Dakotah Mote originally hails from Dallas, Texas. A graduate of Sterling College (Kansas), he is a second-year Master of Divinity student at Yellowstone Theological Institute.
Tell us a little about yourself—background, family, hobbies, etc.
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Both of my parents are pastor’s kids and I’m the oldest of three boys. I loved playing baseball and got a scholarship to play baseball in college. I played at Sterling College in Kansas where God pulled on my heart to drop what I was doing and go into ministry. Long story short, He led me to YTI in Bozeman, Montana. I love to go on hikes, golf, write, and go on drives.
Why did you decide to pursue your master’s degree with YTI?
I wanted to go to a seminary that values relationships and teaches pastors how to be pastors; to shepherd the flock that God has gifted you with. A lot of seminaries focus heavily on academics or ministry as a profession, but YTI stands out because it emphasizes transformation, not just information. It is a place where professors walk alongside students, modeling pastoral care while equipping us with the tools to engage faithfully in Scripture, theology, and ministry. I chose YTI because I didn’t just want to earn a degree, I wanted to be formed into a faithful servant of Christ who can shepherd well.
Do scholarships play a significant role for you attending YTI?
Yes and no. Yes, meaning my scholarships helped in my decision to attend YTI, but no, in that they weren’t the ultimate factor. I would have pursued YTI regardless because of its unique emphasis on relationships, pastoral formation, and discipleship. The scholarships simply made it more feasible and removed financial barriers, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and ministry preparation.
What areas of ministry are you currently involved in?
I’m currently a youth director at a local church here in Bozeman. Honestly I have YTI to thank for that job. The MDiv requires a mentorship/internship. So I asked the church I was attending, and long story short, it turned into a job offer.
What are your long-term vocational plans?
Long term, I want to be a head pastor for a church. When that will happen—I have no idea. Right now, I’m called to be a youth pastor for middle and high school students. I’m loving it!
How do you see your education at YTI equipping you for current and future ministry roles?
I see my education at YTI equipping me both for my current ministry and for the future by grounding me in Scripture, theology, and pastoral practice while also shaping my character as a shepherd. In my current role, YTI is giving me tools to teach the Word more faithfully, lead with wisdom, and engage students in a way that points them to Christ. For the future, YTI is preparing me to serve the Church with a deeper theological foundation, a heart for discipleship, and the ability to navigate the challenges of ministry with humility and resilience. It is not only an academic journey but a formative one, shaping me into the kind of pastor who can walk alongside people in their joys, struggles, and faith.
How is being a student at YTI shaping you personally as a follower of Christ?
{The professors are} not just teachers but mentors, modeling what it means to follow Christ with humility and faithfulness. Their guidance reminds me that growth takes time, and that ministry flows out of who I am in Christ before what I do for Him. Being at YTI is shaping me to trust God’s timing, to lean on His Word, and to allow my relationship with Him to form the foundation of everything else in my life and ministry.
Why should someone consider studying at YTI?
Someone should consider studying at YTI because it’s not only a place of academic excellence but also of deep spiritual formation. In Bozeman, you are surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation, the mountains, rivers, and wide open skies that serve as a daily reminder of His majesty and presence. YTI brings together that environment with a community of professors and students who genuinely care about walking in faith together. It’s a seminary where you aren’t just learning theology from a book, but living it out in a setting that constantly points you back to the Creator. If you want to be formed both in heart and mind for ministry, YTI offers a unique blend of rigorous study, relational mentorship, and the beauty of Bozeman.