QUOTES
what people are saying about YL
YL
“As an ex-youth pastor and current youth ministry resource person, marriage and family therapist and seminary professor, I have been honored to sit under Tiger's teaching as well as be a co-presenter. In addition to the practical and inspirational nature of his resource materials and presentations, I am impressed with the theological depth in his teaching.” - Keith Olson, Ph.D., Bethel University, San Diego
“As a co-teacher I’ve had the opportunity to sit in the classroom and listen to Tiger McLuen of Youth Leadership. The result is that I’m taking notes as fast as the rest of the students! He knows his stuff and he knows how to teach it. When it comes to communicating the gospel to teenagers Tiger McLuen and Youth Leadership are excellent. Passion, faithfulness, insight, wisdom and good humor come together in creative ways that connect with young and old alike. Youth Leadership is a deep well from which to draw for all who care about passing on the faith to the next generation.” - Paul Hill, D.Min., Luther Seminary
YL training
3 HOUR MID-WEEK SEMINARS
"This was perfect. The information was very useful that I was able to put to use within the week."
"We appreciate what you are doing at Youth Leadership. As a camp manager and youth pastor, your work is greatly needed to help refuel, train and prepare us for ministry." -Chadwick Persons, Youth Minister, Grand Rapids MN
3 DAY INTENSIVE CLASSES
“It felt good to step back and take a week to understand more clearly why I do what I do.” - Nancy Hochschild, St. Peters Catholic Church in Mendota, MN
“Being 18, a freshman in college and an intern at a church, these classes have helped me to put my education into practical questions that help build upon my ministry experience; helping to make it stronger. ” - Dave Foster, Crossroads Covenant Church in Cottage Grove, MN
“Sometimes we need reminders of how quickly our world changes and assurance that God is still working. This training does that.” - Danielle Yost, Peoria, AZ
“This was the best practical equipping seminar I have ever taken. It was relevant and actually addressed issues I was dealing with.” - Aaron Larson, East Union Lutheran Church in Carver, MN
"I was worried about being out of the office all week--but my time of learning in your class was well worth it. I took home tangible applications to your teachings." -Megan Benton, Shadow Mountain Church, El Cajon CA
“These classes provided the electrical cord I needed to be plugged into teenage culture.” - Nancy Hochschild, Our Lady of Grace, Edina, MN
“Youth Leadership is perfect for moms in ministry. It provided me with quality education and practical examples to use in my ministry in a time period that is doable for youth leaders that have children.” – Shari Teetaert, St. Paul Lutheran, Steinbach, Manitoba
“You mean I am doing something right?! Thanks for affirming us and giving us tools that are useable now.” – Dawn Meade, Our Savior’s Lutheran, Stanwood, WA
BETHEL SEMINARY
'No pastor should try and do ministry alone, Youth Leadership provides the kind of support that keeps you going for the LONG HAUL' - Jessie Wuollet, Bethel Seminary student
"As a graduate of the Youth Leadership program…I can wholeheartedly say that I wouldn't be where I am at as a servant in God's church if it wasn't for the foundational and formational training I received. The incarnational, relational and solidly biblical tenants passed on to me…not only transformed our youth ministry, but began to transform our entire church! I continue to be impressed at how God is growing and transforming Youth Leadership, it's leaders and ministry, keeping it relevant to meeting the needs of a changing church without compromising it's mission, vision, purpose and values...what a gift to youth workers in the trenches!"
- Paul Schroeder, Peninsula Lutheran Church, Gig Harbor, WA
Youth Leadership provided me with the tools to understand youth, youth culture, and how to design a youth ministry program with Christ as the focus. I am indebted to the Youth Leadership team for building in me a strong foundation that I could base my decade of youth ministry on. Thank you!
- Nicole Sheldon, Minneapolis, MN
"Tiger McLuen has hung out at the intersection of Academic Integrity and Ministry Credibility for a long time. Not a lot of people in youth ministry live in that neighborhood, and it's a shame. I think youth ministry is about to do some of its most exciting growth and development exactly where Youth Leadership has staked out its place for years."
- Dave Rahn, Ph.D., Huntington College/Youth for Christ
yOUTH MINISTRY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
"I’m so excited to feel more equipped in what I’m doing without having to quit my job, go to seminary and then search again for a job."
“Thank you so much for offering this program to us in ministry who are not on a pastoral/ seminary track. The wealth of information that I am blessed to take home is so much appreciated. I feel like my head is going to explode and it is a wonderful feeling! Thank you!” - Bridgett Frodsham, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Marysville, WA
“It has been an absolute joy and honor to be a part of the YMCP pilot program. Each class was packed full of insight, useful tools and immediate application ideas. I cannot thank you enough for offering this program outside the seminaries. The wisdom, humility, sense of humor and obvious love for God and the youth in the crazy world by Tiger and each of his presenters should be a model for all of us to aspire to in youth ministry.” Bridgett Frodsham, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Marysville, WA
YL speaking
PARENTS
"Youth Leadership has a long history as an indispensable resource for parents and youth workers. ...I enthusiastically recommend Youth Leadership as an organization uniquely positioned to keep you on the cutting-edge in your youth ministry efforts." - Walt Mueller, President, Center for Parent/Youth Understanding
VOLUNTEERS
Tiger allows some real comfort to be able to ask questions and be real. He has been in the trenches and that assures you he knows what he’s talking about.
"I have found that people in my synod are hesitant to register for a training session based on prior events that were less than wonderful. However, Youth Leaderships Volunteer Training has made itself a success….It has been wonderful to see youth ministry, and this material, through the eyes of a 21 year old on the same day as a 60 year old. One of my favorite parts is the stories that people share about their lives and ministry...joys and triumphs as well as frustrating disappointments. This training is one way in which youth workers gather together to just be together. Some of the best…training, happens during our little breaks when folks can share stories and gain insight from each other.” -Molly Beck Dean, Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod
STUDENTS
"Tiger McLuen and Youth Leadership do some of the finest training in the world of youth ministry. The people I know who have experienced the Youth Leadership training are better equipped to reach this generation of students than anyone I can think of." -Jim Burns, Ph.D., Author and President of HomeWord
“If you ever have a chance to sit in the back row of a conference next to Tiger, don’t. You’ll get in trouble. He is seriously one of the goofiest people I’ve ever met. I guess that makes it all the more perplexing that Tiger has such profound insight into the mysteries of God. It seems curious (to me, at least) that he deeply understands the human condition. It’s odd that Tiger is so passionate about bringing young people into a fuller relationship with Jesus.
On second thought, maybe that’s part of the deal. Maybe Mr. McLuen’s willingness to be weird and funny and irreverent comes from his solid perspective on life. He understands what real ministry is about. He understands the fellowship of believers. He understands just how much God delights in His children.
Yeah, I think that’s it.
So I guess the best advice I can give you is this; if Tiger is in the back of the room, you should try to ignore him. But if he’s in the front of the room, hang on his every word.” -Wes Halula, HappyFunTime sketch comedy group
YL consulting
"Youth Leadership is one of the premier organizations for preparing youth leaders for ministry to students. They understand the world of young people and their families, and they understand congregational ministry. From mentoring, to teaching seminars, to resourcing staff searches, Tiger and his team are most effective and highly respected in their field." - Dr. John Cionca, Bethel Seminary