Dear Friends and Partners in the Ministry of Youth for Christ,
With joy and gratitude before God, I am excited to share that our Board of Directors has unanimously affirmed Rev. Peter Bishop as our next Executive Director. Yes, Peter is our son, and God has uniquely qualified him for this position. Vicky and I are deeply grateful to God for His work in both of our children’s lives. Peter joins Joshua (our eldest son) in serving the young people in the Detroit and Metropolitan Community, and yes, Vicky and I are indebted to God for how He has chosen each of them to effectively serve Jesus with such a committed heart.
It’s hard to believe, but this past December marked my 53rd year on staff with Youth for Christ. My heart remains unchanged, my calling, my love for the ministry, and my passion to see young people encounter the life-changing message of Jesus Christ remain strong as ever. However, my role is changing in this season of my life, and my desire to steward this ministry well continues while preparing it for what God has next.
To God’s glory, our Board of Directors has prayerfully sought the Lord’s direction in choosing a new director to lead YFC’s ministry as I prepared to retire. We’ve been praying and seeking His direction for a couple of years, asking God to bring us someone whose faith is deeply rooted in Christ, whose character has matured, being tested and grounded through life’s challenges, whose ministry has glorified God with a heartbeat for young people – especially those navigating the perils of adolescence in these challenging times. High on the list of qualities included a teachable spirit, a servant’s heart, discernment, and a long-term commitment to ministry.
Peter holds a master’s degree from Moody Theological Seminary. He’s a Graduate of both The DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative (DVULI) and Fuller Theological Seminary’s Youth Institute. He faithfully served seventeen years as our City Life Urban Ministry Director in Detroit’s inner-city, where he capably ran programs, led teens to Christ, raised up indigenous leadership, built effective partnerships with other youth workers and churches throughout the urban community. He remains a credentialed Youth for Christ/USA staff member, having completed training through YFC/USA, and is now returning to the ministry of Youth for Christ after ten years of serving the Lord in other ministry settings. We prayed and asked God to guide us in selecting a new Director, and His answer is reflected in the testimony of Peter’s life.
I will continue serving in YFC Detroit through the end of July 2026, working closely with our Board and walking alongside Peter as a mentor, supporting him as he transitions into his new role.
I am profoundly grateful that God didn’t call me to do this work alone. I can’t imagine doing it without you. I’m asking you to prayerfully continue your Partnership through prayers and support for the ministry under Peter’s leadership.
You are an integral part of our ministry team!
Thank you! Together, we’ll continue presenting the Person, Works and Teachings of Jesus Christ to teenagers everywhere.
