POSTPONED – Dr. Angela Gorrell, “Always On: Social Media and Working with Youth.” In a time when people feel like they have to be always on, what can do we? Angela will share tips for leading constructive conversations about social media with young people and practical things you can do to help teenagers use social media in ways that nurture their well-being as well as express their Christian faith. Dr. Gorrell is Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Truett Seminary, Baylor University.

This event has been postponed.  Additional information will be provided shortly.

Dr. Mary Moschella delivers a lecture entitled, “Caring for Stories.”  Just what is pastoral care? Providing spiritual and emotional care for youth and for their families is a major part of a youth leader’s job, but many youth workers don’t have specific training in this area. How do you have a pastoral conversation with youth group members and/or their families? Active listening skills can enhance your ability to care for youth and the stories they share. Learn how to provide a safe and supportive environment for those entrusted to your care.  We will also consider questions about referral: how do you know when to speak to a pastor or recommend the assistance of a health care professional? Dr. Moschella is the Roger J. Squire Professor of Divinity at Yale Divinity School.

Dr. Andrew Root delivers a lecture entitled, “Youth Ministry in an Era of Over-Parenting: Moving from the Thing to the Story.”

Lecture synopsis: Youth workers know what it is to watch parents and youth participate in  multiple other activities.  Most families have limited time and space for youth ministry activities or youth group. Often parent(s) (and youth) express desire to participate, but say they have no time. A parent might even say, “Sorry we haven’t gotten to youth group in the last six months, it’s just that gymnastics is kind of her thing, it’s really who she is.” This can be frustrating for youth workers and some respond by contending that youth ministry needs to up the commitment level and move higher up the ranking of things. In this presentation we’ll explore together why this approach can’t work because the decisions parents and young people make exist inside very deep conceptions of what makes for a good life. In a time of limited time and unlimited options, youth ministry can’t – and shouldn’t – compete in ranking of important activities. Youth ministry should not be just another thing (like basketball, violin, or debate club). Instead, we should turn toward story to re-imagine what you ministry can be for.  Dr. Root is Professor and Carrie Olson Baalson Chair of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary.

“Project Next Generation: Creating A Nurturing Community Space for Youth Empowerment”

Rev. William Mathis delivers a lecture entitled, “Project New Generation: Creating a Nurturing Community Space for Youth Engagement.”  Sunday School…What is that? Youth Department…Where is that? Youth Ministry…When does that happen? Youth Engagement…How can we when they’re not here? If there is going to be “the church of tomorrow” it will be one that is a living and moving organism that encounters, experiences, and engages the realities of the present so that we may yield a future generation of believers.

Rev. Skip Masback delivers a lecture on, “Planning and Leading Retreats that Transform.” Youth long for experiences that will take them outside of the cramped, everyday patterns of their daily lives and connect them with something larger than themselves, with the unconditional love of God and neighbor. In this session, we explore how the Christian tradition of pilgrimage can inform a vision of youth retreats that change lives.