Who We Serve

The People

Our office primarily serves Ministry Leaders who have been empowered by their Pastor/Director with the role to coordinate ministry with middle school-aged, high school-aged, college-aged, and young adult individuals within their entity. Ministry Leaders may be full-time, part-time, or volunteer. 

Secondarily to ministry leaders, our office serves Ministry Team Volunteers, as well as direct constituents (middle school-aged, high school-aged, college-aged, and young adult individuals). Ministry Team Volunteers support ministry within their entity by following the leadership of their Ministry Leader. 

The Initiatives

At the heart of our mission is empowering young people and ministry leaders to climb higher with Christ and build communities of purpose. Our four core initiatives—Summit, Basecamp, Ascend, and Outpost—create a path of encounter, formation, and mission:

  • Larger gatherings and retreats that are designed to care for our leaders by offering specific time for prayer, worship, and renewal with a nationally known ministry expert.

  • Focused training sessions and workshops designed to strengthen ministry skills and support parish teams in practical, mission-driven formation.

  • Half year-long formation and coaching program for new ministry leaders, equipping them in spiritual, human, intellectual, pastoral, operational, and methodological development.

  • Opportunity to connect with fellow leaders on mission in a collaborative, relationship-building environment, typically held out in the community.

Strategic Ministry Development

Strategic Ministry Development (SMD) supports the goal of our office to form missionary disciples for Jesus Christ through a collaborative approach that is uniquely tailored to individual ministry leaders and their parish or school communities. The intention is to elevate ministry efforts in the community through mentorship and coaching in the areas of spiritual, human, intellectual, operational, pastoral, and methodological formation. 

With the support of pastors and supervisors, we want to come to know your communities, their charisms, and their culture - utilizing a “boots on the ground” mentality - in order to discern the Gospel response to the current ministry realities, which would be reflected in our crafted strategic goals. 

Strategic Ministry Development may take the form of an SMD Covenant, an SMD Lite, or SMD Coaching. It is available to all ministry leaders supported by our office - paid or volunteer - responsible for youth, young adult, or campus ministries.

Together, these initiatives form a dynamic ecosystem that supports discipleship, leadership, and mission across the Diocese of Dallas.

To access these service materials and other resources, please use your ministry login in the navigation bar at the top of the screen.