Morgan Schmidt

I’m at First Presbyterian because I’m amazed at the way this spiritual community seeks to love our neighbors and broader community; how we’re contending for justice and dignity for all people; and how we are open to others’ to the point of revolutionary collaborations – such as the Bend Youth Collective and beyond.

I’ve been a youth pastor for 10 years, serving church communities in Boston and Seattle, and now I’m thrilled to settle down in Bend. I also have the privilege of participating in conversations about progressive youth ministry nationwide, where I occasionally get to speak at conferences and published a book called Woo: Awakening Teenagers’ Desire to Follow in the Way of Jesus. It’s not everybody’s dream, but I can’t think of anything I’d rather invest my life in than encouraging teens and 20-somethings to become more whole as they explore what it means to follow in the way of Jesus and participate in the restoration of all things.

I can’t believe I get to call this beautiful place home. I love playing outside – hiking, riding bikes, playing on the Deschutes and Metolius Rivers, and walking my faithful and overzealous golden retriever, Buddy.