Mike Ott

Kids will be kids. And Old Mission’s Director of Youth Ministries is definitely a kid at heart. Luckily, Mike Ott has also got the energy to match the spirited liveliness of Old Mission’s youth. A member of the church since age 8, Mike began overseeing the church’s youth program in July of 2007. Since then he has added the responsibilities of Praise Band Administrator and Website Content Administrator.

“I love that the youth have so much energy,” Mike says. “They’re very caring and love helping others. They’re always ready to talk to me about how their week is going, what’s going on in school, etc. It feels great not only to connect with, but to help guide a younger generation.”

Mike leads junior and senior high students every Sunday night during UMYF fellowship where they have dinner and a Christian lesson, usually revolving around pertinent topics like dating, friends, peer pressure, patience, family or entertainment. The youth also participate in other fun events year-round — from local yard raking projects to bowling, going to Worlds of Fun and visiting the zoo.

Mike also plans the youth’s annual summer mission trip, which has included helping needy individuals alongside other youth from across the country in places like Farwell, Michigan; Elmira, New York, Lead, South Dakota, Denver, Colorado, Red Lake, Minnesota and Martinsburg, West Virginia.

It was a mission trip to Zimbabwe his sophomore year in college that really opened Mike’s eyes to God’s work in the world. “When I was younger I came to church because that’s what my parents told me to do. And when I became old enough to choose for myself, I didn’t always make the best choice. It was that trip that brought me closer to God. Since then I’ve become extremely involved in the church. Whether it be helping with Vacation Bible School, going on other mission trips or singing with the Contemporary Worship Band.”

The Kansas City native says that Old Mission’s ability to change with the times has drawn members of his family to the church for 60 years. “We aren’t stagnant. We’re constantly growing and trying to make this an even better place to grow in our relationship with God.”

More fun facts about Mike:

What’s your favorite food(s)?

Anything Italian, especially linguine and clams. I’m also a big fan of Greek, Chinese and Thai. And who could forget corned beef and cabbage?

As a child, what did you want to be when you “grew up”? I wanted to be an actor.....or a Ninja Turtle.

What’s your favorite sports team?  ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK, GO KU!!!

What is your idea of a perfect day? Waking up and having a ham and cheese omelet on a balcony overlooking the ocean, and then walking around exploring a new city, finding new things to do. Then having fresh seafood on the beach for dinner. (And somewhere in there KU should win the National Championship ... again!)

Tell us about your family...

My grandparents on my mom's side were early members of the Yankee Class. My mom and dad both go to Old Mission. My mom is Witness Lay Leader, rings in the bell choir and helped start this Web site. She works for a technology company in Lenexa. My dad works for the government.  In his spare time you will find him and my younger brother Chris on the golf course.