On June 1, Young Life’s U.S. Field Group Senior Vice President Wiley Scott III announced the creation of a new office and its first leader to Young Life’s senior leadership:
“I’m excited to announce our friend Deacon Nathan Gunn as Young Life’s new senior director of Catholic Engagement. This role reflects our commitment to deepening relationships and collaboration with the Catholic Church around the world as we work together to reach more adolescents with the Gospel.”
Deacon Nathan brings 30 years of Young Life experience, having served in numerous leadership roles across the mission. A permanent Catholic deacon since 2016, he has been instrumental in building partnerships between Young Life and the Catholic Church in the United States and internationally, including work in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and, most recently, helping build Young Life’s connections with the Vatican.
In this role, Deacon Nathan will help strengthen and expand Young Life’s engagement with Catholic leaders, volunteers, and communities globally, with an immediate focus on key regions in the United States and Europe.
Deacon Nathan and his wife, Tammy, have faithfully served Young Life together for decades, and their entire family remains deeply involved in the mission.
"There is a renewed invitation at this moment.” Deacon Nathan said. “It appears the Holy Spirit is inviting all of us in the Body of Christ into something deeper, broader, and more unified. What if we answered Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and experienced God’s glory through true unity? Imagine what could be possible—how many kids could be reached and how differently the future could unfold."
In the legacy of Pope Francis and now, aligned with Pope Leo’s focus, this office will ensure that Catholics are not only welcome in Young Life but are thriving and helping inspire a new movement of volunteer leadership and participation. In the years ahead, Catholics and Protestants will work together across continents to respond to God’s invitation to be one.
When accepting his new role, Deacon Nathan paraphrased Pope Leo’s initial homily to the people of Rome roughly one year ago: “I assure you, my Young Life family, that I love you and that I desire only to enter into your service and to place my poor abilities, the little I have and am, at the service of you all.” (Homily of the Holy Father Leo XIV, Lateran Basilica, 25, May 2025).
Learn more about Deacon Nathan Gunn.
