Grew up the son of a Mennonite pastor-educator-farmer, near Grande Prairie, Alberta. Graduated from Bethany College and Grande Prairie Regional College. Graduated with distinction - Bachelor’s of Education degree, University of Lethbridge. Taught public school, Fox Creek, Alberta. Worked with youth in Southern Alberta high schools and college for IVCF (Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship) Worked as a national youth consultant for IVCF Canada. Obtained a Masters of Arts degree from University of Lethbridge in 1995 under Canadian renowned sociologist and trends tracker Dr. Reginald Bibby. His thesis on Canadian youth and religion received the Governor General Gold Medal. Taught Introductory Sociology at Rocky Mountain College, Calgary. Developed a popular Sociology of Youth course for University of Lethbridge which has now been taught to over 1300 students at University of Lethbridge and other post secondary institutions across Canada. Began millennial youth consulting after a research and writing sabbatical in 2001 which led to full time youth sociologist and consulting work in 2008 and the formation of James Penner and Associates. Has presented on youth issues across Canada, into the United States and parts of Europe. Spends time weekly in retreat developing an interior life adequate for exterior roles. This affords him time to keep discovering what theologian Frederick Beuchner defines as vocation, "where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet".
With Dr. Dave Overholt co-authored the book, "Soul Searching the Millennial Generation: Strategies for Youth Workers" (Stoddart, 2002) A second edition of this best selling book was released by Novalis in 2005. Married to his university sweetheart Claire. They are the proud parents of two young adult children. Claire runs an innovative youth program for high school students. With Dr. Reginald Bibby, co-author of "Ten Things We All Need to Know About Today's Teens"(To order, go to www.ProjectCanadaBooks.com)
