You are invited to our in-person workshop for story-telling with Mark Yaconelli. The pandemic, climate change disasters, racism, political vitriol, misogyny, the erosion of rights and mass death is taking an overwhelming toll on American families, churches, and communities. Recent studies reveal an unprecedented rate of adolescent depression, anxiety, and loneliness leading to high rates of suicide and substance abuse. How do we minister among young people (and families) who no longer experience God's peace in the world? How can we develop counter-cultural ministries that offer young people the rest and resiliency of Jesus? In a retreat-like atmosphere, author, youth...

In your local communities and congregations, 20% of GenZ now identify as part of the LGBTQ community. Therefore, it is important to know what are the particular nuances of youth ministry with and for LGBTQ youth. Deacon Murray will speak about LGBTQ inclusion in our youth ministries, and how to be specifically welcoming of those who are in the process of discovering their sexual and gender identities. We will also explore the theology and values that should undergird LGBTQ youth ministry, pushing us beyond our own congregational settings, out into the wider world.