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Redefining Success in Youth Ministry

Michael Marchand 

A packed room, a busy calendar, and a sold-out retreat can all look like success—but is the goal of youth ministry really just filling the room?

Join Michael Marchand of ProjectYM and author of Small-Group Discipleship: Forming Teens Through Intentional Mentorship and Consistent Community for a conversation about building a ministry that meets the real needs of today’s young people and remains focused on our ultimate goal: making disciples. Discover how a renewed approach to youth ministry can move beyond
measuring attendance and activities to foster meaningful relationships, lasting faith, and authentic discipleship.

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About the Presenter

Michael Marchand is author of Small-Group Discipleship, and president and cofounder of ProjectYM—an organization that helps Catholic youth ministers thrive through practical training, support, and coaching. With more than two decades in youth ministry, he now focuses on equipping the adults who serve young people every day.

Marchand earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Loyola University Chicago. In 2025, he received the Saint John Bosco Accompaniment Award from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry for his work with ProjectYM.

Marchand has spoken at regional and national conferences including the National Catholic Youth Conference, the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry, the New Diocesan Directors Institute. He and his team also lead dynamic, highly relational training experiences at the ProjectYM Mission Base.


He lives in Tennessee with his wife, Crystal, and their children.