Barnstormers began with a vision to create a community of family, friends, and neighbors who gather in barns throughout rural America. Our meeting will start with a meal at 4:30 pm followed by our featured speakers Amanda Banks, Jared Ballenger and Chris Pranger. These dynamic teachers will inspire you to discover and experience God and become activated in your community through sharing the message of Jesus.
CROSSING ACRES & AIRWAVES
Amanda Banks serves as director of external relations at Family Policy Alliance and director of the Statesmen Academy at Family Policy Foundation. The Statesmen Academy provides pro-family legislators early in their career with training, mentorship and support to achieve effective Christ-centered public service.
Banks is a public relations professional, a former state senator and a current congressional spouse.
In 2014, Amanda's life changed dramatically. A full-time wife and mother at the time, Amanda learned that her husband, then State Sen. Jim Banks, would deploy to Afghanistan as a U.S. Navy Reserve officer. As a result, Amanda ran and was elected to fill her husband's Indiana state senate seat for the 2015 session.
During her legislative service, Banks received the American Legion Distinguished Public Service Award for her work on behalf of Hoosier veterans and the Daniel Award for Excellence in Pro-Life Public Policy from Allen County Right to Life for her efforts to defend innocent human life. Gov. Mike Pence awarded Amanda the state's highest honor, The Sagamore of the Wabash.
A native of Indianapolis, Amanda studied public policy at Indiana University. Upon graduation, she moved to Colorado Springs, Colo,. where she began her career at Focus on the Family. As a federal policy analyst from 2003 to 2007, she advocated for pro-family policies in Washington, D.C., acted a media spokesperson on federal policy issues and prepared Dr. James Dobson for radio broadcasts and media interviews.
Banks went on to serve as communications manager at the American Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Blood Services region and later, as director of public relations at Grace College & Seminary. Passionately pro-life, Amanda served for nearly a decade on the Allen County (IN) Right to Life board of directors and was co-host of "I Chose Life News and Views" a weekly, pro-life radio program in Indiana. She now serves on the March for Life Action board of directors.
Banks splits her time between Washington, D.C., and her hometown of Columbia City, Indiana. Amanda and her husband, Rep. Jim Banks (IN-03), are raising three daughters: Lillian, Betsy, and Annie.
AMANDA BANKS
OUR SPEAKERS
Jared Ballenger currently serves as a leader for young adults at Life Bridge Church, Fort Wayne, while working full-time at the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission in programming. He is an exhorter who motivates, and encourages people to live their full potential as designed by God.
Jared is married to his wife Lauren, and is the father of two children. He enjoys spending quality time with his family.
He has a love for mountains and a passion for long boarding. Through his energetic
personality, Jared has a unique way of putting a smile on everyone's face.
JARED BALLENGER
Chris Pranger has spent the last 30 years working at Pranger Enterprises, Inc. where he is the General Manager over the company. Chris’ duties at Pranger, include managing staff, scheduling, and overseeing the overall flow of the company. Chris is an entrepreneur at heart and has started and managed several businesses.
Chris lives with his wife of 31 years, Kris, he has 6 kids, 2 daughters-in-law, and 2 grandchildren.
Outside of his work, Chris loves spending time with his family on the farm and traveling to Tennessee where he enjoys boating and fishing with his family.
Chris is a farm kid at heart and his passions include raising cattle, working outdoors, farming and hunting.
Chris has been a Bible teacher for many years and has traveled around the world teaching the Word of God. He has led youth groups, young adult classes, home fellowship, and most recently has been speaking alongside his daughter, Anna at Stirred Up Women conferences and Barnstormers gatherings.
CHRIS PRANGER
WORSHIP
PERCY YOUNG
Percy has pastored for 15 years, and currently leads Cornerstone Fellowship while working at Creative Liquid Coatings. He has been married to his wife, Melissa for 32 years and they enjoy time with their four grandchildren. One of his favorite pastimes is riding his motorcycle through "God's beautiful scenery."