Episode 050 — Community, Calling, and the Story of ProjectYM (Part 1) with Michael Marchand

In Part 1, Christopher Wesley sits down with longtime friend Michael Marchand (Founder & President of ProjectYM) to trace the story behind ProjectYM—and the deeper problem it was built to solve. Michael shares how a revolving door of youth ministers in his home parish pushed him into leadership early, how a nudge from Doug Fields helped him go “all in” on ministry, and how ProjectYM grew from free resources into a nationwide community built to fight isolation and burnout.

Together, they explore why youth ministers need more than content—they need real relationships, hospitality, and spaces where they can exhale. Michael also unpacks the philosophy behind ProjectYM’s gatherings, including Thrive Nuga, and why joy, games, and shared experiences aren’t distractions from formation—they’re part of what sustains ministry leaders for the long haul.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Michael’s youth ministry origin story (and what nine youth ministers in four years taught him)
  
• The “Purpose Driven Youth Ministry” moment that changed his direction
  
• Why ProjectYM moved from “resources” to “community” as the core mission
  
• What youth ministers actually value most at conferences (and why)
  
• How ProjectYM designs gatherings around relationships, joy, and practical takeaways
  
• Why being “unapologetically who you are” matters for ministry organizations
  

Guest
Michael Marchand is the Founder and President of ProjectYM, serving Catholic youth ministers nationwide through training, resources, and the Thrive community. In 2025, he received the Saint John Bosco Accompaniment Award.

Links & Resources

• ProjectYM: projectym.com
  

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