Biography of Rich Scherber, Executive Director
Rich Scherber is the Executive Director of Minnesota Teen Challenge, a Faith-based drug and alcohol program for teens and adults. During the past 17 years he has served Minnesota Teen Challenge as it grew from a single dilapidated building into one of the largest programs of its kind in the country. He did it all because he knew what it was like to be trapped by addiction.
"I understand how the people feel because many years ago, I too was a lost and deeply troubled drug addict," says Scherber. As a teenager, Scherber was involved in the drug culture of the 1970's. "There were nights I brought thousands of dollars of drugs to town," he said. "But everything changed dramatically in 1972 when I found sobriety and faith."
Knowing his experience could help others, Scherber went on to pursue higher education. In 1978, he received his Bachelor of Arts from Northwest College in Kirkland, WA. Then in 1980, he received both a Master's of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and a Certificate of Ordination from the General Council of the Assembly of God.
For nine years, he led a church in Minnesota before accepting a four-year missionary assignment in South Africa. When he and his family returned to the United States on furlough, he was offered the Directorship of Teen Challenge in Minneapolis.
But taking it on was truly a leap of faith.
At that time, Minnesota Teen Challenge had no assets and was $20,000 in debt. For the first six months, Scherber worked 12-15 hour days trying to renovate a condemned crack house in south Minneapolis...by himself. "I asked for help but no one came," he said, "It was the most difficult six months of my life."
Day after day he prayed for help, and when it came- it came in a big way.
One night, a contractor stopped by to bid on a heating system. After Scherber shared his vision for the ministry, the man donated the entire system. And that was only the beginning. Within a few days over $40,000 worth of products and services were donated for the remodeling of the building.
Minnesota Teen Challenge has come a long way since those early days. Now it is one of the largest Teen Challenge centers in the world with more than 450 residents in eight residential buildings around the state.
Today, Rich Scherber and his wife Lynette reside in Brooklyn Park, MN. They both still work at Minnesota Teen Challenge. Lynette shares her time with the National office as the Teen Challenge USA Audio Chairperson. They have two grown daughters and enjoy traveling for frequent visits.
