Bonus Episode: A New Chapter for YPT

Mike McGarry here... I’m excited to share an important update with you about a new chapter for Youth Pastor Theologian.

I started YPT as a simple website in May 2021 in order to fill a void between the youth room and the academy. There are lots of resources available for youth workers to help with games and a growing number of youth ministry curricula. But there’s still a significant void in theological content for youth workers. At the same time, theologically-minded youth workers often feel depressingly alone in the youth ministry world. 

Youth Pastor Theologian launched as a passion project, a blog I’d write and edit in my “spare time” (usually between 10pm-1am) while still serving as the Youth Pastor at South Shore Baptist Church in Hingham, MA. But it quickly grew beyond what I’d envisioned. Youth workers from across the country (and from around the world) started reading and sending me messages about how much this resonated with them. They wanted to know what other resources YPT would be releasing, and could I come speak at their church or conference. They want resources and help to know what theological depth in youth ministry actually looks like. 

Over the last six months, the Lord has made it clear that it’s time for me to trust His provision and to give my full-time attention to youth pastors rather than continuing to serve as a youth pastor myself. Honestly, I’m going to miss it - even the body odor of the boys' cabin on youth retreats. Like Robin Williams’ character in Good Will Hunting says, “That’s the good stuff.” 

I am currently bi-vocational, leading the youth ministry at my church through the summer as we search for my replacement while also fundraising to provide the financial resources necessary for a Youth Pastor Theologian budget. There are some exciting projects coming down the pipeline, but we need resources to fund their development and implementation. 

 

It still sounds like it should be gross exaggeration to say that giving to Youth Pastor Theologian is an investment in the global church’s effort to reach the next generation with the gospel. But it’s not. I keep hearing from readers and podcast listeners who are in difficult contexts, and YPT is making an impact through them. This is true across the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, Kenya, Uganda, Philippines, Austria, and Germany. 

A video of this informational Zoom is available on our YouTube page. Will you partner with us as we empower youth workers around the world to pursue theological depth in youth discipleship. An audio version of this presentation has also been published through the YPT Podcast. 

If you'd like to partner with YPT, please visit our Give page and join our YPT Partners Facebook Group.