About Us
An interesting read for when you're bored
The Youth Ministry Garage is our new name (for the first 163 episodes, we didn’t have an official name), but our podcast has existed since early 2006.
Prior to the launch, Doug, Josh, & Matt were talking youth ministry and technology while eating a few too many plates of all-you-could-eat gyros.
What kind of a place sells all-you-can-eat gyros?
The kind of place where dreams are born! After savoring mountains of Greek food (at a restaurant that has since closed down), Matt and Josh began their weekly quest to convince Doug to get over his fear of this emerging technology: the world wide web.
Doug said, “Its just a fad.”
But little did he know that he would soon take his first steps into a much larger, virtual world. A few days later we gave birth to our very first internet podcast. Episode 00 was so much fun that the guys kept getting together every other week (or so)… and have been doing so for years.
During these years, children have been born. Weight was been both lost and gained (more gained). More children were born (McGill and Griff have given birth to a gaggle of kids). And, three different women have graced the seat with the boys—most recently, the Queen of Youth Ministry—Katie Edwards (we’re praying she doesn't quit).
So the show, born out of the afterglow of a Greek feast, now is the most popular youth ministry show ever filmed in Doug’s garage. This podcast has won multiple awards (one real one and one they gave themselves).
Highlights of the podcast have been (1) when people send them free stuff, (2) filming some live shows in front of an audience of hundreds, and (3) when Josh arrives on time to record the show.
We hope you will enjoy the Youth Ministry Garage and become part of our team (that’s what we call our “regulars”) who are now part of our legendary story.
We realize our podcast is an acquired taste … much like an old plate of half-eaten gyros (and who hasn’t been there)… so be sure try a few episodes before you quit.
-The Youth Ministry Garage Team
Doug Fields is the guru of youth ministry. We tried other words instead of guru, geisha just didn’t look right. He is balding, malnourished, and is afraid of technology advancements for fear of the rise of the antichrist. He’s been a full-time youth pastor for 28 years, a volunteer for the last 2, and written 50 jillion (yes, with a j) books about youth ministry, marriage, and discipleship. Married father of 3. You can find out more about Doug at www.dougfields.com.
Josh Griffin was tempted to list his name first because he volunteered to write content for the bios. He was smart enough to know that Doug’s name should be listed first if he wanted anyone to watch the show. He is the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. Married father of 4. You can find more about Josh at www.morethandodgeball.com.
Katie Edwards is the glue that holds the show together. She has sensitive upper arms and a huge heart for fostering/adoption. She’s partnered in the writing of several books, she’s an expert in volunteer ministry, and a great leader and developer of others. She is the Junior High Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. Married mother of 2+ (it changes every week or so).
Matt McGill loves gyros. His loud cackle has caused 14 deaths of people listening to the podcast on their headphones while on a treadmill. Matt's a pastor at Newport Mesa Church in California. He has close to 20 years of ministry experience and has created tons of youth ministry resources. Learn more about Matt at his blog Imitating Christ.