CASPER (BP) – Its distinction as the country’s least populous state can factor into the tendency to overlook Wyoming. Doing so, however, means missing a response to the Gospel that is both indicative of the ministry work there, as well as what is achievable anywhere else.
“We’ve seen a 100 percent increase in baptisms from 2023 to 2025, so we’re praising God for that. We also just had a wonderful Youth Evangelism Conference with Shane Pruitt as our speaker,” said Rondie Taylor, state executive. “That brought a record attendance of 300 students and leaders. With over a third of our churches there, we saw at least 30 professions of faith with many rededications and responses to a ministry calling.”
Taylor, who has been in his role for two-and-a-half years, pointed to those who have bought in on the importance of sharing the Gospel.
“Our pastors and churches have really invested in evangelism,” he said.
Those results, Taylor added, are coming from a variety of ministry contexts. Hispanic churches are reporting growth, as are college and youth ministries. Outreach efforts in prisons are bringing fruit as well.
“It’s in every kind of church, and we’re seeing that play out with youth and events like YEC,” Taylor said.
The previous attendance mark for Wyoming’s YEC was 200. There were 225 baptisms recorded in the state in 2023. In 2025, that figure jumped to 450.
Pruitt, the North American Mission Board’s Next Gen director, spoke on April 17 and later shared on social media his excitement over the number of salvations, asking others to join him in prayer over the new believers.
In another post the next day, he encouraged youth leaders to ditch “fluff and puff” Bible teaching when it comes to students.
“They want Spirit and Truth,” he said. “They are hungry for truth, so preach the Bible. Let the Scriptures dictate the topic. Let the Scriptures dictate the illustrations. Let the Scriptures dictate the application. Teach the Word of God.”
Taylor said the events in Wyoming reflect what is possible elsewhere.
“Our youth leaders are excited about the trends we’re seeing across the country. Students are interested in spiritual things, and the Gospel is the answer. They’re answering the call to ministry and inviting their friends [to events and church].”
The state has revamped an intentional investment in youth and children’s ministry, he noted. Three youth camps – including one focused on missions – join another week for children at the Mountain Top Baptist Assembly Camp outside of Casper.
Taylor’s wife, Melody, has taken the lead in developing events for children and training for volunteers. Ed Tharp, a longtime student and collegiate pastor in Casper who now serves there as senior pastor at Boyd Avenue Baptist, has remained active in similar leadership and guidance for student events. Reuben Marlow, pastor of Living Hope Church in Green River, and others have taken similar roles.
Breakout sessions during YEC for youth leaders reflect ongoing efforts across the state to resource ministers. For 20 years, Gateway Seminary has offered training for pastors and student ministers online as well as in person.
“A lot of our youth leaders get trained in all aspects of ministry and theology,” said Taylor. “A third of our pastors have gone through the advanced seminary program that Gateway offers.
“We’re seeing results from all over the state. I credit our pastors, churches and their evangelistic efforts. We’re seeing the results play out.”
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