A Peak Behind the YPT Curtain: 2024 in Review
I’m writing this ministry update from the very same seat where I purchased the domain youthpastortheologian.com and built the website, unsure whether or not it would ever see the light of day or amount to anything. That was almost four years ago and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to God for the opportunity to lead this ministry.
At that time I was still a full-time youth pastor who was feeling a bit homeless in the broader youth ministry world. Other ministries are focusing on youth culture and mentoring new youth pastors and parenting – but I don’t know any other ministries who are solely focused on advocating for biblical and theological depth in youth ministry. So I wanted to stand in that gap, and ask the Lord to bring others to stand and advocate with me.
In this article I want to provide a short snapshot behind YPT’s ministry and share a few ways you can empower this ministry to continue for years to come.
What is YPT’s Mission and Vision?
Youth Pastor Theologian equips youth workers to call teenagers into lifelong faith. YPT’s prayer is to see theological renewal take place in youth ministries around the world.
Theological renewal in youth ministry will require three things: Resources, Training, and Support. You can see these three components of our ministry reflected throughout the website and how we’re meeting those needs.
What are Some Highlights from 2024?
Mike shares a personal reflection about what it’s been like to lead YPT’s ministry to youth workers in 2024.
40% of YPT’s online readers and listeners are from outside the USA.
YPT’s Advisory Council was formed, with five members from four countries: USA, Ireland, Canada, and Australia. They provide wise counsel to help YPT build an organizational foundation that will serve youth workers around the world.
YPT published over 50 original blog articles from 15 different authors, and 30 podcasts episodes with guests from 6 different countries.
Piloted two Teaching Workshops training teams of youth workers in MA and CO.
The YPT Facebook Group has grown to over 2000 members! This is an encouraging and positive space on social media for likeminded youth leaders to ask their questions, share their wisdom, and find reliable resources.
What’s Coming Up in 2025?
There are a few new initiatives I’m very excited for YPT to release in 2025, on top of sustaining the YPT blog and podcast. Here’s a small peak behind the curtain of current projects that I’m praying will see the light in 2025.
Mike completed the draft for a new book for youth and young adults, Iconic: Being God’s Image in Your World, which will be published by New Growth Press in August 2025. In all the conversations about “Who am I?” we rarely stop to ask “What am I?” This book will help the next generation understand what it means to be created in the image of God and to see how that shapes their identity.
I’m excited to roll out two new training initiatives. YPT’s Teaching Workshop and Online Cohorts take complementary approaches to training youth workers to confidently teach God’s Word with depth and clarity. There are still two workshop dates available for hosts, and registration for the cohort is now open! You can learn more about these on the Training page.
One of the biggest requests I’ve received is for a YPT Curriculum that will help youth workers teach theologically. This is currently under development, with a target to be released around the end of this current school year.
What are YPT’s Needs?
YPT’s greatest operational need is financial stability. God is at work through Youth Pastor Theologian and I cannot do this ministry without the generous giving of you who also believe youth ministry is theological ministry.
I’m praying for YPT to receive 40 new monthly supporters by December 31. Whether you can give $25, $100, or more each month, every gift is an expression of partnership as we join together to make a difference in youth ministries around the world. Visit our Giving Page for more about how to financially support YPT’s ministry.
Another need is for new churches who will partner with YPT through their missions program. I am regularly hearing from youth workers in hard-to-reach places around the world, many of whom are in places we would joyfully send missionaries. Partnering with YPT is a meaningful way to resource churches around the world to reach the next generation in their communities. Please download and share this Missions Letter with your church’s missions committee.
It's a great blessing to lead this ministry, and I’m praying that your ministry will also continue to flourish as you build upon God’s Word and keep your eyes on Jesus.
In Christ,
Mike McGarry
Founder/Director, Youth Pastor Theologian
