Our Vision
Aspen Ministry desires to biblically, historically, and winsomely show an emerging generation who Jesus is–and inspire and equip the church to cross generations and culture to receive them.
Our Values
The tone we aspire to embody in our work includes:
Humble Reciprocity
Every member of the Body of Christ has a role to play in the Kingdom of God, and their vantage point is valuable and needed as we seek to follow Jesus together.
Joyful Hope
While there is much darkness, we will not be overcome by it. The joy and hope found in our message are the wellspring of our work–not fear of the future or anger at the past.
Genuine Curiosity
We will foster a culture where questions, suggestions, and new ways of doing things are met with sincerity, a teachable spirit, and humility.
Awe of Jesus
Jesus is both our message and our model. His ways are wonderful. May it always be our deepest privilege to introduce others to Him.
Our Name
Father, make them one as we are one.
Aspen trees are not only beautiful, but hardy, wildly resilient, and nearly indestructible. They thrive against the odds in harsh environments. They're never dormant, growing even in wintertime, feeding and giving life to those around them. Why? They are connected. They all have the same DNA of the original seed, and they feed and strengthen each other through their shared root system. In fact, if you see a 'forest' of Aspen trees, they are actually considered a single organism.
As followers of Jesus, don't we long for those things to be said of us, His church? Aspen Ministry desires to strengthen the church to withstand harsh environments, and in their vitality raise up the next generation to stand on their shoulders.
Our Founder
Aspen is led by Valerie O’Brien, a native of Cleveland, Ohio.
Val is a native of Cleveland, OH and is passionate about seeing the next generation come to know and love Jesus. She has served in student ministry through the local church for over 15 years, and has counted it a true privilege to serve students, walk with families, and lead a team in that context. She holds a BA in Bible and Student Ministry from Moody Bible Institute, and received an MA in Organizational Leadership from Regent University in 2017.
In 2020 Val transitioned to a parachurch organization where she trained and coached youth workers–both vocational and volunteer–in building disciple-making student ministries patterned after the ministry of Jesus. This role allowed her the privilege to hear the hearts and concerns of youth workers all over the US and all over the world. While her work in the local church was deep, her work coaching leaders was wide–giving her insight and passion for this project.
When not in the office, Val can be found biking, running, hiking, and talking late into the evening with friends on her front porch. Always in search of fun with a touch of chaos, she also loves turning the first floor of her house into a ball pit for her 5 nephews.
Founder & Director
Our Team
Jenelle Jordan
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Strachan Novak Insurance Services
Hudson, OH
Jenelle lives in Hudson with her husband, where they have two college-aged children. She is a graduate of Kent State University and currently works in the insurance industry.
Jenelle spent 3 years in full-time ministry, where she and Val were both friends and coworkers for several years. She has given many years to serving in student ministry and has a deep love for young people, as well as a deep desire to see them come to know and love Jesus.
Mark Pratt
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Scranton Road Bible Church
Cleveland, OH
Mark grew up in Virginia and was a Marine-turned-police officer before sensing a call into Pastoral Ministry in his 30’s. In 2012, after seminary, he and his wife relocated to Cleveland with their family of 4, and have made it their home.
Mark now serves as the Senior Pastor of Scranton Road Bible Church– a 125 year old church in the heart of Cleveland's Clark Fulton neighborhood–where he has served the past 5 years. In addition to his Pastoral role, he also serves as a volunteer in the church’s student ministry. He loves the soft hearts, great questions, and spiritual hunger of the next generation.
James Talbert
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Citizens Akron
Akron, OH
James is a proud member of the Middlebury neighborhood in Akron, OH where he lives with his wife Julia and their daughter Jada. James is an alumni of Malone University & Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
It’s his great privilege to be a pastor and founding member at Citizens Akron Church. When he isn’t serving the local church, he finds great joy in teaching high school theology at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy. Go Royals! James enjoys long conversations, finely curated playlists, and giving hell a really hard time in Akron!
Craig Tennant
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BioThane Coated Webbing Corp
Lakewood, OH
Craig was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He still lives in the Cleveland area with his wife of 34 years, and they have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. His professional background is in engineering and manufacturing.
Craig currently serves as an Elder at Scranton Road Bible Church, where he has been a champion of Aspen Ministries from its inception. He is excited to help share God's Word with a new generation of young people who have not heard or read the profound truths expressed in Scripture.
