Youth Ministry International

What is YMI?

Youth Ministry International is a non-profit Christian organization that was incorporated in 1994 and is dedicated to training national workers for existing local churches throughout the people groups of the world. Our desire is for everyyouth in the world to hear the Gospel in a culturally relevant fashion and have the opportunity to mature spiritually.

How is YMI accomplishing this?

YMI is accomplishing its goals in the following three ways. First, by training and equipping stateside youth leaders to become International Youth Leadership Trainers who are capable, in turn, of training national youth workers to carry on effective youth ministry. Second, by increasing the awareness of the need for aggressive youth ministry on traditionally adult-focused mission fields. This is accomplished by giving stateside youth exposure to cross-cultural ministry. Finally, by strategically setting up college-level internships to assist nationals in the development of full-time youth evangelism and discipleship.

How does YMI choose its mission fields?

One of the distinguishing commitments of YMI is that we strive to minister only where called and where the need is the greatest. We have never had to push our cause on a national church. Rather, we are constantly being pursued by nationals and missionaries who are convinced of the need for help.

How does YMI’s ministry relate to the local culture?

Youth Ministry International does not seek to bring a Western model to the mission field but rather strives to develop a youth program that, while not compromising Scripture, integrates with and penetrates the local culture. To do this, our youth missionaries are educated in cross-cultural missiology and trained to understand the local culture in an effort to further their effectiveness while training the nationals in youth ministry and preparing them to operate independently.

Are there language barriers working with nationals?

Many countries that YMI is involved in use English as a main language. We still encourage trainers to learn the native language in order to increase their ministry effectiveness. Where language barriers do exist, trainers are required to attend language development classes prior to their departure to the field.

Does YMI operate independently?

Although independent, Youth Ministry International is dedicated to becoming partners in ministry with organizations such as United World Mission and International Teams. YMI shares the same vision for leadership mobilization, church planting and training of nationals, but with a focus on youth. YMI strives to multiply their efforts, and the efforts of other allied ministries, by net-working with both stateside and foreign organizations, missionaries, church planting programs, and churches.

How are you linked to the local church in America?

Since its inception, Youth Ministry International has existed as a direct extension of local churches in America that want to see local churches and youth programs planted worldwide, and thus fulfill the great commission. Any goals we hold, therefore, are held in partnership with the supporting churches of America as well as national churches with like vision and belief.

Where do I come in?

YMI is not only seeking career youth missionaries and short-term International Youth Leadership Trainers but also welcomes the prayer and financial support of individuals, families, churches, companies and foundations who recognize the significance of supporting a mission endeavor that is on the cutting edge of foreign missionary work.

How is YMI funded?

YMI is not funded or endowed by any private interest group or denomination. Each year a strategic plan is developed that includes an annual budget which is approved by the Board of Directors. Each year the Board must set out to raise the entire year’s budget. All of our support comes from the gifts of friends, companies, and churches that include YMI in their missionary budget, personal giving, and special projects.