Collaborative Youth Ministry Online Cohort

Young adults posing together in a library. Perfect for education and diversity themes.

Building a Thriving, Sustainable Youth Ministry–Together.

Youth ministry isn’t about competing for numbers–it’s about reaching and discipling young people in meaningful ways. What if, instead of working alone, you could partner with other churches to expand your impact?

In this free, 4-month online cohort, you’ll gain tools, training, and hands-on guidance to launch and sustain a collaborative youth ministry in your community. Learn practical strategies to foster partnerships, share resources, and create a lasting, effective ministry–without burnout.

Join the cohort and start building a stronger, more connected youth ministry today!

“The biggest gift for me personally is I don’t have to do this alone.” — Kate Satterstrom* Youth Pastor and Co-Director of the McMinnville Youth Collective

Cost:

FREE for 4 classes (space is limited)

$300 to add FOUR one-on-one coaching sessions

Register For The Online Cohort

Registration is now CLOSED.

If you are interested in participating, in the upcoming cohort or in potential future cohorts, contact Sean P. Williams at sean.williams@ministryarchitects.com.

REGISTRATION INCLUDES

  • Four live monthly webinars taught by Sean P. Williams, Lead Consultant with Ministry Architects, and co-founder/co-director of the McMinnville Youth Collective. You’ll interact with Sean, guest practitioners who are leading collaborative youth ministries in their local settings, and a group of your peers.
  • Catalyst Calls with your cohort leader – These are 30-minute calls when you just need to bounce something off an expert. You initiate these by giving 48 hours notice and they will schedule 30 minutes for problem-solving or brainstorming. Up to two Catalyst Calls throughout the cohort.
  • OPTIONAL coaching (four one hour sessions for $300) with a Ministry Architects consultant to dig deeper in to the collaborative youth ministry questions, needs, ideas, etc. in your specific context.

COST DETAILS

  • FREE for classes only.
  • Add on $300 for FOUR one-on-one coaching sessions.

DATES

Monthly virtual group gatherings beginning in May 2025, once a month through August 2025 (according to the availability of all participants).

*All meetings will be recorded for anyone not in attendance

MORE INFO

Want to know more about the McMinnville Youth Collective?
Listen to the podcast episode!

QUESTIONS

Contact Sean P. Williams at sean.williams@ministryarchitects.com.

Meet your instructor:

Sean P. Williams

Sean began working in youth ministry in 1997 and has served as Youth Minister in United Methodist Churches and Presbyterian Churches (USA) in Texas, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and South Carolina. He is currently the Children’s and Youth Minister at First Baptist Church in McMinnville, OR, and the co-founder/co-director of the McMinnville Youth Collective. Sean graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX with a B.A. in Theology, and loves serving in a local church while helping (and learning from!) churches and organizations around the country through Ministry Architects. Sean lives in McMinnville, OR with his son Parker and daughter Sybil.

Testimonials

What people are saying about
Collaborative Youth Ministry:

Collaborative youth ministry is a gift to the church. Our youth model ecumenical cooperation and dialogue across differences for the whole congregation. They teach us all about climate justice, issues facing indigenous cultures, and so much more. They remind all of us how much our different denominations have in common and how much we can learn from one another. This way of doing youth ministry is a witness to the powerful good and profound joy that can come from remembering and practicing our unity in Christ.

Rev. Dr. Erika Marksbury

Senior Pastor, the First Baptist Church of McMinnville, Oregon

Collaborative ministry has revolutionized how I do my work.  Working alongside leaders from other churches in our collective youth program has helped me look at my ministry with fresh eyes.  I am better at my job and energized by the collaborative nature of my work. I am part of a team that allows me to lead in unique ways that I wasn’t able to before.  We are able to highlight our individual strengths, each bringing our best.  The youth, families, and staff are supported by a web of connections that bridge our individual congregations and broaden to the larger community. Collaborative ministry takes the focus off the leader and puts the youth at the center of the ministry.  We are truly better together. 

Kate Satterstrom

Co-Director of the McMinnville Youth Collective in McMinnville, OR

As a parent and volunteer, I’ve watched the McMinnville Youth Collective become a place where kids truly belong. My sons, Owen and Clark, have found not just friends here, but confidence, creativity, and a sense of community. It’s a space that encourages growth, supports each kid’s unique journey, and makes it all fun along the way. I’m grateful it exists for them—and for all of us.

John Olson

Parent and Volunteer with the McMinnville Youth Collective in McMinnville, OR