About

Learn more about who we are and what we do.

OUR Mission

Young Life Global Cities is an investment in the leadership of the largest, most influential cities in the world. The leadership of Global Cities provides participants with training, resourcing, connection, and accountability to help the city director/leader grow both their city ministry and their own leadership. Ultimately, Young Life Global Cities exists to help the mission of Young Life grow as we introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ, empower them to grow in faith, develop leadership skills, and positively impact their communities.

OUR Team

John Wagner
Young Life Global Cities
Senior Vice President

Deacon Nathan Gunn
Young Life Global Cities
Catholic Relations

Mark Statema
Young Life Global Cities
Training Director

Janette "Netty" Bridgman
Young Life Global Cities
Executive Administrator

Our Board

Rich Tucker
Board Chair

Becky Briggs

John Hummel

Dwight Jacobsen

Rob Knauss

Jean Park

Jay Ripley

Aubrey Sibanyoni

Our Vision

Our Vision

To plant and grow Young Life in 30 of the largest and most influential cities in the world by 2030.

Young Life Global Cities partners with cities based on:

1. Population:​ These cities are home to millions of people. Large and growing cities are where the kids are.

2. Diversity:​ Every tribe and nation is represented in these cities. We have the opportunity to preach the Gospel to the whole world.

3. Influence: Impact those who are impacting others.

Young LIfe Global Cities History

The Apostle Paul's vision was to reach the great cities of the world such as Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, and Philippi. Much like in Paul's day, modern day cities are global influencers — hubs of diversity, commerce, politics, education, media, culture, and fashion. We believe that if we reach the city, we reach the world.

2016

The Young Life Global Cities model was built in its first city, New York.

2018

Young Life Global Cities launched with four cities — London, Hong Kong, New York, and Los Angeles. The first cohort (GC 1.0) was created.

2020

G.C. 2.0 was launched with a vision to reach/grow 25 cities by 2025.

2025

Young Life Global Cities is partnering with 25 cities in four different cohorts.

OUR Impact

View our impact report here!

4

Training Cohorts

Training Cohorts

4 Cohorts Launched

  • Impacting 25 cities
  • Annual in-person cohort meetings
    ○​ 12 since 2021
  • 300+ Zoom calls since March 2021
  • 140 one-on-one coaching calls with leaders

14

New Staff

NEW Cities

  • Accra
  • Bangkok
  • Brussels
  • Kathmandu
  • Lagos
  • Singapore
  • Sydney

5

Modules

Developed Playbook

An online training resource that includes five modules with five to six sessions each:

  • Vision and Strategic Planning
  • Networking and Collaboration
  • Leadership Development
  • Resource Development
  • Direct Ministry

Translated to Spanish and working on French translation

$3.1M

Pledged

Created Accelerator Fund, 2021

  • Investment fund to provide seed funding to cities partnering with Young Life Global Cities
  • $3.1 million raised by Young Life Global Cities partners and $1.8 million dispersed to cities
  • All grants must be matched and ministry milestones met to release funds