Chris Thompson has served as the Executive Director of Youth for Christ Metro Pittsburgh for 20 years, and served over 30 years on staff. Recently, he sat down with K-LOVE’s Closer Look to share what he’s seeing in today’s youth culture, and why he’s still showing up—day after day—for students across the Pittsburgh region.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
K-LOVE: Chris, what challenges are teenagers facing in Pittsburgh right now?
Chris Thompson: The challenges here are really no different than anywhere else. Anxiety, depression, fractured friendships, gender identity confusion—it’s all here. Kids are growing up faster, but without the maturity to make sense of what they know. That’s why they need adults who show up with wisdom and truth.
K-LOVE: For people who haven’t heard of Youth for Christ, what’s your mission?
Chris: Youth for Christ is almost 80 years old. Billy Graham was our first full-time staff member. Today, we partner with the local church to reach kids where they are. We build relationships and share the gospel. That happens through a ministry model called Campus Life, and in Pittsburgh, we’re in 16 different schools—middle and high schools—mostly south of the city.
K-LOVE: What does that look like day-to-day?
Chris: It’s different in every school. We might have a director visiting kids at lunch, teaching character development classes, or coaching sports. Some are substitute teachers. Others are just there—at games, in the stands, cheering kids on. Our presence opens the door to deeper conversations and trust.
K-LOVE: That sounds personal. Do you have a story that captures what Campus Life can do?
Chris: Lucas is one. He came to Campus Life in seventh grade with his hockey friends. Then he moved away for a year. When he came back as a ninth grader, he got invited again, this time by his girlfriend. By the end of that year, he gave his life to Christ. Now, he’s the one inviting others. That’s the ripple effect of consistent presence.
K-LOVE: You’re also a parent. How has that shaped your view of youth ministry?
Chris: I’m a dad of five. And what I tell every parent is: Don’t give up. You may feel like your words aren’t landing. You may feel shut out. But your presence still matters. Every decision we make for our kids should be rooted in love. Sometimes that love looks like perseverance.
K-LOVE: What about the local church? How does it fit in?
Chris: We’re here to support the church, not replace it. A lot of churches feel overwhelmed because there are fewer kids showing up. But when we partner with churches, families, we can reach more students. It takes all of us.
K-LOVE: If someone reads this and thinks, “I want this in my school,” what should they do?
Chris: Visit yfcmp.org. Let’s start a conversation. It only takes one person willing to pray and connect others. God is still calling people to the mission field, and today, that field includes our own neighborhoods and schools.
K-LOVE: Last question. After 30 years in ministry, are you encouraged by what you see?
Chris: I am. Schools are more open than they’ve been in years. They see kids hurting and they’re asking for help. And we’re seeing kids open to Jesus again. So yes, there’s a lot of work to do, but we are not without hope.
