To accomplish this mission, Ministry Leadership Initiative offers a variety of quality, affordable services and leadership resources to churches and religious organizations across the United States.
We offer the innovative two-year Instructional Cohort Program for youth & children’s ministers, now with a degree pathway. Students receive education and training in theology, practical ministry, StrengthsFinders coaching, and on-the-job mentoring through the program.
One-on-one coaching support for cohort participants, clergy, and youth & children’s ministers
Cultivating trust to evoke awareness, facilitate growth, and make progress on ministry challenges
MLI partners with congregations that represent the theological diversity of Protestant Christianity in the United States, including Presbyterian (USA), the United Methodist Church, Lutheran (ELCA and others), UCC, Disciples of Christ, Episcopal, Nazarene, American Baptist, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and Mennonite Brethren.
Our other partners provide foundational and financial support, facilities, discounted business services, and networking.
It was an unusually warm Saturday morning in February. It was Groundhog Day—February 2, 2013. The Groundhog predicted an early spring.
YMIM Founding Board, September 2013
Matt Vaughan thought about starting a non-profit ministry to combine two vocational interests—youth ministry and education—and he wrote the first outline of a business plan that morning. Over the course of six months, Matt shared the plan with nearly 50 people, and the draft changed shape dozens of times. This cloud of witnesses prayed together. They shared feedback. Many promised financial support. Word began to spread.
Many partners shared foundational grants. The United Methodist Church Discipleship Ministries (Young People’s Ministries), Village Presbyterian Church, Central Presbyterian Church, and Southminster Presbyterian Church provided generous financial support. The Presbyterian Church (USA) Synod of Mid-America pledged grant support. Asbury United Methodist Church offered meeting space and other resources.
The organization began operations as Youth Ministry Institute Midwest (YMIM) on September 24, 2013. Over six years, the organization partnered with dozens of churches to provide youth ministry training, coaching, and consulting services. Soon, the board began to receive inquiries from churches about supporting children’s ministers, newly-ordained clergy, and other church staff—even from other parts of the country.
With these ministry needs in mind, YMIM morphed into Ministry Leadership Initiative Inc. on May 28, 2019. MLI expanded its portfolio of services to support over 100 congregations and faith-based organizations throughout the United States, specializing in youth and children’s ministry.
We entrust our team to a dedicated and experienced board of local professionals.
Meet the instructors, speakers, mentors, and coaches who make MLI happen.
