In 2010, I took a chance took part in a new youth ministry organization’s training program called the Youth Ministry Coaching Program (YMCP) from The Youth Cartel. I can honestly say that it was hands down the best professional decision I have ever made. It not only stretched and confirmed my call in ministry, but it also stretched and confirmed me as a person. While I thought I was joining a group that would make me a better youth pastor, it went far beyond that and made me a better husband, father, Christ-follower, and person. I am forever grateful for the impact that Marko and the group had on my life. The nine other individuals that I journeyed with for that year have become more than friends, they have become family and anchors points in my life.

Photo by Hudson Hintze on Unsplash

Fast forward six years, I am in a new geographic region, have become a certified coach through the Youth Cartel and I once again have an opportunity to join YMCP. This time it’s level two, and so I know what I am about to get into, or so I think.

Where YMCP level 1 focused on youth ministry and our personal growth, YMCP level 2, took it to a whole new depth. The individuals that were a part of this second group were looking to not only grow personally but wanted to take their leadership development to a whole new playing field. I can honestly say that this past year, I was invited to be stretched in ways that I didn’t even begin to expect. The quality of guest speakers and topics that you deal with pushes you to think in even more profound and more profound ways. You don’t just grow as a person and a youth pastor but as a leader.

This past year, I had the privilege of growing with a group of guys in ways I don’t think any of us were expecting. It was indeed another life-altering experience. As my role in my church has grown and my influence has expanded, I can honestly say that I am not sure how well I would have handled the growing role if it had not been for Marko, The Youth Cartel, and YMCP Level 2. While I am sure that I would have found my way through, I was better equipped to handle all that has come my way.

As youth pastors, we get into this because of a call on our lives to invest in and develop students. We want to introduce them to Jesus, expose them to the beauty of a Christ-centered community and push them to become all that we see in them. We often get degrees in ministry from universities, Bible colleges, seminaries all designed to help us in this monumental task. We will attend countless large conferences and events designed to encourage and equip but can at times leave us wondering how we are to implement all that we have heard. It can get overwhelming, and if we were to be truly honest, there are times we feel like we are merely floundering hoping that something will stick.

While the school preparation is needed and we need to come together with our brothers and sisters in the trenches at large conferences and events, the truth of the matter we need a smaller community that encourages us. I was recently asked if I only had money for two resources what two would I purchase and the answer was easy. I would spend the first one investing in myself. When I am better, then my group is better. When I am whole, I can show others how to get there.

If you are a youth pastor, who is looking to grow, then the YMCP is for you. It has been designed by someone who gets our tribe and loves to see youth workers thrive. Level 1 calls you to be better for your students, volunteers, parents, more importantly, it invites you to be a better person for your family and yourself. 

If you have been through level 1 and wondering if level two is worth the money, worth the time, worth the investment, let me say it is. If you are worried that it will merely be a repeat of level one, then let me say it is most definitely not. While the program has the same flow, the topics, and depth that you will go to will surprise you as you discover even more than you might have even thought possible. 

The Youth Cartel is currently in the process of filling new Cohorts right now. If you live in the Pacific Northwest or even Western part of the country, I would love to journey with you through the first Pacific Northwest YMCP. Marko will be leading this group, and I have the privilege of serving as your personal coach for the year. I would love to see you in Seattle and spend a year helping you grow personally and professionally so that you can become a better version of who you are.