Driven to encourage ministries
About DTEM
Driven to Encourage Ministries is a beacon of inspiration and guidance for the young hearts in middle schools and high schools in the southeast. We are passionately dedicated to nurturing and empowering students on their spiritual journey with Jesus. Through regular visits and engaging sessions, we strategically cultivate a supportive environment for discipleship, creating a space where students can explore their faith, ask meaningful questions, and deepen their understanding of Christian principles. With unwavering commitment, our ministry team imparts wisdom, compassion, and encouragement, instilling values that resonate beyond the classroom, equipping these students to navigate life’s challenges with faith, resilience, and a profound sense of God’s purpose for their life. DTEM’s impactful presence not only educates but also uplifts, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and lives of the young individuals God puts in our path.
Meet the Team
Eric Helms
Founder
Click to Read Bio
Eric is the son of a Marine and a professional bodybuilder and was raised in a man’s man household in Marietta, Georgia. Searching for fame, fortune and popularity through Powerlifting and Bodybuilding, Eric chose a dark path of using and selling drugs. In the middle of a successful athletic career, Eric had an encounter … Jesus radically saved him at 21 years old!!!
Eric has been married for almost 34 years to the woman who invited him to church. He has been blessed with 5 children, 3 granddaughters and founded Driven To Encourage Ministries 17 years ago. Eric and his team reach, teach and train students to love Christ and others. They do this by speaking at spiritual huddles in public middle and high schools!
Dylan Reuss
Territory Servant Leader – North Georgia
Click to Read Bio
My name is Dylan Reuss, and I am a Territory Servant Leader in the North Georgia region. I became a Christian at a young age; however, I went down a dark path in 2018. After months of living a wicked life, I was ready for change. I cried out to the Lord for wisdom and my purpose, and the Lord answered my cry. The Holy Spirit redeemed my soul and revealed Himself to me in a mighty way on March 1st of 2019, changing my life forever!
Eric and I first met while he served as my Football Chaplain in high school. Although I didn’t connect much with Eric then, the Lord supernaturally brought us back together in July of 2020 at my prior job, Chick-Fil-A. I have had the crazy privilege of being discipled by Eric consistently since January of 2021. After months of training and learning, the Lord led me to join Driven To Encourage on August 1st of 2021. I’m humbled and beyond grateful for the opportunity to share Jesus with students all around Georgia! All praise to Jesus Christ!!!
Jason Dowdy
Territory Servant Leader – West Georgia
Click to Read Bio
My name is Jason Dowdy and I am Territory Servant Leader in the West Georgia region. I gave my life to the lord when I was 9 years old. At the age of 15 I started down a long 17 year journey of trouble and disconnect from God. On June 2, 2015 the Lord intervened in my life, did what I could not do for myself. I had become my own worst enemy. On this day I rededicated my life to the lord. This day forever changed my life, ever since that day I have been pursuing the lord and his will for my life. He has shown me how to be a godly man and has lead me to start teaching others about him. Because of my obedience God has blessed me with an amazing, godly wife and 6 beautiful children.
Tori McCrea
Ministry Admin
Click to Read Bio
Tori McCrea has been serving with DTEM for four years as our Admin. She grew up in the church and came to know Jesus as a teenager 12 years ago and has been serving the Lord ever since. In addition to keeping our office running smoothly, Tori leads a Bible study with middle school young ladies through DTEM. She is also involved in ministry in her local church as a worship leader and loves using the gift of music to serve Jesus. Tori has been married over 10 years and has 3 beautiful children: Alistair (7), Paisley (6), and Ellie (2).
Christy Ross
Social Media Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon!
See what God has done in recent years…
9,323 Students that heard The Gospel
3,321 Bibles given to students
798 Surrendered their life to Jesus!
4,085 Students that heard The Gospel
1,203 Bibles given to students
281 Surrendered their life to Jesus!
113 Opportunities to share The Gospel
1,145 Students that heard The Gospel
187 Bibles given to students
31 Surrendered their life to Jesus!
404 Students discipled
126 Opportunities to share The Gospel
4,625 Students that heard The Gospel
1,000 Bibles given to students
300 Surrendered their life to Jesus!
4,178 Students that heard The Gospel
1,275 Bibles given to students
140 Surrendered their life to Jesus!
105 Opportunities to share The Gospel
3,584 Students that heard The Gospel
1,198 Bibles given to students
237 Surrendered their life to Jesus!
What We Believe
- We believe that all the Scriptures are verbally inspired of God, and are without error in the original writings, and they are the supreme and final authority for faith and life.
- We believe in one God, Creator and sustainer of the universe, who is eternally existent in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- We believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, His death to pay the penalty for everyone’s sins, His bodily resurrection, His exaltation at God’s right hand, and His personal, imminent return.
- We believe that all have sinned against God and are separated from Him until we repent and confess Jesus as Lord and Savior for salvation.
- We affirm that through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals are reborn by the Holy Spirit, becoming children of God and securing eternal salvation. Furthermore, we believe that the Holy Spirit resides within every believer, providing illumination, guidance, and empowerment for life, witness, and service.
- We believe that God hears the prayers of His people and meets their needs according to His purpose and will.
- We believe that salvation is eternally secured by the finished work of Christ.
- We believe that God gives spiritual gifts to all believers for the building up of the body of Christ and advancing His kingdom.
- We affirm the physical resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous, the eternal dwelling with Christ for the redeemed in heaven, and the enduring, conscious punishment of the unredeemed in hell.
- We believe that all believers are called to a life separated from all worldly practices that corrupt our relationship with God.
- We believe in the authority of the local church as the institution ordained by God to evangelize the world and disciple followers of Jesus.
Meet Eric Helms
Founder – Driven to Encourage Ministries
Eric Helms had everything that most young men dream of… a girlfriend, a fast car, a good job, a huge bodybuilding career and money in his pocket. What no one knew is that to achieve the growth needed to maintain muscle mass for bodybuilding he was full of illegal steroids. And to afford the steroids and the lifestyle that went with his image he was selling drugs. A self professed thug, Eric didn’t care who he ran over to achieve his goals. He was empty and searching for something to fill the void.
Jesus radically changed his life more than 30 years ago. Eric is an ordained minister of the Gospel and a full time missionary to Students.
Eric, his wife Michele, and their 5 children (plus daughters-in-law and sons-in-law) make their home in Ball Groud, Georgia where they attend Revolution Church-Canton. Eric travels to many locations sharing the life changing message of Jesus Christ. He does this through a variety of topics including his own radical testimony. He wants others to understand how much the Savior loves them and desires a personal relationship with them.
Join the Team
Territory Servant Leader
Eastern Georgia and Southern Region (South of Atlanta)
Learn more about this role
Responsibilities:
TSL’s act as a missionary traveling throughout their territory going into middle and high schools to share Jesus. They will lead small groups in schools as well as host one on one discipleship meetings. Territory Servant Leaders are responsible for fundraising and setting up speaking opportunities with schools. (training provided)
Region: Eastern Georgia and Southern Region (South of Atlanta)
Other positions are available throughout the Southeast upon request.
PAY: This missionary position would pay $20,000 a year ($19/hour)
includes 5 weeks of paid vacation. One of those weeks DTEM gives an opportunity and compensation for the Territory Servant Leader to go on a mission trip of their choice!
DTEM will also pay for the TSL to be fully trained in fundraising.
Qualifications:
• High school Diploma/ G.E.D. (No college degree required)
• A called willing, teachable heart!
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