For now, our primary work is calling people to pray!  

While ymf is in start-up mode we are working with pilot groups in the ymf pipeline and ymf leaders cohorts. 

The pipeline is a program of practical youth ministry formation for trainees who are in the process of completing theological formation in youth ministry. The theoretical input from a theological degree is supplemented by a structured program of youth ministry skills over a three-to-four-year curriculum.  

Leaders’ cohorts are made up of youth ministry leaders, serving in full-time (or near-to-full-time roles), who have formal theological formation in youth ministry, and are (or are intending to) serve in youth ministry long-term (i.e. for 10 years or more). These leaders meet regularly in small groups, together with a long-term youth ministry leader, for mutual support and encouragement, and to work together on effective design and faithful improvisation in youth ministry and mission. 

ymf adheres to the Lausanne Movement’s Cape Town Confession of Faith, which distinguishes primary truths on which the church must have unity, from secondary issues, where sincere Christians disagree in their interpretation of what the Bible teaches or requires. We hold to Lausanne’s principle of ‘breadth within boundaries’.

Churches can join the ymf project through prayer, or by connecting with either the pipeline or leaders’ cohorts. 

Interested churches can reach out to our team via email bianca@ymfutures.com.au for application details and further information how we can support you.  

We encourage churches to commit to praying with us by subscribing to our email list and receiving prayer points. 

ymf is an activity housed within the legal structures of Ridley College.  

ymf staff are employed through Ridley and the Oversight Committee reports to the Executive Leadership team at Ridley.  

ymf is independently funded and any donations received for ymf are preserved in distinct accounting legers within the Ridley bank accounts. Receipts for tax deductible donations come from Ridley College. 

The programs and support packages available through ymf are not limited to students and graduates from Ridley.  

ymf serves churches and youth ministry in various denominations in locations across Australia.

The ymf oversight committee is responsible for reviewing the financial and strategic operations of the project and reporting to the Executive Team of Ridley College.  

The ymf reference committee provides advice and support for developing the strategy and activities of the project. 

The ymf team and operations are generously supported by individual donors and through grants from philanthropic funds.  

You can donate to ymf by visiting our donationspage . We accept one-time donations as well as regular contributions, and every gift helps support our vision of strengthening youth ministry across Australia.

Donations to ymf team and operations are tax deductible. 

YMF is committed to transparency and impact. We regularly update our donors on the progress of our initiatives, including how funds are being used to support youth ministry leaders and churches. You can also subscribe to our newsletter for detailed reports and stories of impact. 

Beyond direct donations, you can also support YMF through prayer, volunteering, fundraising events, bequests, business collaboration, corporate and sponsorships. If you’re interested in exploring these options, please reach out to our Operations Coordinator, Bianca Nicholls at bianca@ymfutures.com.au 

ymf is committed to building healthy youth ministries grounded in healthy children's ministries; and to building healthy youth ministries that feed into healthy young adult ministries; and healthy youth ministries that are part of healthy congregations. Every part of the system is necessary.

Youth ministry is where we're starting. Children's ministry is the next stage of our vision.