Mark Yaconelli is a popular writer, speaker and retreat leader in the US and UK. His book Contemplative Youth Ministry broke no ground in introducing spiritual disciplines and practices into the world of youth work. Mark is currently the executive director of The Hearth, an organisation that produces storytelling events that enable communities and individuals to develop deeper relationships and cultivate compassion. He was previously director of the Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project at San Francisco Theological Seminary. He lives with his wife and three children in Oregon.