Press Release for Immediate Distribution – Dr. Gary Almon voted Interim President of YMI

Louisville, KY – January 9, 2023. In a unanimous vote by the board of directors of Youth Ministry International, Dr. Gary Almon has been chosen as the interim President. Dr. Almon has been serving as Chief of Staff for the past 60 days. However, the board has voted that he be elevated to the position of Interim President until there is a candidate that is selected as the permanent President and CEO of YMI. Later this Spring, the Board of Directors plans to develop a search committee for the purpose of fulfilling that role.

Dr. Almon is a well qualified individual to step in as interim President to replace Dr. Randy Smith who retired as President effective the end of 2022. Dr. Almon has a prior history with YMI and is familiar with its personnel, board members, and the organization itself over many years. He is a well respected business owner and has a long history of ministry in youth related organizations for many years. His credentials include an academic teaching background as well as ministerial roles.

“There is only one vision statement for the body of Christ, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you,” Dr. Almon said during the board meeting.

“YMI is the perfect, proven vehicle for the delivery of Jesus’ good news,” he continued.  “With the vast majority of young people outside of the United States the founders realized the necessity of formally training pastors throughout the nations to reach their younger generation using the proven curriculum and skills that are the foundation of YMI.”

Dr. Almon further stated, “I am privileged to serve in the position of interim President in the times we find ourselves.  YMI keeps Jesus and his work central.   The Gospel of Christ is our foundation.  Our vision is to keep moving forward ‘training the trainers’ to target young people for the kingdom of God.”

Dr. Almon is charged with leading YMI in various areas of its continued ministry of training youth pastors around the world through certified academic programs administered by YMI trainers and adjunct professors within the context of formal agreements with foreign national seminaries and colleges. Additionally, YMI has a continued relationship with 33 Centers for Youth Ministry in Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Europe and Latin America.

Board member and Treasurer Paul Mier stated, “Dr. Gary Almon will excel as interim President of Youth Ministry International after the retirement of our founding CEO and President, Dr. Randy Smith.  Not only does Gary have great credentials and is well connected in Christian academia and global missions, but he brings proven discerning leadership with a warm spirit filled personality to help guide YMI to reaching the lost youth across the globe.  His enthusiasm is contagious!”

More information about Youth Ministry International and Dr. Almon can be found at the organization’s website: www.ymitraining.com, or by phone at 502-493-9530.