Morgan Schmidt

I’m at First Presbyterian because I’m amazed at the way this community is seeking to love our neighbors and 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 – through the Bend Youth Collective and beyond.

I’ve been a youth pastor for ten years, serving church communities in Boston and Seattle, and now am 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 river, and walking our faithful and overzealous golden retriever, Buddy.