By Kevin Spear

San Antonio, and the International Youth Convention of the Church of God, hold a special place in Chip Taylor’s heart. He comments, “It was at San Antonio, IYC1992, where I began walking out my path to ministry. Intern Academy got its footing at IYC San Antonio 2008 when we took our first action steps.” He can’t wait to return this year—again as a featured speaker!

Chip grew up in Colorado where his father was a Church of God pastor. He has attended every International Youth Convention since 1986 in Long Beach, California. He graduated from Mid-America Christian University. After internships in Washington State and Phoenix, Arizona, and the experience of that fateful IYC1992, Chip fell in love with student ministries. For over twenty-eight years, that calling has led to his own fruitful youth ministry.

Though he had the privilege to speak at IYC2010, Chip was surprised and humbled when the coordinators invited him to speak at IYC2022. While he has spoken at IYC and several state youth conventions, Chip’s bent has always been serving the local church, students, and leadership development.

When asked how to engage today’s youth, Chip said, “You have to be relational with today’s youth. You have to go to their turf. Positions don’t work anymore. You have to identify each kid as they are and acknowledge them. Relationships take precedence over roles.”

Chip has taken that relational approach to his students at the Church of God congregation in Scottsdale, Arizona. Leadership is a big part of his ministry at McDowell Church. “God wants to use young people now, [don’t] wait! From David, the shepherd boy, to King Josiah, God has always used young people. They have so many opportunities today to make a difference!”

His commitment to raising young leaders was the genesis for Intern Academy, which is a network of ministry interns. Chip says, “It was birthed in our Youth Ministry Team and Youth Network Team in the years before, but we actually got our footing at IYC2008.” New interns are paired with a mentor to continue their leadership growth. Chip says, “It is a passion of mine. It exists as a pipeline to raise up leaders.”

Chip sees the Intern Academy as complementary to IYC. It’s a place for young people, who feel the call to ministry can test and develop their skills in the company of more seasoned leaders.

The theme for IYC2022 is “Upgrade,” based on Isaiah 43:14–21. Chip’s passion for Jesus, young people, and leadership are sure to help others see what new things God is doing in their lives and prepare for a big upgrade.

Student ministries and youth groups everywhere won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to “upgrade” and hear Chip Taylor challenge and encourage all who will listen. Register and learn more about IYC2022 San Antonio, Texas, at www.iyc2022.org. Stay tuned for more speaker and artist announcements!

Kevin Spear has worked for Warner Christian Resources (formerly Warner Press) and has regularly contributed time and talent to the work of Church of God Ministries. He is a ministry partner with his wife Paula, a family ministry pastor at Catalyst Church in Pendleton, Indiana.