After experiencing a powerful conversion at seventeen, Frank could think of nothing better to give his life to than sharing with teens the same Good News that so transformed his life during his teen years. Frank received his B.A. in Christian Education from Wheaton College, a M.P.S. from Loyola University, Chicago. For 10 years he served as Director of Youth Ministry at St. John Neumann in St. Charles, Illinois, which was recognized as one of the most successful Catholic youth ministries nationwide, being featured in the book Parishes That Excel, by Fr. Patrick Brennan. Since 1991 Frank has served as Executive Director of Cultivation Ministries.

He has designed and written extensive youth ministry training planning manuals used to help train and equip student leaders and adult youth workers internationally. Additionally, Frank has authored the books Growing Teen Disciples, Positively Dangerous, and Make It Real from St. Mary’s Press and Disciples in Mission Small Group Leaders Guide for Teens from PNCEA. Frank received the National Catholic Youth Ministry Award in Training from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry in 2008. Frank is married to Diane, and they have six children (Sarah, Michael, Rebekah, Angela, Deborah, and Daniel.

“In Growing Teen Disciples, Mercadante provides a comprehensive resource for developing parish youth ministry. He illustrates each chapter with his personal experience and real-life stories. He blends youth ministry theory and methodology with sound theology, and he identifies the very practical skills required to be a minister to, with, and for young people. This is certainly a valuable resource for both the new and experienced coordinator of youth ministry.”
—Robert McCarty, executive director, National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, Inc.

“Growing Teen Disciples is a “must have” for every youth minister’s bookshelf. If you’re looking for a practical guide for planning comprehensive youth ministry, this is it. If you’re on the lookout for a tried-and-true approach to youth discipleship that makes sense and really works, look no further. If you seek guidance in rooting your youth ministry in prayer and Spirit, your search is over. In Growing Teen Disciples, Frank Mercadante pulls together under one cover a treasure trove of practical help — from mission statements to small faith communities; from models of large group evangelization to strategies for intercessory prayer; from outreach efforts to formats for developing peer ministers. Moreover, all of this flows from the principles of Renewing the Vision (NCCB, 1997) and The Challenge of Youth Evangelization (NFCYM, 1993).”
—Sean Reynolds, Director of Youth Ministry, Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

“With Growing Teen Disciples, Frank is concerned about youth becoming disciples for life. The chapters of this book move beyond the cute and clever—they are thoughtful and helpful, and they help to redefine youth ministry and the competencies needed and so lacking in many youth programs today. Thank God for this book!”
—David Haas, director of the Emmaus Center for Music, Prayer, and Ministry, Eagan, Minnesota

“Growing Teen Disciples is a “must have” resource for parish youth ministry. It is clearly the fruit of a labor of love and passion for God that is manifested in the lifework that Frank has shared with and witnessed to so many of us in the field of youth ministry. Well done, good and faithful servant.”
—Randy H. Kollars, Director of Campus Ministry, St. Mary Academy, Portland, Oregon

“Frank Mercadante, author of Growing Teen Disciples, understands that creating disciples of Jesus Christ should be at the heart of Catholic youth ministry. Mercadante’s theory and theology are sound. His many tips and practical suggestions come from years of discipling teens. Mercadante has a deep love for the Lord and for teenagers, and this comes through in this extremely helpful book.”
—Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR, Director of Post-novitiate Formation for the Sacred Heart Province

“Growing Teen Disciples is a wonderfully holistic synthesis of Frank Mercadante’s genius in working with young people and the adults who mentor them. Frank combines a deep knowledge of adolescence, faith development, evangelical skills, and tradition in offering effective strategies for full-cycle youth evangelization and ministry. This is a foundational book for anyone concerned about youth, involved in youth work, or concerned about the future of Christianity.”
—Fr. Patrick Brennan, author and founding president, National Council for Catholic Evangelization

“What Frank does best is share what the bottom-line, no-nonsense truth is in youth ministry. Everything we do must be based on a relationship with Jesus Christ, and the way we share that relationship is in building meaningful relationships with teenagers. I recommend this book highly, knowing that lives will be changed.”
—Steve Angrisano, musician and speaker