Since 2004, Darren Lane has served in Christian ministry, starting as a Worship Leader and Minister to Families at a local Baptist church. In 2008, Darren also joined the Joy House team, initially serving as a counselor for the residential program. Darren retired from his church ministry in 2017 to focus entirely on the Joy House. Darren continues to counsel teens and parents, lead groups, and now as the Director of Programs, he trains/oversees the House Parents in each of our three homes as well as developing and maintaining the therapeutic program of the ministry.

Along this journey, Darren earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Kennesaw State University and a Master’s degree in Family and Marriage Therapy from Liberty University. His therapeutic approach can be classified as integrated between Theology and Psychology, but he is quick to emphasize that while psychology is the means to understand specific patterns of thought and behavior, “it is the condition of sin and our need for – and surrender to – a Savior that is the core of any type of internal change.” Darren says, “staying as focused as we can on the model, message, and method of Christ is key” to what we do at the Joy House.