Staff

David & Renata Perkins

David Perkins spearheads Desperation, a national effort to mobilize a generation to live in desperate pursuit of God. David and Renata founded and serve as lead pastors of the collegiate house of prayer called the Furnace. They are passionate about effective discipleship and diligent prayer being established within local church youth ministries across the nation.

David joined the New Life staff in June of 2000 after obtaining a degree in religion from Southern Nazarene University. His wife, Renata, leads women’s discipleship within the Furnace and spends most of her time caring for their four children, Dawson, Alivia, Adelyn, and Justus.

Dan & Amy Perkins

Dan & Amy direct New Life Church’s collegiate house of prayer called the Desperatin Prayer Furnace. The Furnace is a discipleship program designed to allow students to pursue college degrees, careers and opportunities while being a part of prayer, discipleship, and training.

Dan joined New Life’s staff in the summer of 2001 and has enjoyed serving in multiple capacities within the church. He obtained his degree in theology: Christian Ministries from The King’s College and Seminary. Along with directing the Furnace, Dan’s ministry focus includes discipleship and creativity within Desperation. He possesses a magnetic passion to train young leaders in holiness and passion for Jesus. Dan enjoys people, traveling, music, reading, and just about all sports, and spending time with his wife Amy.

Amy joined the Desperation team in 2004. She has a passion to see voices arise within her generation to proclaim truth about the love of God and the intimacy available. After finishing 2 years in the Furnace, Amy was a part of Desperation’s Volunteer Staff for 2 more years. In the 2008, she became full-time staff serving DLA and the Furnace through women’s discipleship and event planning. In 2009, Amy completed her bachelors in theology: Christian Ministries from The King’s College and Seminary.

Tyrel Koenes

Tyrel has been apart of Desperation since it's beginning in 2002. He is the director of the Desperation Leadership Academy. He is a gifted speaker and is passionate to see people encounter the heart of God and live into the fullness that Christ has called each person to walk in. His lifelong pursuit is to live in the presence of God. He wants to see true disciples rise up and follow Christ with fervent passion for a lifetime. Tyrel enjoys spending time with his wife, MaryBeth, playing sports, doing anything in the snow, and competing in just about anything. He and MaryBeth also just had their first child this November, Mary Bella.

Justin Steinhart

Justin joined the Desperation staff in 2007. As the Director of Desperation Events, Justin assists David Perkins in making sure that every detail of hosting the conference is completed with excellence. He has a God-given talent to navigate through fog by keeping the end goal in mind. Justin is also the Desperation Band manager.

When he is not serving the church, Justin enjoys golfing, watching movies or his favorite television shows (Prison Break, Heroes, 30 Rock, or Smallville), playing friends on his Nintendo Wii, and most of all reading.

Daniel Webb

From the other side of the pond, Daniel Webb, an Englishman through and through, is most passionate about helping others find purpose and direction. Known as the Maximizer, excellence is his measuring stick. Through coaching people to discover, embrace, and develop their God-given talents, Daniel helps them become who they were designed to be, in order to build up the Body of Christ in preparation for Jesus’ return. He sports a BA in Spanish and French from the University of Exeter in the UK, and is often spotted on his front porch canoodling with his beautiful wife Dayna.

Candace Davis

In 2004, Candace Davis moved from California to join the Furnace and after completeing two years has since served in Women's Discipleship.  One of her many passions is to serve along side her husband, Stefan, in discipling the students of _DSM through the Burn Internship and Campus Ministries.  She has a desire to see young people living in freedom and in truth as they pursue Jesus with their whole heart and lives.  Candace received a Bachelor in Sociology from UCCS in 2010 and now works to serve the ministries of the Desperation Prayer Furnace and _DSM.  She enjoys date nights with her husband, playing volleyball and planning events.

Associate Staff

The Furnace Associate Staff is a team of Furnace graduates that give countless hours to make the Furnace happen. They plan the events, lead the meetings and live the vision. This position is offered to Furnace those that have displayed a passion for the vision of the Furnace and a willingness to lead strong in this community. Current Furnace Associate Staff members include Matt Timmermeyer, Austin Brammer, Erin Whaley, Joel Newby and Tara Schaefer.