While there’s really nothing new under the sun, things have changed. . . a lot. Those of us who have been involved in youth ministry for the long haul have been the given the “long view”, which is a perspective that is often overlooked but can’t be ignored. How has the cultural context of youth ministry changed?
The most obvious difference between doing ministry today and doing ministry twenty years ago is the impact of moving from the analog world of children and teens to a world saturated with digital technology. No doubt, you’ve heard, seen, and battled with how to minister to kids who are more tethered to and influenced by the world within their smartphones than anything else. And when we think that we are just a few steps into the digital frontier. . . well, there’s all kinds of stuff we will need to navigate with them in the weeks, months, and years ahead.
Those of you familiar with our work at The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding know that we are committed to scouting out the cultural landscape so that those who care for, love, and minister to kids will understand the cultural context that they, as true cross-cultural missionaries, have been called to minister to. It’s that responsibility to bring the unchanging Word of God to bear on the changing world of today’s youth culture that drives our work here.
In just a little over two weeks, youth workers young and old from near and far will be gathering together at the 3rd Northeast Youth Ministry Summit to be encouraged and equipped to minister more effectively in the midst of a rapidly changing world. Our theme is “Changing World, Unchanging Word.” You can learn more about NYMS and register (space is still available!) here.
We’ve designed and curated a youth ministry training event that addresses some of the most pressing issues you are facing in your youth ministry, bringing together experienced practitioners to train you in ways that are practical, hope-filled, and faithful to biblical-truth and God’s good order and design.
When NYMS opens on Monday, March 17 at 2pm, attendees will kick-off our four days together by choosing one of four Opening Intensives which will set the table for the rest of our time together. If you’re already registered to attend, start thinking now about where you need to land in order to be equipped to better minister to your students and their families. If you’re not yet registered and you plan to register to attend, here are the four Opening Intensive options. . . and this is just the start, as the rest of the Summit will offer up six plenary sessions along with 22 additional breakout seminars.
Biblical Guidance for Youth and Parents in an LGBTQ+ Affirming World -Dr. Joan McConnell & Ellen Dykas, from HarvestUSA
The gospel offers everything we need as we navigate life in a world which is increasingly unmoored from biblical truth. We all need the truth of God which gives courage and wisdom to remain faithful to Christ, compassion to come alongside strugglers, and correction for when we get off track. This intensive will unpack these ideas with the goal of giving biblical guidance and practical application for leaders who not only care for youth, but also the parents of teens. We’ll do this in two parts: First, we’ll consider how we got to where we are culturally with a free for all concerning sexuality and gender, and the implications for ministry to teens. Then, we’ll help you assess how to understand youth who are embracing an LGBTQ+ identity, as well as biblical anchors to equip their parents.
Building a Healthy Youth Ministry – Doug Franklin, from LeaderTreks
Doug Franklin will help you construct a healthy youth ministry. We will focus on connecting mission, strategy, and programming for maximum results. We will also discuss how to train volunteers and communicate with parents. An effective youth ministry has everyone on the same page and going in the same direction. Join us as we learn how to construct and communicate how to lead an effective youth ministry.
Discipleship for Students Impacted By Disability – Ashley Belknap, from Engaging Disability With The Gospel
This seminar will focus on strategies for Bible teaching that go a step beyond sitting and listening in a lecture-style Sunday school or large group. Participants will learn appropriate long-term and short-term goals when teaching students the Bible. You will learn ways to discern the needs of your students individually (for 1:1 and small groups) and collectively (for large groups). We will discuss ways to adjust your teaching for the present needs in the classroom and creative ways to increase support for students with greater needs without changing your entire strategy. This seminar will also help you understand the basics of unique learning differences, the place for motivation, and ways to increase each student’s ability to pay attention. We will also discuss how to support relational growth between the student impacted by disability and his or her leaders and peers.
Faith Meets Culture: Practical Steps For Engaging Culture In Youth Ministry – Dr. Walt Mueller, from CPYU
Because the culture is changing at breakneck speed, all youth workers, regardless of age, find themselves ministering to kids growing up in a culture far different from the one they experienced when they were teenagers themselves. As a result, we are all cross-cultural missionaries. In this practical opening intensive, Walt will show you how to accurately read and understand the many elements of today’s youth culture, along with teaching you how to apply God’s Word to current cultural trends in ways that equip students and their families to live counter-culturally to the glory of God. This seminar will be more of a workshop, incorporating lots of hands-on small-group practice of the skills taught.
Again, there’s still time to register and we’d love to have you join us! Learn more and register today at Nymsummit.org!