Testimonials

“While my overall “ethos” of ministry has not changed, I now have better words and research to describe what I want to accomplish and I am better able to articulate a vision of what is possible.”

– Toby Chastain, CYMT Alumnus 2014

“CYMT provides a safe community that offers a empathetic voice that says, “me too.”  In the same way that we strive to surround our students to know and experience that they are not alone, CYMT reminds us that we are not alone in our jobs as youth ministers.”

-Anna Wheeler, CYMT Alumna 2015

“CYMT affirmed my call to ministry, taught me what theologically grounded GOOD ministry looked like, and supported me through challenging years.”

– Rev. Carlisle Jones, class of 2015

“CYMT has allowed me to learn from diverse individuals in diverse communities. This learning has changed how I understand God’s world and how I minister to students.”

-Philip Galyon, class of 2015

“CYMT has changed my life by providing me with a network of like-minded people who love and support me as I seek to be a better youth minister, a disciple of Jesus, and human being. CYMT has given me the foundation and formation that I needed to solidify and begin to follow my call into full-time vocational ministry. CYMT has given me a group of friends that are more like a family, a group of people that I know that I can count on for anything, and that will be by my side long after we are done with the program.”

– Jed Hanes, current student

Resident Stories

 

Innovation Leads to Intergenerational Listening and Compassion

The following is a story from the Center for Youth Ministry Training’s Innovation Laboratory, taken from our email newsletter sent on Jan. 28th, 2021. Parts of […]

Anna Wheeler – CYMT provides a community that says, “me too.”

Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Anna Wheeler is a woman who will strike you with her huge smile, infectious personality, and gentle spirit. She has […]

Emily Mastin – CYMT has been a reminder of God’s faithfulness in my life

Emily Mastin, class of 2017, recently graduated from CYMT’s Graduate Residency program. Through her three years in residency she has served at Franklin First United Methodist […]