Founder Emeritus 

                The Legacy of Youth Praise Ministries 

Byron Stokes III, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, is an ordained minister, visionary founder, author, and community leader with a heart for restoration, service, and the spiritual development of young people.

Byron founded Youth Praise Ministries as a space where young people could discover their gifts, grow in their faith, and boldly answer God’s call upon their lives. Through youth outreach, worship experiences, virtual ministry, community service, and ministerial development, Youth Praise became more than an organization—it became a family and a movement committed to reaching people beyond the walls of the traditional church.

In December 2024, Byron received his official ordination and ministerial credentials under Bishop Moony of Independent Christian Churches International. His ministerial calling and service were later affirmed under the authority and governing leadership of Youth Praise Ministries.

Throughout its journey, Youth Praise has experienced seasons of growth, transition, rebuilding, and renewal. Yet through every challenge, the ministry has remained standing. Its mission has endured, its foundation has remained strong, and its commitment to serving God’s people has never changed. Today, Youth Praise Ministries is back—stronger, wiser, and better prepared for the future than ever before.

After prayerful consideration and careful planning, Byron made the decision to step down from the ministry’s day-to-day leadership and transition into the honorary role of Founder Emeritus. This transition was made to create space for a new generation of leadership while preserving the vision, history, and spiritual foundation upon which Youth Praise was built.

Leadership of the ministry has been entrusted to Byron’s trusted ministry partner, Jailan Dennis, who now serves as President and carries responsibility for the administrative direction and continued development of Youth Praise Ministries. Byron fully supports Jailan and believes that his leadership represents an important new chapter for the ministry.

As Founder Emeritus, Byron no longer oversees the ministry’s daily operations. However, he remains connected to the legacy of Youth Praise and is available to support the ministry through preaching, pastoral care, weddings, funerals, baptisms, special services, and other ministerial responsibilities when called upon.

Byron’s faith was deeply influenced by his great-grandmother, Mary Jamison, who faithfully brought him to Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church throughout his childhood. From an early age, he found joy in preaching, singing, volunteering, and helping others. A childhood video of Byron preaching and singing “God Sent Me” continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the calling that was already developing within him.

Byron also continues his education, professional service, writing, entrepreneurship, and community involvement. His transition from active leadership does not represent the end of his calling. Instead, it marks the completion of one chapter and the beginning of another—both for him and for the ministry he founded.

Rooted in Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”—Byron remains committed to encouraging others, serving his community, and supporting the next generation of leaders.

“Youth Praise has faced change, uncertainty, and difficult seasons, but God has kept us through it all. I am proud of what we built, confident in the leadership of Jailan Dennis, and excited about what comes next. Youth Praise is back—stronger, wiser, and better than ever.”

— Minister Byron Stokes III, Founder Emeritus