The Founder's Story

In 1999, two Christian businessmen became aware of an urgent need to invest in youth ministry.

Mike Kiley and John Siefker share a concern for the rate at which young Christians are abandoning their faith during the college years. This disturbing trend motivated them to create and support a ministry that equips high school students to stay grounded in the Christian faith during college.

After months of searching for opportunities, they met Dr. John Mark Reynolds, who shared the vision and helped to create a week-long program for this ministry. It was clear that the Lord had brought them together for a purpose. Only a few months later, “The Academy” held its first summer conference.

Since that first conference, hundreds of students have participated in Wheatstone Academy and have benefited from the unique ministry. Today, Wheatstone Academy remains faithful to its mission by enabling its alumni to move beyond memorized answers and clichéd phrases to a robust, thoughtful, and enduring Christian life.