Tic Long, president of events at Youth Specialties, agrees. “Mike was the incarnation of his book titles, Dangerous Wonder and Messy Spirituality. He lived a life of wonder and amazement at God’s grace. He never claimed to be perfect; he just lived as he was—a man after God’s own heart.”

Yaconelli’s life and work have inspired thousands of people, most notably youth workers, through his writing and speaking. Perhaps his greatest contribution was his ability to encourage and inspire youth workers for almost 30 years at the National Youth Workers Convention.

Mark Oestreicher, president of Youth Specialties, recently introduced Mike at the National Youth Workers Convention this way: “I guess I could say he is a wonderfully complex group of seeming contradictions. Many of you know that Mike is extremely playful; and while many playful people are only that, Mike is a deep well—a contemplative man with a mushy pastor's heart. Mike is one of those rare people who truly lives in the upside-down kingdom of God; he values mercy, change and truth (even when it's uncomfortable)…He's a reluctant prophet, and reminds me of Jeremiah, but more fun. In my imagination, they even look alike.”

Richard Stearns, president of World Vision, issued the following statement regarding Yaconelli’s death: “Mike was a prophetic voice who, in his own unconventional way, challenged individual Christians and the church in America to examine their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ in an honest and open manner. World Vision's relationship with Mike was brief, but very powerful. His passion for helping orphans and vulnerable children, affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, sparked our collaboration on One Life Revolution, a partnership I am confident will continue despite this tragedy. He played a significant role in making AIDS a cause for thousands of young people.”

Bruce Ryskamp, president and CEO of Zondervan, also remembered Yaconelli: “Twenty years ago, a young man with a huge vision approached us about publishing books and resources for youth ministers. He knew little about publishing, but Mike Yaconelli's passion for the church impressed us so much that we began a partnership that has succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. Along the way, Mike became more than a business partner and a best-selling author. He became a friend. A member of the family.