Mike is able to speak at events like yours in order to serve youth leaders and churches through Youth Pastor Theologian. Accordingly, speaker fees are paid to YPT directly, not to Mike.  

Here are some general requests:

• Hosts are asked to reimburse YPT for travel and lodging expenses. 

• It is appreciated if you can pay a food stipend or reimburse for meals.

• Honorarium is negotiable but please remember Mike can fulfill these speaking requests because YPT is his full-time ministry. Please consider the amount of preparation for the sessions you request as you determine your budget.

• Mike would like to have a table with information about Youth Pastor Theologian at the church or conference. This is an opportunity to display materials for people interested in learning more about how they can support theological depth in youth ministry through YPT.

Note: Mike’s availability is currently limited due to writing priorities, please inquire with at least four months prior to the engagement for planning purposes.

Most Popular Workshops

• Understanding GenZ. What are the three pillars of Gen’z religious worldview and how can parents, youth workers, and Christian students respond? We won’t get lost in the weeds of statistics but instead will dig into tolerance, safe-zones, and cancel-culture. This workshop works well for parents, youth leaders, and students… and for all three groups, together! (Even better if you provide discussion time for these mixed-groups after the presentation.)

• Gospel Onramps. Evangelism can be intimidating for teenagers… and for adults! This workshop will help students and leaders develop a better understanding of the gospel, which will give them the confidence to guide conversations to the gospel without all the awkwardness. 

For Youth Leaders

• Rethinking Fun and Games. Fun and games aren’t the enemy, but they can easily become the most important part of youth group. How can youth workers rethink them as a discipleship tool and keep them in their place, instead of allowing them to eclipse the Great Commission?

• Building a Strong Leadership Team. What does it take to be an effective volunteer and how can youth pastors recruit and develop their team of leaders? 

• What is Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry? Everyone talks about being gospel-centered, but there’s a lot of fuzziness about what that actually looks like. This workshop will help you develop a vision for what it means to build your entire ministry (not just your evangelism) around the gospel. 

• Biblical Essentials for Youth Ministry. Is youth ministry even biblical? It may sound like a ridiculous or inflammatory question - but it’s an important one. What are some core commitments youth ministers must keep in order to lead a biblical youth ministry?

• Leading Fruitful Small Groups. What is the purpose of small groups, what should happen in them, and how can they prompt meaningful discussions about important issues? This is a highly practical workshop to equip your team.

• Developing a Discipleship Plan. Do you have a plan for discipling youth, or do you simply teach the Bible and hope discipleship happens? This workshop highlights the historic practice of catechesis to help you think through what it means to be a mature Christian, and then we’ll talk through the different stages of discipleship along the way. It’s a richly theological workshop with practical counsel that can transform the way you disciple students throughout your ministry.

If there’s another topic or theme for your retreat or conference, please include that in your email request.