Christian Emphasis

Founded in 1844 by George Williams and eleven Christian young men, the Y has a long history of building a healthy spirit, mind and body for all through Christian principles. For many of our members and staff we describe our Christian principles as loving, caring and serving as the hands and heart of Christ, for all. We strive to emphasize actions and attitudes that reflect the Golden Rule, encouraging all members to live out their diverse beliefs and faith at the Y as they participate in our mission.  

Although the YMCA is not a church, we are a Christian-focused organization with a strong religious heritage that has deeply shaped our work across the country and the world. We believe that our Christian principles can help us be for all in healthy ways as we build up individuals and families from all walks of life. Alongside this, we offer faith-based programming and events throughout the year, as well as partner with Christian churches and organizations to further strengthen the foundations of our community. 

Good Friday Breakfast

An annual event started in 2005 that brings together hundreds of people from across the city for a great morning of Christian inspiration, encouragement, and challenge.

National Day of Prayer

Christians from around the community gather for prayer on the first Thursday of May at each of our membership branches to pray for our nation and neighborhoods, for guidance and grace to love, care and serve our schools, families, local leaders, and congregations.  

Inspire

This two-hour training offered throughout the year is designed to help members think through how to live out their faith at their YMCA branch. 

Father's Day Run-Walk-Ruck 

Did you know that many churches and the YMCA helped establish Father's Day in the United States? We partner with Associated Churches to celebrate dads and father-figures in our community through a family-friendly community event, the Father's Day 5K.

Enneagram Training

Throughout the year we offer training on how to use the Enneagram to build up a healthier spirit and mind from a Christian perspective.

Flourishing For All Blog

Click here to subscribe to the Christian Emphasis blog: Flourishing For All - it includes posts on ways the Christian principles in our mission can strengthen how we are "for all" in our community.

Navigating Finances God's Way

Throughout the year we offer sessions on how to improve your personal finances from a Christian perspective.

GriefShare

A program available at many of our membership branches throughout the year, providing a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.

Prayer Walks

Throughout the year we plan training and scheduled opportunities to walk through your community to encourage, listen and pray for people you meet.

YMCA Devotions on YouVersion

Click here to view and access devotions written by YMCA leaders published on the YouVersion Bible app (available for free).

Follow on Instagram

For updates and stories on YMCA Christian Emphasis activities in our association and branches, click here to follow ymca.spiritmindbody on Instagram

Volunteering & Internships

Students and adults interested in a volunteer or an internship opportunity with the Christian Emphasis department can request information at volunteer@fwymca.org

YMCA Chaplains Program

To schedule a time to meet with a local Christian minister that serves as a YMCA chaplain in a branch near you, please contact your local branch:

• Pastor Jason Morris at First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, Central Branch YMCA: 260.755.4800
• Pastor Cindy Garver at Waynedale United Methodist Church, YMCA Youth Services Bureau: 260.459.7511
• Eric Burkhardt, Parkview Family YMCA: 260.755.4854
• Youth Pastor Tim Grant at Covenant United Methodist Church, Parkview Family YMCA: 260.755.4854
• Pastor Brian Menzie, Grace Gathering Church at Parkview Family YMCA: 260.755.4854
• Ashley Moreland, St. Joe Church at the Y at Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA: 260.755.4923
• Pastor Art Herrick at Laotto Christian Church, Whitley County Family YMCA: 260.244.9622
• Pastor Christi Murray at Columbia City United Methodist Church, Whitley County Family YMCA: 260.244.9622
• Pastor Amanda Daniels at The Foundry Church, Whitley County Family YMCA: 260.244.9622
• Patrick Duff, Whitley County Family YMCA: 260.244.9622
• Shanon Roberts, Whitley County Family YMCA: 260.244.9622
• Pastor Gary and Kay Heishman, Abiding Place Church at Renaissance Pointe YMCA: 260.447.4567
• Pastor Clark Stoller, Living Water United Church, Caylor-Nickel Foundation Family YMCA: 260.565.9622
• Pastor Nathan DeVaux, Kingdom Collective at Jorgensen Family YMCA: 260.755.4828
• Jackie Stuck at Jorgensen Family YMCA: 260.755.4828
• Pastor Ron & Sonja Walker, Westview Alliance Church at Jorgensen Family YMCA: 260.755.4828
• Pastor Graham Boll, Westview Alliance Church at Jorgensen Family YMCA: 260.755.4828
• Vanessa Candreva at Jorgensen Family YMCA: 260.755.4828 & Parkview Family YMCA: 260.755.4854

For more information on becoming a volunteer chaplain in one of our YMCA branches, please contact Pastor Gabrielle Ginder, our YMCA Chaplain Coordinator: gabrielle@nlfw.org

YMCA + Church Collaborations 

Several of our branches have a congregation that meets in our Y facility for Sunday worship as well as partner with the Y staff as committee, program and event volunteers. It's a collaboration that seeks to benefit the Y, the church, and the community. 

• Pastor Brian Menzie, Grace Gathering Church at Parkview Family YMCA
• Pastor Ashley Moreland, St. Joe at the Y at Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA
• Pastor Nathan DeVaux, Kingdom Collective at Jorgensen Family YMCA
• Pastor Gary and Kay Heishman, Abiding Place Church at Renaissance Pointe YMCA
• Pastor Amanda Daniels at The Foundry Church, Whitley County Family YMCA: 260.244.9622

YMCA Christian Emphasis Committees 

Each branch has a committee that supports Christian Emphasis events initiatives amongst the staff and members, primarily around prayer and encouragement, holiday events, and program support. Contact your branch Executive Director about how to get more involved. 

For more information on Christian Emphasis programs and events at the Y, please contact Tim Hallman, our Christian Emphasis Director: tim_hallman@fwymca.org / 260.755.4964

The mission of the YMCA: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

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