They Said It

“The Youth Ministry Institute was literally one of the best things that could have ever happened to me in ministry! I went into Youth Ministry without a ministry degree and this program really equipped me to bring the BEST to my ministry.”

Emily Felgenhauer
Tampa, Florida
2010 YMI Graduate

“The YMI is a significant and practical way to grow top notch leadership to serve in youth ministry. Unlike any other opportunity the focus leads to holistic strengthening of the leaders who participate. The results are outstanding.”

David McEntire
Lakeland, Florida
Senior Pastor
YMI Instructor

“The Youth Ministry Institute gave me the knowledge through hands-on learning and peer-to-peer sharing, not to mention the accountability with other youth pastors, that helped me develop my God given ability and gifts to become a better youth pastor.”

David Benson
Athens, GA
2008 YMI Graduate

“YMI is an innovative means of delivering high-quality substantive theological training for those on the front lines of ministry in our culture. YMI prepares women and men to serve well in this Kingdom-strategic work.”

Brian Russell
Orlando, Florida
Asbury Seminary Faculty
YMI Instructor

“Without YMI the transition from college into the real world of youth ministry would have been impossible. The program provided me with the support and love I needed for success within ministry.”

Danielle Upton
Wauchula, Florida
2009 YMI Graduate

“If you are looking for a way to stop youth worker turnover YMI has the answer! Youth ministers, new or seasoned, will learn strategies to help develop a sustainable ministry and lead students to Christ.”

Art Robin
Smyrna, Georgia
Youth Minister
YMI Instructor

“If it were not for the education, relationships, and support from YMI, I would have quit ministry years ago.”

Dan Segale
Brandon, Florida
2009 YMI Graduate

“YMI is an opportunity to be trained and equipped for your call while being mentored on the job in a community that loves and supports you! Who could ask for anything more?”

Dietrich “Deech” Kirk
Executive Director
Center for Youth Ministry Training
Nashville, TN

“Learning side by side with other youth ministers who really have a heart for changing teens hearts was really the best part of YMI for me. The relationships I built with other youth directors in those two years I know will be shared for the rest of my life!”

Emily Felgenhauer
Tampa, Florida
2010 YMI Graduate

“The Youth Ministry Institute is on the leading edge of developing youth leaders who will impact and change the lives of kids today like few ministries can.”

Joel Lusz
Melbourne, Florida
Youth Minister
YMI Instructor
YMI Coach

“In combining hands-on training with challenging academics, the Youth Ministry Institute is an invaluable program that thoroughly prepared me for a lifetime of ministering to teenagers.”

Ethan Smith
2008 YMI Graduate

“The Youth Ministry Institute understands the vital need to provide Youth Pastors with the skills, strengths and passion that they need in order to be effective in Youth Ministry, as well as a peer group that offer continuous encouragement and support!”

Kirk Dana
Lakeland, Florida
Youth Minister
YMI Coach

“YMI is an amazing blessing to ministry with youth. It equips those who are called to pour their lives into students and helps them on that journey. God is working in powerful ways through YMI and I am thankful to be part of it.”

Andy Cartee
Auburn, AL
Former Youth Minister
and YMI Coach

“YMI has been an absolute blessing. Meeting and learning with like minded spiritually motivated individuals has changed the way I do ministry and improved my life.”

Manu Bhatnagar
Plantation, Florida
Youth Minister
Class of 2011

“I love YMI! The training and development that the Institute does with youth leaders today is exactly what the church and students need!”

Joel Lusz
Melbourne, Florida
Youth Minister
YMI Instructor
YMI Coach

“The confidence YMI has given me is second to none.”

Dan Segale
Brandon, Florida
2009 YMI Graduate

“YMI is designed with you in mind. It is a great way to learn from the pros and come away come away equipped, empowered, and excited about ministry with students.”

Art Robin
Smyrna, Georgia
Youth Minister
YMI Instructor

Prospective Partners

Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of young people? Discover ways that you can contribute to the work of the Youth Ministry Institute.

Become a Donor

The Youth Ministry Institute, reviewed and approved by the Community Foundation of Central Florida, values the contributions of over 200 individuals and several foundations, all believing in helping young people by empowering youth ministers to become skilled and effective leaders.

Become a Partner

The Youth Ministry Institute believes in banding together like minded organizations to produce superlative results. Your organization or expertise might be an answer to a specific prayer. Contact us now with your idea or gift.

Become a Volunteer

Do you have time and a desire to help? Contact us now and let us know of your availability.

Current Partners

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florida-conference-united-methodist-church

Family Foundations Supporting the Youth Ministry Institute

Chesley Magruder Foundation

Bell Family Foundation