A Unique Calling
Even before he was born, it was evident that God had a vision for Michael Amerhom Youssef. Against doctors’ recommendations to terminate the at-risk pregnancy, his parents chose life after God intervened, sending the family pastor to reassure them that this child would be “born to serve the Lord.” His mother gave birth and lived to see him surrender his life to the Lord in 1964 at age.
Dr. Michael Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States and fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. He holds degrees from Moore College in Sydney, Australia, and Fuller Theological Seminary in California, with a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from Emory University. He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission to “Equip the Saints and Seek the Lost.” The church has since grown to a congregation of over 3000. This church on a hill was the launching pad for Leading The Way’s international ministry.
While heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached over the airwaves is a pastor’s heart, longing to feed and care for people. God has gifted Dr. Youssef with a bold voice to bring Biblical clarity to today’s issues and speak to a worldwide audience. The path he has walked has given him a thorough cross-cultural understanding and a firm grasp of Scripture.
Leading The Way claims Dr. Youssef as the ministry’s number one volunteer. He receives no compensation for his time, nor does he receive royalties from the sale of any of the resource materials he produces. Dr. Youssef has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Is the End Near?, Life-Changing Prayers, Heaven Awaits, and How to Read the Bible (As If Your Life Depends on It). He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 15 grandchildren.
The Story of Dr. Michael Youssef
Recent Interviews
Heaven and Hell
Dr. Michael Youssef on Life Today Live
July 3, 2024
Heaven and Hell
Dr. Michael Youssef on Susie Larson LIVE
June 17, 2024
World View and Current Events
Dr. Michael Youssef on The Watchman with Erick Stakelbeck
April 17, 2024
World View and Current Events
Dr. Michael Youssef WMCA’s LIVE Prayer in Times Square
October 16, 2023
World View and Current Events
Dr. Michael Youssef on CBN News
March 6, 2020
Tracing God's Faithfulness
1948
Born to Serve the Lord
Michael Amerhom Youssef is born to Amerhom and Noza Youssef in Assiut, Egypt. Although doctors had advised them to terminate the at-risk pregnancy, God sent the family pastor to reassure the Youssefs, “This child will be born to serve the Lord.”
1964
From Rebellion to Obedience
Following an invitation from his older brother, Michael reluctantly attends an evangelistic meeting and, at the age of 16, surrenders his life to Christ. “I was the first one to respond,” Dr. Youssef says. “That night my life was changed forever.”
1968
Escape from Egypt
During a time of growing unrest in Egypt, God calls Michael to prepare for a preaching ministry in the U.S. and miraculously provides a way for him to leave Egypt.
1969-1975
New Beginnings
After attending Bible school in Lebanon, God calls Michael to Australia, where he meets and marries his wife Elizabeth, studies at Moore Theological College, and is later ordained. He continues to sense God’s call to cross-cultural ministry.
1977-1984
An Open Door to America
Michael and his family travel to America, where he studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, achieves a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Emory University, and begins working for the Haggai Institute training pastors and church leaders.
1987
The Church on the Hill
Michael and founding members officially plant The Church of The Apostles, which later finds a home along the second busiest highway in the country—a refuge in the middle of Atlanta whose influence will eventually reach the world.
1988
The Beginning of a Global Ministry
At the encouragement of Michael’s peers, Leading The Way’s ministry is founded, beginning with 60-second radio programs in Atlanta. Dr. Youssef says, “What I couldn’t see at the time was that God would use it to fulfill His global vision.”
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