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
ERM (retired)
Board Chair
Becky Briggs
Retired Homemaker
John Hummel
AIS Capital Management
Dwight Jacobsen
Executive Coach
Rob Knauss
Warburg Pincus
Jean Park
Therapist & Coach
Aubrey Sibanyoni
Sakhiwe Capital Partners
Our Vision
Our Vision
To plant and grow Young Life in 25 of the largest and most influential cities in the world by 2025.
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.
2024
Young Life Global Cities is parnering with 22 cities in five different cohorts and in 2025, three more cities are set to join.
OUR Impact
5
Training Cohorts
Training Cohorts
5 Cohorts Launched
- Impacting 22 cities
- Annual in-person cohort meetings
○ Five since 2021 - 96 Zoom calls since March 2021
○ 163 hours of training - 97 one-on-one coaching calls with leaders
14
New Staff
NEW Ministries
Collaborated with leadership to launch NEW cities and staff:
- London - 8 staff
- Toronto - 2 staff
- Seoul - 2 staff
- Buenos Aires - 1 staff
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
$3.1M
Pledged
Created Accelerator Fund, 2021
- Investment fund to provide seed funding to cities partnering with Young Life Global Cities
- $53.1 million raised by Young Life Global Cities partners and $1.4 million dispersed to cities
- All grants must be matched and ministry milestones met to release funds