3. Our Story and Leadership Team

Marathon Youth Ministry did not begin as a product or platform. It began as a response to real ministry experience—experience marked by joy, responsibility, exhaustion, and the deep desire to serve the Church well.

The organization exists because ministry leaders need formation and support that reflects the realities they face every day.

How Marathon Youth Ministry Began

After more than two decades serving in parish and diocesan ministry, Christopher Wesley experienced firsthand the challenges many leaders quietly carry:

• Expanding responsibilities with limited support

• Pressure to produce results without time to reflect

• Isolation in leadership roles

• A growing gap between intention and capacity

Marathon Youth Ministry was founded to address these realities—not by offering quick fixes, but by helping leaders develop clarity, shared language, and sustainable practices over time.

The name “Marathon” reflects this conviction: ministry is a long journey that requires pacing, support, and formation that lasts.

Leadership Rooted in Ministry Experience

Marathon Youth Ministry is led by practitioners who understand the Church from the inside. The work is shaped by:

• Years of direct ministry with young people and families

• Collaboration with parishes, dioceses, and national organizations

• Ongoing listening to leaders serving in diverse contexts

This grounding ensures that resources, coaching, and cohorts remain practical, pastoral, and realistic.

Christopher Wesley, Founder

Christopher Wesley is the founder and Executive Director of Marathon Youth Ministry. He has served the Church in a variety of leadership roles and is the author of Rebuilding Youth Ministry and Rebuilding Confirmation.

His work focuses on:

• Leadership formation for ministry professionals and volunteers

• Building sustainable systems for parish life

• Supporting leaders through seasons of transition and change

Christopher’s approach integrates pastoral theology, leadership development, and coaching frameworks to help leaders align their work with their motivations and capacity.

A Collaborative Approach

Marathon Youth Ministry regularly collaborates with diocesan offices, Catholic organizations, and formation partners. These collaborations help ensure that MYM remains connected to the broader life of the Church and responsive to emerging needs.

Leadership at MYM is not centralized around one voice, but strengthened through dialogue, partnership, and shared learning.

Why This Matters

Understanding the story behind Marathon Youth Ministry helps frame how to engage its resources. This work is not about scaling content for its own sake—it is about accompanying leaders who want to remain faithful, effective, and present over the long term.

Everything offered through MYM flows from that commitment.