Blaine Bartel founded Thrive Communications, an organization dedicated to serving those who shape the local church. He is also currently leading a new church launch in a growing area of north Dallas. Bartel was the founding youth pastor and one of the key strategists in the creation of Oneighty, which has become one of the most emulated youth ministries in the past decade reaching 2,500 - 3,000 students weekly under his leadership. In a tribute to the long term effects and influence of Blaine's leadership, hundreds of young people that grew up under his ministry are now serving in full time ministry themselves.

A recognized authority on the topics of youth ministry and successful parenting, Bartel is a best-selling author with 12 books published in 4 languages, and is the creator of Thrive--one of the most listened to youth ministry development systems in the country, selling more than 100,000 audio tapes and CD's worldwide. He is one of the most sought after speakers in his field; more than one million people from over 40 countries have attended Blaine Bartel's live seminars or speaking engagements.

His work has been featured in major media including The Washington Post, CBS' The Early Show, The 700 Club, Seventeen magazine, as well as newspapers, radio programs, and Internet media worldwide. Bartel's commitment to creating an enduring legacy that will impact the world is surpassed only by his passion for family as a dedicated father of three children and a loving husband to his wife of more than 20 years, Cathy.