David Coulson hopes to give back to the kids as Zion Lutheran Church of Albert Lea’s new director of Christian education.

“I didn’t become a Christian until my senior year in high school, and youth groups helped me a lot in my life,” he said.

Coulson replaces Kody Dougan in the position, and he started at Zion Lutheran on Aug. 1.

His responsibilities are to spearhead educational programs at the church for students in kindergarten through high school.

Already Coulson has implemented new programs for middle and high school students. Senior youth groups are geared toward high school students and are held Wednesday evenings at the church, and junior youth groups are open for students in sixth- through eighth- grades, on Sunday nights.

He’s also responsible for planning outreach activities for adults and families, like the “Family Feud” activity at the church last weekend.

“He’s got stuff for all ages with fellowship, social activities and students,” said the Rev. Joel Vano. “He’s definitely growing programs for the young folks and multi-generational activities.”

Coulson also participates in the “Jesus and Me” Bible study program for third- through fifth-graders on Wednesday nights.

Originally from the Chicago area, Coulson graduated from Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, Ill., in 2000.

He studied theology at Concordia University in Nebraska and completed a one-year internship at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls before joining the staff at Zion Lutheran.

Coulson said he was impressed with the people he interviewed with at Zion Lutheran, which led him to accept the position.

“I really liked the church members I met with and felt I would enjoy working with the pastor here,” he said.

“He’s an incredible young man with a lot of energy,” said Vano. “He’s a dynamic individual and loves the youth. We’re very thankful to have him on board as part of this family.”

Coulson was among 81 graduates of Concordia University in Nebraska to accept calls to ministry as directors of Christian education and as teachers in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Another 14 graduates reportedly accepted positions with other parochial schools, public schools and in the mission field.

Candidates were placed in 23 of the 35 districts of the LCMS and will serve all ages in schools and congregations.