The Center for Youth Ministry Training equips youth ministers and communities of faith for innovative, practical, and theologically informed youth ministry. You may not know that:

83% of children and youth directors have NO theological or practical training
Less than 4 years is the burnout rate in youth ministry
24 months is too often the tenure of a children or youth ministry director

You are aware that the Church is struggling, but more concerning is the state of young people and their faith. Young people are struggling with mental health and doubt. National studies show that youth do not feel God makes a difference in their daily lives. We need called, gifted leaders equipped to show them Christ’s love and engage them in sharing that love with others.

CYMT’s Ministry Residency serves 40 youth ministers and partner ministries nationwide. Residents serve as children’s, youth, community, or campus ministers while studying theology and gaining practical experience. Additionally, CYMT provides them with coaching and support throughout the program. Because of our efforts, 90% of CYMT’s graduates are still in ministry and our 250+ alumni have impacted the lives of 25,000+ young people.

Pictured above is Kristia Oney, one of our Residents. She felt called to serve young people for as long as she could remember. She got a part-time youth director job at age 21 and started working at her church full-time as soon as she graduated college. She started feeling frustrated and hamstrung by a church culture that limited and misunderstood her. So, like so many youth pastors, after just a few years, she quit and, feeling disillusioned, left church work altogether.

She then served young people in non-ministry settings. Eventually, this led Kristia on a journey to pursue ministry again. While hesitant, she gave it a chance and joined CYMT as a resident.

Through theological education and CYMT’s support, Kristia found that not only was there space for the way she had thought about ministry, but that it is celebrated. Kristia is now a campus minister at the Wesley Foundation at Oklahoma State University. In her role there, she manages a team of college-age interns and coaches them as they shape their own programming for themselves and their peers. Her training and education in CYMT have given her the language not just to teach the students a set of information but the tools to interpret all of their lives through their faith. Every week, Kristia pours into the lives of hundreds of college students inviting them to explore who God is calling them to be.

Your gift will make a lasting impact on the lives of young people and those who are called to serve them, like Kristia. Thank you for investing in youth! May you experience Christ’s love this season!

End of Year Giving 2023

By Ministry Leadership Center

End of Year Giving 2023

Giving Tuesday and End of Year Giving

Team Members