Important Youth Ministry Institute Update
The Youth Ministry Institute’s mission has been to help youth and children’s ministers succeed. Why? Because it has always been about young people knowing God’s love and grace. When Youth and Children’s Ministers feel supported, confident, and prepared, then the young people they serve are more likely to have a meaningful and impactful experience with Jesus. And we know young people need loving, caring, and safe spaces to learn of God’s grace now, perhaps more than ever. We have always been about this mission.
As an organization deeply driven by our mission, we have always sought to make decisions based on that ethos. Over the past year, our team has been dreaming about what would help our mission excel in greater and wider avenues while ensuring its longevity. After long hours, many conversations, lots of prayers, and what we believe was a process guided by the Holy Spirit, our board has made an exciting decision.
Earlier this year, the YMI board approved passing portions of our institutional knowledge and talents to another non-profit organization, the Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT). The passing of this baton is about allowing the mission to live into the future in more extraordinary ways (2 Timothy 2:2). CYMT is an organization that holds similar values to YMI, has a similar timeline as YMI, and cares deeply for young people. We wholeheartedly believe that passing our hard-earned and proven processes to them will help our mission live into a future that is bright, brilliant, and filled with the Holy Spirit. While CYMT may do things differently with what we have handed them, we know they will do so to help young people know God’s grace.
As a team, we believe in CYMT and the many things they have to offer you. From certificate or graduate-level education to curriculum resources, staffing services, innovation support, and more! They are an organization ready to help the Church succeed in youth and children’s ministry.
On a practical level, Brian and Kirsten have begun working as CYMT staff members while Maresi is contracting with them. You will continue to see the Youth Ministry Institute organization working through the end of 2024. As an organization, it has been a wild ride (in the best kind of way)! Although it may look different in the future, we will be cheering you on as you help young people know the love God has for them.
Your dedication to YMI’s mission, combined with your love for Jesus and young people, has been a constant source of inspiration for us. We are deeply grateful for your support and the ways you have enriched our organization. Thank you!
We Would Love to Hear Your Thoughts