A big announcement from YMIM!

Big Announcements from YMIM!
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Commissioning weekend
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
A view from Southwest Kansas
Last day of school is today!
Our board, partners, and support

Commissioning Weekend!
We recently celebrated the academic achievements of youth ministers who completed a two-year course of study, which we call our "Cohort Learning Program." Our board hosted a reception for the students on May 3 and a worship and commissioning service on May 4 at Southminster Presbyterian Church.

First picture is from the service on May 4. From left to right: Emily Nelson Dixon (YMIM coach), Ryan King (FPC Lawrence), Megan Doffin (FUMC Norfolk), Jenna Soltys (Village Pres), Bryant Westbrook (FUMC Valley Center), Matt Dumler (FUMC Hays), Rev. Dr. Rodger Nishioka (preacher extraordinaire!), Matt Vaughan (Director).

Second picture is from the reception on May 5. Ryan King, youth minister from Lawrence First Presbyterian Church, reflected on his experiences with YMIM.

The picture below shows the entire cohort: Kevin Nixon (Stilwell), Cathlene Higgins (Manhattan), Ryan King (Lawrence), Megan Doffin (Norfolk NE), Jenna Soltys (Prairie Village), Bryant Westbrook (Valley Center), Matt Dumler (Hays), Jeremy Amerin (Dodge City), and Matt Jones (Kearney NE).

A Big Announcement from YMIM
Two months ago, I got a call from a pastor in Springfield, Missouri. She said, "Matt, do you coach people in children's ministry?" Your name doesn't indicate this.

Last month, I opened an email from a colleague in North Carolina. She wrote, "I know of a church near us, in South Carolina, that could use your expertise. Have you thought about church consulting in areas outside of the Midwest?"

And, I was recently connected to a newly-ordained pastor. This young pastor was interested in being coached on how to lead a staff and structure committees and wondered if this was an area in which we could help, especially since our name was focused on youth ministry.

The answer to all three case studies is, "YES!"

Our ministry is ready to grow into other areas that are not limited by youth ministry or the Midwest. Our board is responding by changing our name and structure.

Beginning on July 1, we'll begin operations as "Ministry Leadership Initiative, Inc.," and we'll co-brand as "Youth Ministry Institute Midwest." Our board, which remains the same group of local professionals, will transition from operating under the non-profit umbrella of our sister organization into our own stand-alone 501c(3) non-profit based in Prairie Village, Kansas. The switch is as simple as moving the entirety of our funds into a new bank account and changing our legal name.

In time, we'll introduce a new website with a full range of non-profit services that benefit local churches across the United States. Our strength remains in youth ministry, so we'll continue to offer the excellent Youth Ministry Institute curriculum and Cohort Learning model to churches in our region.

What does this mean for our supportive community? Frankly, those who give to our organization won't see much of a change. Our Tax ID is changing to 82-4308014. Gifts sent before or after July 1 will end up in the same account, to support expanded work, in an effort to share the Gospel with more people in new ways. Checks can continue to be written to Youth Ministry Institute Midwest, or to our new legal name, Ministry Leadership Initiative, Inc.

Thank you for your support, for your prayers, and for introducing us to potential partners, new churches, and family foundations. We're excited to begin this new chapter, and we value your investment and interest in this important ministry.

Matt Vaughan
913/972.2530

I visited four churches in Southwest Kansas earlier this month. I usually rent a car to save mileage expenses, and our rental partner has been generous to our organization. This is the Mustang I was given for two days next to a field of Canola and wind generators outside of Dodge, City, Kansas. The trip was beautiful!

The Last Day of School
Amy and I awoke this morning to the last day of our routine. Sam (17), prepared for his last day of school as a Junior in high school. Jack (13), got ready for his last day of 7th grade. We weren't quick enough to snap a picture of them this morning, so here's a look at our family photo on Easter Sunday last month.

Recognizing Our Board
Our board of directors is a wise and committed group of professionals who are committed to our mission of sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with young people through skilled and effective leadership. Our board includes:

Sara Aitken
Chris Andersen
Matt Dumler
Kris Kvam
Tony Liu
Thomas McIntyre
Cindy Parks
Desiree' Reinke
Matt Vaughan
Zach Walker
Rick Walter
Mark Webb

Our board is thankful to Tom Stanton and Lisa Greenwood, who faithfully serve with the Texas Methodist Foundation. They provided non-profit legal support and expertise that guided our restructuring efforts. MLI – YMIM is growing, thanks to their help.

Other partners include Southminster Presbyterian Church, Village Presbyterian Church, Asbury United Methodist Church, CrossFirst Bank, The Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College, Hoefer Wysocki Architecture, and Made in Kansas City.

How to Support YMIM – MLI
Your financial gift helps our ministry succeed. Online gifts can be shared at:
https://app.clovergive.com/app/Giving/ymim

Mailed gifts can be mailed to:
Ministry Leadership Initiative (or Youth Ministry Institute Midwest)
7409 Ash Street
Prairie Village, KS 66208

Tax ID: 82-4308014

Our GuideStar and Kansas City Community Foundation profiles will be updated this summer. Ministry Leadership Initiative, Inc., is the successor to Youth Ministry Institute Midwest:
https://gkccf.guidestar.org/NonprofitProfile.aspx?OrgId=1141418

Find us online at:
http://midwest.yminstitute.com
Our website will be updated in the coming months.