Latest News
May Newsletter
Mental Health Month May is Mental Health Month. YMI offers a wealth of resources on the mental health issues most impacting youth today. We also have resources for youth leaders and churches to support youth in navigating these challenges. Team training modules: Tending to the Mental Health of Adolescents Mental Health Curriculum, Articles, and Research Best Practice…
April Newsletter
Summer Study – Classes are Filling Fast! YDS Summer Study offers those interested in theological enrichment to take a class taught by renowned YDS faculty. Classes are small in size, run Monday-Friday, June 6-10, and feature various topics designed to enlighten and educate. Spots are filling up fast so register soon! Summer Study includes opening and closing…
The California Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Project
The Child Mind Institute has created The California Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Project to provide students, leaders and parents with free, research-based videos and print resources to help youth learn critical mental health and coping skills. Focusing on five primary categories, the short videos are tailored to each audience and provide options for middle school…
Forthcoming Events

Past Events
November 2013
Rev. Skip Masback on The Arc of a Year: How Mission Drives a Youth Group Program Schedule
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"The Arc of a Year: How Mission Drives a Youth Group Program Schedule"
Rev. Skip Masback delivers a lecture entitled, "The Arc of a Year: How Mission Drives a Youth Group Program Schedule." Youth Ministry is more than wacky games and mission trips, and it’s even more than programs earnestly planned on the fly late Tuesday night after you’re done with the confirmation class and before you stagger home. Effective youth ministers work with their colleagues, youth group members and their parents to discern the youth ministry’s mission before turning to their calendars. As the saying goes, “We mostly hit what we’re aiming at in life”. This session will focus on alternative mission statements and how to craft a cycle of programming to drive those respective missions.Video
December 2013
Dr. Andy Root on Interpreting the Experience of Divorce for Youth Ministry and the Church
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"The Children of Divorce: Interpreting the Experience of Divorce for Youth Ministry and the Church"
Dr. Andy Root will deliver a lecture entitled, "The Children of Divorce: Interpreting the Experience of Divorce for Youth Ministry and the Church." This presentation will explore the impact of divorce on young people. Usually (both in the church and culture) we have seen divorce as a painful occurrence that can nevertheless be overcome if the young person can be taught to think correctly about the divorce of his or her parents (“it isn’t your fault!”). Yet, such a perspective tends to distract us from larger realities. Divorce at it core thrusts young people into questioning their very existence, “if I exist because of the relationship of these two people, who I am, and how can I be in the world, if they are no longer together?” This presentation will examine this all too common cultural reality from a philosophical and theological perspective, seeing what difference this makes for our ministries.Video
January 2014
Dr. David White on Missional Practices for Youth Ministry
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Participating with God: Missional Practices for Youth Ministry"
Dr. David White delivers a lecture entitled, "Participating with God: Missional Practices for Youth Ministry." Mission encounters are a staple in youth ministry and constitute an essential practice of Christian faith. This lecture will briefly survey the theological significance of mission, reveal the historical and developmental significance of missional activities for adolescents, and will suggest best practices for missional youth ministry.Video
March 2014
Dr. Rodger Nishioka on Youth Ministry and Technology
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Youth Ministry and Technology"
Dr. Rodger Nishioka delivers a lecture entitled, "Youth Ministry and Technology." 25 years ago we pretty much thought the only creature on the face of the earth that could legitimately create a “website” was a spider. Six years ago we thought the only creature that could “tweet” was a bird. Now we know differently. There is no such thing as “high tech” with youth ministry. Technology is the norm. It is the standard. So how do we do youth ministry in this technological age? Do we just join them on Twitter and Instagram? What about friending them on Facebook? What about the emerging trend of technology sabbaths? This session will focus on the opportunities and dilemmas surrounding technology and youth ministry. Together, we will explore basic guidelines and best practices around technology for our ministry with youth and their families.Video
April 2014
Rev. Mark DeVries on Sustainable Youth Ministry
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Sustainable Youth Ministry"
Rev. Mark DeVries delivers a lecture entitled, "Sustainable Youth Ministry." In the world of youth ministry, there are a handful of constant factors that thrive over the long haul. This seminar introduces participants to those factors and offers a strategic design for instilling these foundational patterns into the fabric of any youth ministry, regardless of its model. Mark DeVries identifies patterns that persistently show up in “stuck” ministries and introduces proven principles for moving beyond stuck-ness and progressing toward a ministry characterized by strategic forward motion. Sustainable youth ministries are led by successful systems leaders. Transformation of traditional person-centered/ program-centered ministries requires leaders who are equipped to make the leap from a short-term, patchwork ministry to one that promises staying power long after the current leadership team has moved on.Video
May 2014
Dr. Yolanda Smith on Exploring the Bible with Contemporary Youth
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Exploring the Bible with Contemporary Youth"
Dr. Yolanda Smith delivers a lecture entitled, "Exploring the Bible with Contemporary Youth." Many things capture the minds and imaginations of today’s youth—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, virtual games, flickr, tumblr, and so much more. In a media and technologically savvy world, how can today’s youth find time to explore the Word of God? This workshop will explore multiple ways of teaching the Bible with contemporary youth. Attention will be given to the nature of youth, creative approaching to teaching the Bible, and equipping youth to engage the text in a way that is meaningful and transformative in their lives.Video
June 2014
Dr. Anne E. Streaty Wimberly on Demands and Promises of Ministry with Black Youth
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Keep It Real: Demands and Promises of Ministry with Black Youth"
Dr. Anne E. Streaty Wimberly delivers a lecture entitled, "Keep It Real: Demands and Promises of Ministry with Black Youth." Assuring relevant and transforming ministry with today’s youth is one of the most important and difficult tasks of the Christian church. To accomplish this task with black youth, leaders must convey the promise of Christian living in tandem with working to counter negative messages these youth receive from a dominant and often racially unfriendly culture, personal crises, and generational separation. Dr. Wimberly will explore youth ministry leaders’ imperative attention to 3 Cs of urban youth ministry – Context, Critical Content, and Connection – that enables these leaders to ‘keep it real.’Video
Dr. Evelyn L. Parker on Tending the Sacred Souls of Teenage Girls
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Tending the Sacred Souls of Teenage Girls"
Dr. Evelyn Parker delivers a lecture entitled, "Tending the Sacred Souls of Teenage Girls." Lives of young adolescent girls are plagued with struggles of racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism and many other –isms. How does an adolescent girl foster her personal spirituality in the face of such beasts? Dr. Parker proposes that there are four essential components for nurturing a wholesome spirituality in adolescent girls: realization, resistance, resilience, and ritual. These four concepts and the practical ways in which they can be applied to the lives of young girls to help foster that strong sense of spirituality will be the cornerstone of this session.Video
Dr. Mark R. Gornik, Dr. Janice A. McLean-Farrell, and Dean Maria Liu Wong on Practicing Youth Ministry in the Global City
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"The Next Generation: Practicing Youth Ministry in the Global City"
Dr. Mark R. Gornik, Dr. Janice A. McLean Farrell, and Dean Maria Liu Wong deliver a lecture entitled, "The Next Generation: Practicing Youth Ministry in the Global City." This session will examine the practices of youth ministry in the global city, especially among African, Asian, West Indian, and Latin America churches. As new and globally linked churches in the United States are established, the transmission of faith between generations is a primary concern for parents and church leaders. Given this concern and the context of urban life, what are the opportunities and challenges for youth ministry in the city? This session will be based on the findings and ongoing activities of the Next Generation Project conducted by City Seminary of New York.Video
Pastors Rebecca and Jorge Gonzales on Mining Potential in Latino Youth
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Mining Potential in Latino Youth: Lessons Learned From Serving Youth in an Urban, Cultural Context"
Pastors Rebecca and Jorge Gonzales will deliver a lecture entitled, "Mining Potential in Latino Youth: Lessons Learned From Serving Youth in an Urban, Cultural Context." Regardless of the economic, cultural, and language barriers our youth face, they have the God-given potential to succeed in life. A listening heart, unconditional love, and safe-spaces instill confidence that transforms. We’ll share stories from our life’s work – “nuggets” found in the midst of poverty, abuse, violence and apathy.Video
Dr. Gregory C. Ellison on Caring for African American Young Men
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Cut Dead but Still Alive: Caring for African American Young Men"
Dr. Gregory C. Ellison, III delivers a lecture entitled, "Cut Dead but Still Alive: Caring for African American Young Men." To cut dead means to refuse to acknowledge another with the intent to punish. Dr. Ellison says this is the plight of many African American young men. They are stigmatized with limited opportunity, silenced, rarely seen, and made vulnerable by a lack of sustained introspection. In this lecture, we will explore ways in which caregivers can sow seeds of life into the minds of young African American men that can lead to a flourishing life.Video
October 2014
Dr. Christian Smith on Parents: The REAL Pastors
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Parents, the REAL Pastors: The Absolute Centrality of Parenting in Passion on Religious Faith and Practice to the Next Generation"
Professor Christian Smith delivers this year's Yale Divinity School Ensign Lecture, entitled, "Parents, the REAL Pastors: The Absolute Centrality of Parenting in Passing on Religious Faith and Practice to the Next Generation."Video
November 2014
The Rev. Dr. David C. Mahan on Youth Ministry and Contemporary Culture
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"The Youth Minister as [Cultural] Diagnostician"
The Rev. Dr. David C. Mahan delivers a lecture entitled, "The Youth Minister as [Cultural] Diagnostician." The difficulties of connecting young people with faith requires every minister to become an able diagnostician of contemporary culture. With the glut of generational profiles, however, we often strain to figure out how to make that connection with the individuals in our churches and ministries. This talk will offer a different model, called “Faultlines,” that will help us not only to make faith relevant, but resonant with young people today.Video
December 2014
Tim Walsh on Awareness, Prevention and Empowerment
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Awareness, Prevention and Empowerment: A Discussion on the Role of Ministry & Teenage Substance Abuse"
Tim Walsh delivers a lecture entitled, "Awareness, Prevention and Empowerment: A Discussion on the Role of Ministry & Teenage Substance Abuse." In a time when substance abuse is being declared an “epidemic,” let us gather to learn more about the facts, the fallacies, and most importantly, the role youth ministry plays as a part of the solution.Video
January 2015
Dr. Matt Croasmun on Engaging Music in Youth Ministry
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Engaging Music in Youth Ministry"
Dr. Matt Croasmun delivers a lecture entitled, "Engaging Music in Youth Ministry." Music is an important component of the lives of our youth and of our congregations. And yet, music is often a point of disconnect for youth in our churches. Matt Croasmun describes practical ways that music can become a powerful nexus of connection through corporate worship, songwriting, and mentorship. The lecture will involve examples of music created in a modest, local youth ministry, as well as opportunities to engage together in musical worship.Video
February 2015
The Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel on Rigorous, Reasonable and Real Youth Ministry
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Rigorous, Reasonable, and Real: Youth Ministry"
The Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel delivers a lecture entitled, "Rigorous, Reasonable, and Real: Youth Ministry." With the rise of the “nones” and the “spiritual but not religious,” it often seems that the church is answering questions no one is asking. Many churches are still defining themselves in terms of what they are not (“We’re not like those other Christians who….”) in a world where people don’t know or care who those “other Christians” are. In an age of individualism and personal choice, how do we do youth ministry in community, within a tradition older and larger than ourselves? How do we make a claim for religious community that is respectful of other paths but compelling enough to warrant a young person’s time and attention?Video
March 2015
Dr. Nadja Reilly and Kate Hyde on Nurturing the Emotional Lives of Adolescents
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Nurturing the Emotional Lives of Adolescents: Identifying and Ministering to Youth at Risk for Depression"
Dr. Nadja Reilly and Kate Hyde deliver a lecture entitled,"Nurturing the Emotional Lives of Adolescents: Identifying and Ministering to Youth at Risk for Depression." Approximately 1 out of 5 adolescents will struggle with depression before the age of 24. Youth ministers are critical sources of early identification and support for adolescents dealing with mental illness. During this lecture, participants will learn about adolescent depression, how to identify symptoms, and how to access services. We will also discuss how to foster open communication and healthy coping in support of a flourishing life.Video
May 2015
Dr. Anne E. Streaty Wimberly on The Church’s Role in Reaching Disconnected Black Youth
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"The Church's Role in Reaching Disconnected Black Youth"
Dr. Anne E. Streaty Wimberly delivers a lecture entitled, "The Church’s Role in Reaching Disconnected Black Youth." This session will include an overview of meanings assigned to the term “disconnected youth,” also called “unchurched youth,” and will highlight profiles of disconnected youth, internal and external relational challenges churches face in reaching these youth, and examples of effective ministry paradigms that build bridges of connection between these youth and churches. The lecture will draw on preliminary data uncovered in the Youth Hope-Builders Academy (YHBA) research project entitled “Building Bridges of Hope: The Church’s Role in Reaching Disconnected Youth.”Video
June 2015
Rev. Skip Masback on Sustainable Leadership for Youth Ministry
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Live, Love, Learn...Lead: Sustainable Leadership for Youth Ministry"
Rev. Skip Masback delivers a lecture entitled, "Live, Love, Learn...Lead: Sustainable Leadership for Youth Ministry."Video
Rev. Skip Masback on Discerning and Communicating Vision and Mission
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Discerning and Communicating Vision and Mission"
Rev. Skip Masback delivers a lecture entitled, "Discerning and Communicating Vision and Mission"Video
Rev. Skip Masback on Aligning Weekly Programming with Mission and Vision
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Aligning Weekly Programming with Mission and Vision"
Rev. Skip Masback delivers a lecture entitled, "Aligning Weekly Programming with Mission and Vision."
Video
Rev. Keith King on Developing Congregational Support
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Developing Congregational Support"
Rev. Keith King delivers a lecture entitled, "Developing Congregational Support"
Video
Rev. Skip Masback on Developing Budgets and Raising Funds
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Developing Budgets and Raising Funds"
Rev. Skip Masback delivers a lecture entitled, "Developing Budgets and Raising Funds."
Video
Rev. Keith King & Rev. Aracelis Vazquez-Haye on Attracting and Training Lay Volunteers and Adopting Safe Church Practices
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Attracting and Training Lay Volunteers and Adopting Safe Church Practices"
Rev. Aracelis Vazquez Haye delivers a lecture entitled, "Attracting and Training Lay Volunteers and Adopting Safe Church Practices." Please find the rest of this lecture on Training Lay Volunteers here.Video
Rev. Skip Masback on Nurturing Relational Bonds
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Nurturing Relational Bonds"
Rev. Skip Masback delivers a lecture entitled, "Nurturing Relational Bonds."
Video
Rev. Aracelis Vazquez-Haye on Cultivating Student Leadership
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Cultivating Student Leadership"
Rev. Aracelis Vazquez Haye delivers a lecture entitled, "Cultivating Student Leadership."
Video
Rev. Keith King on Offering Effective Pastoral Care
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Offering Effective Pastoral Care"
Rev. Keith King delivers a lecture entitled, "Offering Effective Pastoral Care."
Video
Rev. Keith King on Leading Experiential Bible Study
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Leading Experiential Bible Study"
Rev. Keith King delivers a lecture entitled, "Leading Experiential Bible Study."
Video
Rev. Skip Masback on Leading Transformative Service Days and Mission Trips
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Leading Transformative Service Days and Mission Trips"
Rev. Skip Masback delivers a lecture entitled, "Leading Transformative Service Days and Mission Trips."
Video
Rev. Keith King on Integrating Youth Ministry into the Wider Congregation
"Integrating Youth Ministry into the Wider Congregation"
Rev. Keith King delivers a lecture entitled, "Integrating Youth Ministry into the Wider Congregation."
Video
Rev. Aracelis Vazquez-Haye on Ministering Effectively in Multi-Ethnic Contexts
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Ministering Effectively in Multi-Ethnic Contexts"
Rev. Aracelis Vazquez Haye delivers a lecture entitled, "Ministering Effectively in Multi-Ethnic Contexts."
Video
October 2015
Dr. Evelyn Parker on Conversations about Race with Youth
"The Elephant in the Room: Conversations about Race with Youth"
Dr. Evelyn Parker delivers a lecture entitled, "The Elephant in the Room: Conversations about Race with Youth." What’s on a youth pastor’s list of tough topics to talk about with teenagers? Teen suicide? Sex? Violence in dating relationships? While pastors struggle to find words for these tough topics with teens, occasionally race and racism surface when youth speak about interracial dating, hate crimes at schools, and growing up biracial. What is the tacit message about the church, the congregation, and its leaders when a youth pastor avoids talking with teens about race? What are best practices that maintain ecclesial and communal integrity? This lecture will focus on ecclesial, anthropological, and practical ways to tackle the tough topic of race with youth.Video
January 2016
Dr. Amanda Drury and Rev. Matthew Beck on Testimony
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Inside Jokes in an Outside World: Helping Adolescents Lead Joyful Lives Through the Practice of Testimony"
Dr. Amanda Drury and Rev. Matthew Beck deliver a lecture entitled, “Inside Jokes in an Outside World: Helping Adolescents Lead Joyful Lives Through the Practice of Testimony.” They speak on the importance of Testimony: cultivating community and individual flourishing through telling our stories and listening to the stories of others.Video
February 2016
Dr. Rodger Nishioka and Rev. Dominique Robinson on Resilience
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Resilience & Joy: Helping Adolescents Bounce Back in the Face of Adversity"
Dr. Rodger Nishioka and Rev. Dominique Robinson deliver a lecture entitled, “Resilience & Joy: Helping Adolescents Bounce Back in the Face of Adversity.” They speak on Resilience: nurturing attitudes, practices, and virtues, which facilitate recovery from - even flourishing in the midst of - mistakes and misfortunes.Video
March 2016
Dr. Frederick Edie and Ms. Alaina Kleinbeck on Worship
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Youth, Christian Worship and Joy: Deeper Soundings"
Dr. Frederick Edie and Ms. Alaina Kleinbeck deliver a lecture entitled, “Youth, Christian Worship and Joy: Deeper Soundings.” They speak on Worship: forming individuals through Eucharist, song, praise, and other liturgical practices through which they connect with transcendent reality.Video
April 2016
Dr. David White and Rev. John Leedy on Beauty
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"The Fire That Burns at the Heart of Creation: Joy and Beauty as Foundations for Youth Ministry"
Dr. David White and Rev. John Leedy deliver a lecture entitled, “The Fire that Burns at the Heart of Creation: Joy and Beauty as Foundations for Youth Ministry.” They speak on Beauty: inspiring engagement with the transcendent through attention to and creation of beauty; illuminating the beautiful in the ordinary.Video
May 2016
Dr. Anne E. Streaty Wimberly and Dr. Sarah F. Farmer on Hope
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"The Courage to Hope: Empowering Adolescent Joy Amidst the Challenges of Life"
Dr. Anne E. Streaty Wimberly and Dr. Sarah F. Farmer deliver a lecture entitled, “The Courage to Hope: Empowering Adolescent Joy Amidst the Challenges of Life.” They speak on Hope: grounding a sense of the possibility and reality of joy and flourishing in the midst of the challenges of this life, as well as in the life to come.Video
June 2016
Dr. Angela Gorrell on Social Media (Pt. 1)
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Social Media: What You Need to Know (Part I)"
Dr. Angela Gorrell delivesr a lecture entitled, “Social Media: What You Need to Know (Part I): Addressing the Negative Effects of Social Media with Youth Struggling with Bullying, Marginalization, Anxiety and Low Self-Esteem.”Video
Dr. Angela Gorrell on Social Media (Pt. 2)
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Social Media: What You Need to Know (Part II)"
Dr. Angela Gorrell delivers a lecture entitled, “Social Media: What You Need to Know (Part II): Using the Positive Potential of Social Media to Engage and Build Community with Youth Struggling with Isolation and Alienation.”Video
Dr. Sarah F. Farmer and Dr. Angela Gorrell on Burnout in Youth Ministry
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Burnout in the Gap: Youth Ministry in the Midst of Adversity"
Dr. Sarah F. Farmer and Dr. Angela Gorrell deliver a lecture entitled, “Burnout in the Gap: Youth Ministry in the Midst of Adversity.”Video
Dr. Sarah F. Farmer on Incarcerated Youth
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Youth on Lockdown: Ministry to Youth on the Pipeline to Prison"
Dr. Sarah F. Farmer delivers a lecture entitled,”Youth on Lockdown: Ministry to Youth on the Pipeline to Prison.”Video
Dr. Sarah F. Farmer on Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts: Using Art to Heal the Effects of Trauma"
Dr. Sarah F. Farmer delivers a lecture entitled,”Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts: Using Art to Heal the Effects of Trauma.”Video
October 2016
Dr. Pamela Ebstyne King and Dr. Steven Argue on Vocation
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Joy on Purpose"
Joy vs. Happiness. Given that feelings of happiness are fleeting and the complexities of youth culture today, joy does not happen on accident. Dr. Pamela King and Dr. Steven Argue contend it occurs on purpose. Joy is dependent on knowing what matters most in life and making a meaningful contribution to something beyond the self. Purpose is forged through encountering God’s grace and discovering one’s role in God’s ongoing work in this world. Stories define us. When we know our story and our role in the story—we discover our purpose. God’s ongoing story of creation, redemption and perfection is the ultimate story. Drawing on their backgrounds in ministry, theology, psychology, and education, Pam and Steve, offer insights and practical suggestions for enabling youth ministers to nurture a sense of purpose through discovering one’s place in God’s story. Faith lived on purpose is flourishing.Video
November 2016
Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean and Mr. Wesley Ellis on Friendship
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"The Joy of Untamed Friendship: Rescuing Youth Ministry from The Little Prince"
Youth ministers have long placed the practice of friendship at the center of youth ministry. But what makes our relationships with young people in church any different from their relationships anywhere else? In this session, Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean and Mr. Wesley Ellis dive headlong into the practice of holy friendship with teenagers, and whether being “tamed” by another is what Jesus had in mind. Is joy the end goal of friendship in youth ministry? Are church relationships “special”? Is this dangerous territory—or precisely the terrain we are on?Video
December 2016
Dr. Mark Gornik and Miriam Acevedo on Sacred Narrative
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Sing for the Joy of the City"
In this presentation, Mark Gornik and Miriam Acevedo discuss the role of “singing the sacred story” in learning and transmitting Christian faith across generations and cultures. To make their case for the sacred story of Christian Faith through the practice of singing, as well as reading Scripture, praying, dancing and testifying in a church community, they will share stories from New York City and of the Taizé Community in Europe.Video
January 2017
Dr. David Rahn and Ms. Ebonie Davis on Sabbath Rest
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Gritty Sabbath Rest: Shaping a Keystone Habit for Adolescent Faith & Joy"
When our experience of joy is tethered to an identity-centering relationship with Jesus Christ its promise is assured by Christ’s resurrection. Learning how to live more fully in the presence of Jesus helps us to experience resilient joy, inextinguishable in the face of untimely or chronic adversity. As Brother Lawrence taught in the 17th century, joy from the ever present Christ is accessible even amidst life’s tedious tasks, like washing dishes. Today’s fast-paced lifestyles may exacerbate the natural challenge of capacity limitations but they need not hijack the promised joy of Christ’s indwelling presence in our lives. Learning to live with Jesus is joyfully transformational, but it takes deliberate practice. Gritty Sabbath rest, shaped as a keystone habit that works for spiritually unsophisticated adolescents, may be just what we need to learn how to flourish with Jesus in joy.Video
February 2017
Dr. Courtney T. Goto and Ms. Lakisha Lockhart on Playfulness
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Holding Lightly: Cultivating Playfulness in Youth"
In this presentation, Dr. Courtney Goto and Lakisha Lockhart explore playfulness as holding lightly, a spiritual practice that is both purposeful and necessary for the faith and flourishing of adolescents. We investigate what playfulness means and how the practice can help young people cope with everyday challenges and reflect deeply on questions such as: who am I, what are my gifts and passions, who has God created me to be, and what is my purpose. We offer ways in which, we, as ministers and educators can provide adolescents spaces that not only allow for playfulness but welcome it.Video
March 2017
Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean and Ms. Abigail Visco Rusert on Purpose
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Moved to Joy: Purpose, Awe & Wonder"
To live the life of a young person is to live a life in motion. Propelled by a frenzy of activities, the young people in our care long to be “moved” beyond their selves and situations. Every day, the lure of achievement and the spectacle of entertainment promise to elevate them to new levels of joy and importance. Meanwhile, Christian theology promises a different kind of movement—the movement of God towards us, revealed when we do the unthinkable in our culture of perpetual motion and “wait” upon the Lord.Video
April 2017
Dr. Andrew Root and Mr. Christian Gonzalez on Self-Sacrificial Love
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Nurturing Relationships that Truly Transform: Self-Empowering Love and Adolescent Joy"
In this presentation, Dr. Andrew Root and Mr. Christian Gonzalez explore how faith is passed on and what, if anything, this has to do with theology. We’ll ask specifically, what exactly does it mean to take a theological turn in youth ministry? Looking at the biblical theme of kenosis, we’ll turn away from a technological perspective that sees youth ministry as providing solutions, or faith-formation as getting the knowledge of theology in young people’s heads. Instead we will explore how faith-formation, theology, and ministry are held together, drawing particularly from the life and youth ministry of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, to see how youth workers today can be kenotic guides.Video
May 2017
Dr. Anne E. Streaty Wimberly and Dr. Almeda M. Wright on Memory
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Memory and Joy"
The lecture by Dr. Anne E. Streaty Wimberly and Dr. Almeda Wright provides historical material and pedagogical perspectives on nourishing youths’ joy by connecting them with the past in ways that foster truth-telling, communal and personal identity formation, agency, lament, and a vital life of faith and hope. The lecture draws on findings from research undertaken by the lecturers entitled “Finding Joy in Adolescence: African-American Stories from the Past for the Present.”Video
June 2017
Dr. Chap Clark and Dr. Sharon Galgay Ketcham on Family Instability
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Incubators for Joy"
Dr. Clark and Dr. Ketcham deliver a lecture entitled, “Incubators for Joy.” God created us to flourish. Yet family instability can rob many young people of joy-filled lives when unattended painful experiences give rise to sorrow-filled lives. We explain how family instability disrupts adolescent joy and empower youth ministers to care for hurting teenagers by creating communities that act as “incubators” for the joy God intends.Video
Rev. Dr. Gregory Ellison and Ms. Georgette Ledgister on Fear
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Forging Fearless Communities: Seeing and Hearing to Overcome Fear"
The Rev. Dr. Ellison and Georgette Ledgister deliver a lecture entitled, “Forging Fearless Communities: Seeing and Hearing to Overcome Fear.” Fear undercuts one’s ability to fully experience or express joy by muting and rendering one invisible. This session explores the four fundamental fears that inform generational divides and acts of exclusion. Participants learn strategies to see every member of our communities of faith as whole persons.Video
Dr. Nadja Reilly, Dr. Sarah Farmer and Ms. Kate Hyde on Depression and Suicide
New Haven, CT 06511 US
Nurturing Joy: Supporting the Emotional Lives of Adolescents"
Dr. Reilly, Dr. Farmer & Ms. Hyde deliver a lecture entitled, “Nurturing Joy: Supporting the Emotional Lives of Adolescents.” Youth ministers are critical sources of early identification and support for adolescents dealing with mental illness. Participants learn about adolescent anxiety, depression, and suicidality along with concrete ways that a theological community might offer assistance.Video
Dr. Kate Ott and Ms. Lorien Carter on Sexual Dimensions
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"ReVisoning Teen Sexuality or Addressing Sexuality: Relational Joy and Embodied Flourishing"
Dr. Ott and Ms. Carter deliver a lecture entitled, “ReVisioning Teen Sexuality or Addressing Sexuality: Relational Joy and Embodied Flourishing.” Sexuality and relationships are a major aspect of teen development. Instead of embracing the joy that healthy, holistic and ethically and developmentally appropriate sexuality can manifest in our lives, many youth ministry programs treat any expression of sexuality as a risk to be suppressed. Together, we address why and how to integrate sexuality education throughout the faith formation experiences of teens.Video
Rev. Dr. Dori Baker and Dr. Patrick B. Reyes on Violence
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Joy in the Aftermath of Violence"
The Rev. Dr. Baker and Dr. Reyes deliver a lecture entitled, “Joy in the Aftermath of Violence.” Like the writers of Lamentations and Psalms, adolescents cry out to God and to the leaders of the community to deliver them from interpersonal and structural violence. Using an interdisciplinary framework to understand how violence affects youth psycho-spiritually, we offer practices that promote flourishing for youth pastors, community workers, and youth themselves.Video
October 2017
Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean and Mr. Justin Forbes on Belonging
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Trace My Hand: Joy and Belonging in Youth Ministry"
Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean and Mr. Justin Forbes deliver a lecture entitled, “Trace My Hand: Joy and Belonging in Youth Ministry.”Video
November 2017
Dr. Robert Emmons and Mr. Marc Afshar on God, Grace, Gifts & Gratitude
"God, Grace, Gifts & Gratitude"
Gratitude comes from the recognition that gifts are not rights, privileges, or accidental outcomes but emerge when the mind is turned toward contemplation of God's incomprehensible goodness. Dr. Robert Emmons and Mr. Marc Afshar talk about how youth ministry contexts can actualize gratitude’s role as a social glue that binds people together, boosting joy in settings where flourishing often remains a potentiality rather than a reality.Video
December 2017
Dr. Kara Powell and Mr. Mike Park on How Your Church Can Grow Young
"How Your Church Can Grow Young"
Dr. Kara Powell and Mr. Mike Park deliver a lecture entitled, “How Your Church Can Grow Young.” Based on a landmark investigation on congregations who love and are loved by young people, this lecture will explore community’s relationship to joy, and offer a host of practical ideas to help our young people grow, and our church to “Grow Young”.Video
January 2018
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Moore and Yara Gonzalez-Justiniano on the Wisdom of Youth
"Youth Speaking to Joy"
Video
February 2018
Dr. David F. Ford and Rev. Canon Chris Russell on Praise
"Praise: Being Transformed in Joy"
Video
April 2018
Dr. Tony Campolo & Shane Claiborne on Grace
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Abounding Joy: Grace and Its Consequences"
Video
Dr. Stephanie Paulsell and Ms. Vanessa Zoltan on Imagination & Creativity
"Matches Struck in the Dark: Imagination and the Joyful Life”
Video
May 2018
Dr. Almeda M. Wright and Nyle Fort on Agency
New Haven, CT 06511 US + Google Map
Online Event
"Young, Active & Faithful: Exploring Joy and Agency in Adolescence”
Dr. Almeda M. Wright and Mr. Nyle Fort will deliver a lecture entitled, "Young, Active & Faithful: Exploring Joy and Agency in Adolescence." This lecture explores both the necessity of empowering youth to be active agents in their own lives and communities, as well as examples of how to promote this type of active faith.
Video
June 2018
Dr. Allan Hugh Cole, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Philip Browning Helsel on Anxiety
Video
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier and Rev. Ruben Ortiz on Poverty
Video
Dr. James K. A. Smith and Dr. Kyle David Bennett on Idolatry
Video
Dr. Michal Beth Dinkler and the Rev. Skip Masback on Belonging and Christian Freedom
"Paul's Not-So-Secret Secret: Belonging and Christian Freedom in the Midst of Affliction"
Dr. Michal Beth Dinkler and the Rev. Skip Masback deliver a lecture entitled, "Paul's Not-so-Secret Secret: Belonging and Christian Freedom in the Midst of Affliction." Maya Angelou said once in an interview, "You are only free when you realize you belong no place - you belong every place - no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great." Paul traced the Christian path to this freedom with a secret he blabbed from one end of the ancient world to the other. As he framed his secret in his letter to the Philippians: "I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (4:12-13). This lecture explores how our youth might claim this freedom Paul calls them to and offer youth workers practical suggestions for helping individuals and youth open their lives to "him who strengthens" us.Video
Dr. Joyce Mercer and Rev. Charles Edward Atkins, Jr. on Substance Abuse
"Fake Joy: Substance Abuse and Young People's Thirst for Wholeness"
Dr. Joyce Mercer and Rev. Charles Edward Atkins, Jr. deliver a lecture entitled, “Fake Joy: Substance Abuse and Young People’s Thirst for Wholeness.” In this lecture, we look at substance abuse as offering false joy to youth. We share a strengths-based model for working with incarcerated youth that can be engaged with young people in other settings, that supports their genuine quest for joy against the seductive false joy of substance abuse. Dr. Mercer is a scholar-researcher, teacher, writer, retreat leader, and professor of Pastoral Care and Practical Theology at Yale Divinity School. Charles Edward Atkins, Jr.’s work focuses on religious practice in incarcerated communities. Charles is an ordained minister who currently works as a full-time Chaplain with the N.J. Department of Corrections at the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility.Video
October 2018
Frank Rogers, Christopher Carter and Seth Schoen on Compassion and Race
"Compassion-Based Approaches for Facilitating Difficult Conversations about Race and Racial Identity"
In this lecture, Dr. Frank Rogers, Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter and Dr. Seth Schoen describe the good life as both grounded empowerment in one’s racial identity, and relationships across racial identities of mutual respect, understanding, and commitment to a world where flourishing is not denied anyone by virtue of race. This lecture will introduce practices that are designed to facilitate compassion-based approaches to difficult conversations around race.Video
November 2018
David Anderson Hooker and Elizabeth Corrie on Peace-Making & Reconciliation
"Eight bowls, Four weeks, One RADICAL World"
In this lecture, Drs. Hooker and Corrie argue that peace, reconciliation, and, by extension, joy and the good life are communal achievements and not individual pursuits or possessions.Video
December 2018
Miroslav Volf and Paul Gorrell on Forgiveness
“Forgiveness and Joy”
Professor Miroslav Volf and Mr. Paul Gorrrell deliver a lecture entitled, "Forgiveness and Joy." If you have seriously wronged someone, it is a joyous thing to be told: “It’s OK. I don’t count it against you!” But is there joy in offering apology and in restoring a measure of what your wrongdoing has taken away? And if you yourself have been wronged, is there joy in forgiving? Is not revenge – “sweet revenge” – more joyful than forgiveness?Video
February 2019
Dr. Matthew Croasmun on What’s Worth Wanting?
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"What's Worth Wanting?"
Dr. Matthew Croasmun, Associate Research Scholar and Director of the Life Worth Living Program at the Yale Center for Faith and Culture and Lecturer of Divinity & Humanities at Yale University delivers a lecture entitled, "What's Worth Wanting?"
Video
March 2019
Dr. Sarah F. Farmer, Dr. Nadja Reilly and Ms. Kate Hyde on Community
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"Community"
Dr. Sarah F. Farmer, Dr. Nadja Reilly and Ms. Kate Hyde deliver a lecture on Community.
Video
April 2019
Rev. Dr. Debora Jackson on Seeking Sanctuary
New Haven, CT 06511 US
Video
October 2019
Rev. Skip Masback on Planning and Leading Retreats that Transform
Video
November 2019
Rev. William Mathis on Creating a Nurturing Community for Youth
New Haven, CT 06511 US
"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.
Video
December 2019
Dr. Andrew Root on Youth Ministry in an Era of Over-Parenting
New Haven, CT 06511 US
Video
February 2020
Dr. Mary Moschella on Pastoral Care Fundamentals
Video
March 2020
Rev. Mark DeVries on Sustainable Youth and Children’s Ministry
New Haven, CT 06511 US
Video
April 2020
POSTPONED: Dr. Angela Gorrell on Social Media and Working with Youth
New Haven, CT 06511 US
June 2020
Fear, Isolation, and Anxiety: Understanding the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Youth, with Dr. Josephine Kim
July 2020
Racial Resilience: Anti-Racism as Spiritual Praxis
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- Authentic storytelling and research-based content
- Compassionate space for holding uncomfortable truths
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- Forced participation
- Shaming, blame, or judgment
- Political agendas
Video and clips from the event are here: Racial Resilience: Anti-racism as Spiritual Praxis. -
Video
August 2020
A YMI Seminar on Racial Resilience
Join Christopher Carter and Seth Schoen for a six-part seminar designed to guide participants through the Racial Resilience anti-racism training with the primary goal of becoming an anti-racist member of society. Addressing structural racism within the US in general and churches in particular requires an analysis of the theo-cultural ideologies that normalize/moralize racism and the development of tools/capacities that enable human beings to undermine these false ideologies. This seminar equips participants with the necessary tools to 1) be able to identify internalized, interpersonal, and structural racism, and 2) attend to the inner stirrings of their conscience (i.e. culturally racist ideologies) that have historically led people (especially white people) to the false conclusion that there is another plausible explanation to what they are witnessing other than what it appears to be – racism, and 3) discern how they might engage in theologically grounded compassionate anti-racism action(s) with youth.
The six sessions will occur on August 5, August 19, September 2, September 16, September 30, and October 14. Those who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion from YDS.
September 2020
Wrestling with Rest in a COVID-19 World with Nathan Stucky
The video and clips from this event are here: Wrestling with Rest in a COVID-19 World with Nathan Stucky
Video
October 2020
Just Breathe: Resilience Strategies for Today’s Youth & Youth Workers
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- What resilience is from both theoretical and practical perspectives
- How resilience is weakened through adverse childhood experiences
- How resilience can be strengthened
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- Physical - Natural methods
- Mental, emotional methods
- Spiritual methods
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- Highlights of promising practices in building resilience with youth
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- Reinforce the importance of the connection between mind, body and spirit in strengthening (or adversely weakening) resilience.
- Invited participants to join one of 2-3 breakout rooms to think together, discuss and model resilience interventions based on what they have learned about resilience, with application to various “composite” youth profiles.
- Reconvene the group for brief share-outs of the models developed and questions/discussion sessions.
Slides from this event are here: Just Breathe: Resilience Strategies for Today’s Youth & Youth Workers
Video
November 2020
The Science of Well-Being
Video
December 2020
A New Vision of Youth Ministry Beyond the Walls of the Church: Mission Work and Outdoor Ministry
Video and clips from the event are here: A New Vision of Youth Ministry Beyond the Walls of the Church.
The presentation slides for Andrew Wicks is here.
The presentation slides for Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer is here.
Video
February 2021
A Journey with LGBTQ+ and Immigrant Youth
Video and clips from the event are here: A Journey with LGBTQ+ and Immigrant Youth.
Video
March 2021
Innovation, Imagination, and Frustration: New Directions for Youth Ministry
Online Event
Video and clips from the event are here: Innovation, Imagination, and Frustration: New Directions for Youth Ministry.
Video
April 2021
Adventures in Space-Making with the Rev. Phiwa Langeni
Online Event
Video and clips from the event are here: Adventures in Space-Making with the Rev. Phiwa Langeni
Video
May 2021
Empowering Parents to Practice Faith at Home: A Ministry Leader Workshop
Online Event
Faith formation can't happen if children and youth are spending just one hour a week at church - or much less these days, so what are the barriers families encounter when trying to establish faith practices at home?
The Rev. Traci Smith, author of Faithful Families, joins us on May 5 at 12:00pm to present the fundamentals of developing faithful family practices and outline the role that ministry leaders play in encouraging and supporting families. Discover how to help parents feel confident and well equipped as they nurture their children's faith development, at every age. We'll also spend time in an "Idea Lab" learning and sharing in small groups and we'll wrap up the webinar with Q&A.
Now is the perfect time for families to develop real habits and practices of faith at home. Following the webinar, participants will receive links to several short videos and outlines of spiritual practices that you can share with your congregation.Video and clips from the event are here: Empowering Parents to Practice Faith at Home: A Ministry Leader Workshop
Videos on different practices you can do at home are here: Empowering Parents to Practice Faith at Home.
Video
August 2021
Conversations with Colleagues: Looking Ahead
Online Event
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:17
As you look ahead to the new church year, are you feeling excited? Are you feeling tired? Do you have your youth group schedule ready to go? Or, are you still tweaking?
Do you yearn for meaningful conversations with fellow youth workers who "get" it? Might your tools need some sharpening?
Come join us on Wednesday, August 25th, for a peer-led resource-sharing opportunity! This will be a space for colleagues to connect, and speak about what has worked for their churches in the past year. We will also look towards the fall, and together sharpen our tools for the year to come.
September 2021
The Emotional Intelligence Factor: How to Apply EI to Youth Ministry
Online Event
Video and clips from the event are here: The Emotional Intelligence Factor: How to Apply EI to Youth Ministry
Slides from the event are here: The Emotional Intelligence Factor: How to Apply EI to Youth Ministry
Video
October 2021
Grief, we all feel it, but do you know what to do with it?
Online Event
Video and clips from the event are here: Grief, we all feel it, but do you know what to do with it?
Slides from the event are here: Grief, we all feel it, but do you know what to do with it
Video
November 2021
Belonging
Online Event
As youth leaders, we strive to be welcoming towards everyone. We want every young person to feel like they belong.
But what does “belonging” actually look like? What might it mean to prioritize actual belonging in your youth group?
We all want to belong to a community and that sense of belonging is elemental to our well-being. Join Dr. Margaret Clark for a conversation about just how much young people want to belong, how they strive to belong and what really makes people feel that they belong.
Video from the event is here: BelongingSlides from the event are here: Belonging
Video
December 2021
I Hear You: Creating Listening Spaces with Youth
Online Event
How well do you listen to youth's stories?
No, really.
And how well do your young people listen... really listen to one another, and to God's work in their midst?
Long-time youth ministry worker Mark Yaconelli has spent his career engaging in the quieter nature of youth ministry. Through the use of contemplation and compassionate exercises, Mark has fine-tuned the art of listening. By modeling this for youth, youth workers impart a valuable skill set to their young people: how to listen to one another, and how to be attentive for God's work in their lives.
Video and clips from the event are here: I Hear You: Creating Listening Spaces with Youth
Video
February 2022
Connecting and Integrating Children’s and Youth Ministry Across the Church
Online Event
So often our churches segment children’s ministry and youth ministry as if they were unrelated efforts. This presentation aims to equip lay and clergy leaders to take a wholistic view and approach to ministry with young people. We will discuss ways to join the programming we do with children to those programs offered to older youth, locate ways to integrate both into the life of the church, and discern where God is moving our ministries as we continue to emerge from the pandemic.
Video and clips from the event are here: Connecting and Integrating Children’s and Youth Ministry Across the Church
Slides from the event are here: Connecting and Integrating Children’s and Youth Ministry Across the Church
Video
March 2022
Talking about Race with Young People
Online Event
Video
April 2022
Empowering Young People Toward Beloved Community
Online Event
This presentation will build upon the ethnographic and theological research in Church in Color to highlight practical steps congregations and other organizations can take to resist racism and embrace Beloved Community in the work of youth and young adult ministry. The practical theological framework is grounded in Kingian ethics that makes room for the particular stories, questions, and experiences of young people in distinct congregations or organizations.
Video and clips from the event are here: Empowering Young People Toward Beloved Community
Video
May 2022
Why Ministries Innovate and How to Start: Knee Deep in Flotsam
We’re exhausted and disoriented by this newness, not just because innovation is unfamiliar to us, but because the shackles of normalcy are off, allowing us to hear God in new ways. As our institutions, practices, and assumptions about ministry (and ourselves) shed unnecessary weight in order to stay afloat, we're suddenly a much more nimble church than we were a year ago. We are awash in more possibilities than we can process.
In this seminar, we’ll consider how the events of the past two years are changing how we think about the church—and how it is surfacing new and long-forgotten possibilities for the work God calls us to. Come explore compelling stories of innovation, new tangible experiences from around the church, and the theology that undergirds healthy and passionate praxis in this new frontier!
Preliminary Schedule - The Old Refectory, Yale Divinity School
9:00 am Welcome9:10 Becoming a Christian Social Innovator: Confessions of a Youth Pastor
9:45 The Call to Innovate
10:30 Q&A
11:00 Youth Ministry as Change-making: Tips for Starting
12:30 pm Lunch
1:15 Your Turn!
1:45 Getting Started in Your Context - Small Group Discussions
2:45 Q&A
3:15 Closing thoughts
$25 per person registration fee includes lunch. We are committed to an in-person event, but should we have to go fully virtual, registrants will receive a full refund.
This seminar is free for current YDS students.
Proof of vaccination and masks will be required for this event.