their love, and their time they’ve poured into this ministry. The world is literally a different place because of their sacrifice over the years.”
Dan McLeod will be stepping into the role of CFO after June 1, and will be working alongside Jon over the next month to ensure a smooth transition. Dan has worked in Teen Mania’s Finance Department for a more than a year, and prior to that served as the CEO, CFO, and Finance Director for numerous corporations and non-profit entities of various sizes for more than three decades.
The Teen Mania family is sad to see the departure of Jon and David, and will be praying for them in eager anticipation of the next step for their lives. We wish them well and thank them for their years of service.
Teen Mania’s vision for bringing the life-transforming message of the gospel to teens and to the world will help pave the new direction for the ministry. We recognize that with all change comes new opportunity. A constant is our being fueled by Jesus Christ, and our love for this generation is strong and powerful. We are blessed and excited for all that the Lord will do in our next quarter century.
I was shocked when I read the news of your departure from TM. I thought that I would be sending my kids to the HA and you would be there…but that’s another 16 years from now!
May this be an opportunity for you to be encouraged as you leave and step in the new chapter for you and your family. My year working with you back in 1995-1996 when you first arrived to TM was such a life-changing year for me. I still look back on the Fasting Retreat and am reminded of my calling. You have touched so many lives and pray the best!
Shauna
Shauna, You have always been such an encouragement to me by the way you live your life and the stand for Jesus you have continually taken – keep it up! I am hopeful that in 16 years you will be able to send your kids to the HA and perhaps I will be a guest speaker that year
That was a memorable year in 1995 and the big move to Texas – your Father helped me succeed in my responsibilities that year and I have never forgotten that!
I’m excited to hear about the next step! Let’s talk soon
Dave,
The work and impact you have had on the lives of young people is anything but small. Recently my pastor asked us to consider who in our lives has had the most impact in shaping us into who we are today. Obviously I thought of my family, but the next person that came to mind was you. Thank you for all you did during my 2.5 years as an intern. The impact you had by allowing Christ to work through you is irreplaceable and fundamental to who I am today. I think of you and your family often and will continue to keep you in my prayers as you transition into your next stage of life.
Sincerest thanks,
Jennifer Beard
August 2006 intern, August 2007 GI – Band of Servants
Jennifer, Wow I am honored to even be on the list of those who have impacted your life – thank you for that encouragement. Please continue to pray for us as we work through this transition to the next place God has for us.
When I read this, it was honestly hard for me to grasp. On the other hand, though, it takes great faith and trust in God to hand over something that you have been involved in for 17 years. I am blessed to have been under your leadership for the 2 years I was at TM. To quote the GI treatise, ” It is our responsibility to clearly mark the path, enabling others to follow as we follow the example of Christ.” You have lived up to and surpassed this standard; as a result, many people have been impacted in a positive way and have been driven forward in their relationship with Christ. Thank you for your service at Teen Mania. I know that where God takes you and Beth next will bring you closer to each other and your kids and closer to The Father. Know that you have a huge family supporting you and Beth in this decision. God Bless.
Kathryn, You are so kind – thank you for your encouragement. I do have faith that God will continue to use the HA for His glory!!
It’s sad to know Mr. Hasz is leaving, but I just wanted to say the years he has served has been a blessing. He really taught us a lot thank you Mr. Hasz. Hopefully, this comment makes it to you and you are encouraged to know you will forever be in the heart s of many and in our prayers.
I also wanted to know if you will continue a personal blog, if so can we get the link? I believe your words of wisdom will benefit us greatly.
Be blessed
Yesenia, thank you for your comment and encouragement. I plan to continue this blog on this site – so lets stay connected here for sure, Grace and peace, David
Mr. Hasz,
Thank you for being so faithful to the call of God while you served at Teen Mania. My life was forever changed. It is many of the things I learned there that I have a passion to impart to my children, and so their lives are touched by your service (and the service of others) as well. Thank you does not begin to say it, but they are the only words I have to offer. Thank you.
Deborah
You are welcome Deborah and thank you for your encouragement and support all these years! Keep training the children to love Jesus completely
I must say, this news really took me by surprise… Six years after beginning my experience at the Honor Academy, and it still seems very near. The impact of my time there was, of course, in large part due to Dave Hasz—his classes had the most profound impact on me personally. Thank you Dave, for all you’ve done.
You are welcome David – I am confident the impact that God is bringing at the HA will continue long into the future.
Hi Dave, It is hard to think of TM without you. I know you will go on to impact more lives. Praying for your family as you transition out and for what God has in store.
THank you Melissa for your encouragement, I know God is going to continue to use the HA to impact lives for His glory. You and your family have always been such strong encouragers to us. Thank you!
Mr. Hasz,
What a blessing you have been to teen mania. Because of you- my marriage is amazing, our ministry is fruitful, and we have developed a strong work ethic. I know we have not always agreed on everything, but you truly have impacted my life in a major way, and I hope you know how much you are appreciated by both Marivick and myself. We will defiantly miss seeing you when we come every august. Haven’t missed one yet since we left HA.
Blessings, and Love,
Grateful Alumni,
John and Mare
Oh my word.. I cried. I was so hoping to get to be an intern and hear the man that my dad has spoken so highly of for the past decade ever since he was a TL in Panama with you, Dave Hasz. The amount of respect that my father and I have for you is immeasurable. Even though I was wanting to actually sit in the classes that you taught–the same ones I listen to every night on my iPod, God knows best. Mr. Hasz, you are amazing! Thank you for the 17 years at the Honor Academy.
While I was surprised to hear the news, I am looking forward to hearing what God has planned next for you and your family. Whatever that is, I’m confident that you’ll be successful and will continue to have a great impact for God’s Kingdom. I learned so much from my time at TM and from your leadership. Thank you!
Deborah – You are welcome. I am thankful for the opportunities we had to lead together on missions and at other times. Continue to keep us in your prayers.
Dave and Jon. Thank you for all you have done. Only God truly knows how you both have served and how your families have sacrificed. God Bless the both of you on your new season, path, and journey. My husband and I will be praying for you.
Katie, thank you! We continue to covet your prayers and I appreciate your encouragement here.
For sure it was a shock when I first heard the news. I’m going to miss both of you guys. I count you as a mentor, a friend, and you’ve been a great boss! Thanks for teaching me so much.
Thank you Trace. I will continue to highly value our friendship and your insights!
I see this as a promotion! Congratulations !
Mr. Hasz, although I have spent a short amount of time with you, I really appreciate your heart for this generation. You are truly and inspiration to me and you’ll never know the full impact you have made on my life in this short amount of time. I know God will direct you to your next season! Please keep in touch and like I told you, if the opportunity ever presented itself…you’ve got my vote.
Jonathan,
I love being led into the presence of God by you! Thank you for your heart, passion, and faithful service!! You never know where our paths may cross again.
Grace and Peace,
David
Congratulations on your new journey! You must be so excited. There have been many adventures in my life since I was at TM starting 1997, but I have to say…the most influential were from my years at TM. Thank you for being a servant of the most High and blessing us with your talents.
Now as a mom of two toddlers and a wife, and in ministry…I sometimes feel like it is too much, but I think back to the days of my youth about to run up a dark hill at 5:30 am. So I dig deep and push through. I honestly don’t think I would have known what I was made of if I didn’t push myself then. I am grateful to the Lord for sending you to me…and so MANY others. God Bless you, man of God, and your precious family. You will always have me in your corner praying and supporting.
Ti (Brown) Montgomery
Ti,
. God bless and keep you as you raise your little ones and watch over so many others as you walk out your calling.
It is great to hear from you! Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and your prayers. I am glad to hear that those 5:30 a.m. runs are paying off
Grace and Peace,
David
Mr Hasz, Just wanted to say congratulation on the new season in your life. You do not know me, but my daughter, Amanda know you very well, and after graduating from Teen Mania in 2006, she keeps up with everything that goes on there, you and your family. You really impacted her life, and I want to thank you for that. May the Lord Bless you and keep you, May He make His face to shine upon you and give you His Peace. In Yeshua Cheryl Gurney
It is hard to believe you are moving on. When Daniel and I think about Teen Mania, it is you that comes to mind in so many ways. Daniel still says to this day that along with his dad, you have been the number one influence in his life for the greater good. He attributes much of his leadership skills to the time working with you. Thanks for all the time you have taken to invest in so many lives, especially ours.
Angel,
I am thankful I got the chance to play a small part in both of your lives!! Great memories indeed. God bless and keep you!
Jon hasz was my geometry teacher in Michigan in 1999! What a great teacher!
The man does teach a mean math class. I have heard lots of stories from that year in Michigan, sounds like Jon and his students formed a tight bond that year!
I still remember the Pittsburgh ATF Intern Breakout where I walked up to you and said, ‘yeah, that intern thing isn’t for me, but I really want to be on the road.’ I still look back at my year at TM (98-99 MT) as one of the most formational of my life. Thank you for encouraging me to go forward with applying anyways (‘Just check the box that says Ministry Team’). You were a great example of living out true faith. May God continue to bless you and your fam!
I am so glad you did check that box and come to the internship Sarah. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and keep spreading the love of Jesus everywhere you go!
Dave, Since I was an intern back in 1998, I don’t think there has ever been much time that has passed when I don’t still see your face in my mind’s eye and hear your voice coaching, challenging, beckoning us higher – my time at Teen Mania set me on a course that really has continued to guide me as I’ve entered the ministry, wifehood, motherhood… when I think of my time there, it was your life that was the main influence – your example, your leadership, the way that you believed in us, the way that you expected nothing but excellence from us – you armed us with one of the most important things that we as ministers of Christ need in this life: a serious, sharp and focused perspective on this life. It continues to stay with me, and if God has helped me over the years since then to impart this to others, then it is still largely because of you, Dave. I praise God that you have been willing for many years to continue doing what you do – no doubt it has been VERY costly for you at times – but there is no doubt in my mind that there is an entire legion of soldiers in God’s kingdom that would not be there today if it were not for your work there at Teen Mania. I know that the Lord will continue to use your life – you are truly a rare leader, and a gem in the Kingdom! My husband and I will be praying for you and your family!
It’s sad to see you both leaving H.A.
I was part of the Honor Academy in part of 2005 and in the month 1/2 I was there my life was truly blessed and touched by many of the staff and other undergraduate interns there, and I to this day keep in touch with a few of my old roomates there.
Thank you for your loyalty to Teen Mania
Mr. Hasz,
I was an intern in 08-09. My husband, Brian was an intern same year. My sister Lauren was an intern the year before me. Her best friend was an intern that same year. My husband’s best friend was an intern the year we went……We all respect you and have been greatly impacted by the way you love Jesus. Yep, you have been a BLESSING to my life, and to many many people I know. I cannot thank you enough. What an impact you have made on this generation. My sister Lauren also went to the HA a year before me and her life was blessed exceedingly as well. Thank you for being a Godly leader filled with integrity and a deep love for Jesus. And thank you for believing in us to do the same, and loving us like your own children. Thank you for praying and serving in the ministry with a humble heart. Thank you for choosing JOY. I feel I could go on to say more, but I’m starting to cry so I better not.
Your heart loves Jesus and you are following after Him first. Even if its difficult and unfamiliar. And for that, Mr. Hasz, I commend you. Teen Mania Ministries is a wonderful and absolutely amazing place to meet God and to learn how to live a Godly life, but its not God. It is a ministry He is choosing to pour out through and I’m forever thankful for that.
First of I, Mr. Hasz, I’m so proud of you. For you continue to follow God’s leadership and guiding in your life, even if its not an easy road and may be very uncomfortable. So even years later of me being at the HA, know that you are still teaching me things!
I know that God is guiding you and leading you into these next steps of your life. He has even greater plans for you, that you cannot ask, think, or imagine! He is opening doors before you and is getting ready to pour out blessing on your life out of your obedience to Him. Thank you for following and loving Jesus first, your family, and then the ministry He places you in to pour out. I believe and know He will place you in a new and strategic place for His Kingdom to advance. Keep running after Jesus!
Leah Morales
THank you Leah – your note here touched my heart!
David, I just saw that you left TM. I remember back to some of the early trips with you, Chile and Albania, I think. (?) Always had a great respect for you. God bless as you go forward!
Indeed those were the days! I never went to Chile but we were in Albania in the early days!! God bless you as well.
Mr.Hasz, I wanted to thank you for being with my class even though it was your last year, I speak on behalf of the August 2011-2012 class when we say that you were a very great mentor to us all! And may we see you again in the years to come.