Dr. Michael Youssef Announces Transition to Full-Time National and International Ministry

For nearly four decades, God has used Dr. Michael Youssef to faithfully shepherd His people through the local church while simultaneously proclaiming the uncompromising Truth of the Gospel to the nations. Today, in obedience to God’s leading and with deep gratitude for His faithfulness, Dr. Michael Youssef announces a significant ministry transition.

Beginning in summer 2026, Dr. Youssef will devote his full-time energy to Leading The Way, the global ministry God entrusted to him to proclaim Christ, call the Church to revival, and reach the lost—especially in the most difficult and spiritually resistant regions of the world.

This transition, prayerfully discerned and prepared for over several years, was formally announced during the annual congregational meeting of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta. At that time, leadership of the local church will be passed to Dr. Youssef’s youngest son, Dr. Jonathan Youssef, whom God has clearly raised up for this next season of growth and ministry.

Now that God has raised up my son Jonathan to lead The Church of The Apostles into its next chapter, I will be devoting my full attention to Leading The Way,” said Dr. Michael Youssef. “I am deeply thankful to the Lord, and I know that the best is yet to come.

A Legacy of Faithful Local Church Leadership

Dr. Youssef founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with a clear Biblical mandate: to reach the lost and equip the saints. From its first gathering of fewer than 30 people, the church has grown into a thriving congregation of more than 3,000—rooted in the inerrancy of Scripture, the Lordship of Christ, and the faithful exposition of God’s Word.

While stepping away from day-to-day pastoral leadership, Dr. Youssef will continue his relationship with the church as Founding Rector Emeritus, ensuring continuity, spiritual support, and prayerful encouragement for the congregation and its leaders.

Accelerating the Mission of Leading The Way

This transition marks not a slowing down—but a decisive acceleration of Dr. Youssef’s global calling.

Leading The Way currently broadcasts Biblically-based teaching more than 18,000 times each week across television, radio, and digital platforms—reaching millions in 28 languages, including extensive ministry throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and other restricted regions.

With his full-time focus now directed to this global mission, Dr. Youssef is advancing several critical initiatives, including:

• Expansion of THE KINGDOM SAT television network, reaching Muslims with the Gospel of Jesus Christ

• Growth of the AWAKE America prayer movement, calling the American church to repentance and revival

• New waves of Finding True Peace evangelistic outreach

• High-impact evangelistic events across the Middle East and beyond

• Increased digital engagement and discipleship in restricted and unreached areas

I want to take as many people to heaven with me as possible,” Dr. Youssef said. “We do not know how long the doors will remain open to proclaim the Gospel. That is why I am putting my foot on the accelerator now.

One Calling—Two Distinct Ministries

While Leading The Way and The Church of The Apostles will continue as separate 501(c)(3) organizations, both remain united by a shared theological foundation and a singular devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Each ministry will continue to operate under its own Board of Directors, leadership structure, and mission focus.

This transition reflects a Biblical principle seen throughout Scripture: faithful leadership passed on, so that the mission of God may advance without interruption (2 Timothy 2:2).

A Call to Prayer and Partnership

As Dr. Youssef steps fully into this next chapter of ministry, we ask believers around the world to pray—for wisdom, protection, and boldness—as the Gospel advances into regions where the name of Christ is often opposed, restricted, or dangerous to proclaim.

The urgency of this hour cannot be overstated. Apostasy is rising. Biblical illiteracy is spreading. Yet God has placed before us open doors.

And by His grace, Leading The Way will walk through them—unashamed of the Gospel, unwavering in Truth, and unrelenting in the call to repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. —Matthew 24:14