Ancient and Contemporary Spiritual Practices for Youth Ministry

Save these date for the next Youth Ministry Conference at Western Theological Seminary...May 1 and 2, 2008

Featured Speaker, Mark Yaconelli
Workshop Choices
Schedule
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Mark Yaconelli - Featured Speaker

Mark is a national leader and devloper of retreats for pastors, youth pastors, and youth for over ten denominations as well as for organizations like the National Youth Worker’s Convention and Zondervan’s National Pastors Convention. Mark’s research and ministry within the nationally recognized “Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project” has been ground-breaking in its exploration of spiritual direction, contemplation and ancient spiritual practices as the basis of discipleship with young people. Mark will inspire you to teach your youth the importance of digging deeper wells from which your youth will grow in relation to Christ and the church.

Workshops

Practicing Self-Care: Thriving in Youth Ministry

This workshop takes on common challenges faced by youth ministers that often lead to
stress and burn-out. It seeks to help youth ministers maintain their spiritual and emotional
well-being by learning to (1) say “no” in order to say “yes”; (2) seek support from
their supervisor; (3) respond to criticism; and, (4) “pray without ceasing.”

Presenter: Dr. Theresa F. Latini
Theresa is Assistant Professor of Congregational and Community Care at
Luther Theological Seminary in St Paul, Minnesota. She previously served as
an associate pastor and chaplain. One of her gre at joys in life is being with teens
in her church and community

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

This workshop focuses on the need to assess students at different levels of their spiritual
development and create a multi-faceted approach, thus connecting with a wide range of
students: It provides tools for conducting assessments and determining needs.

Presenter: Duane Smith
Duane is President of Eaglecrest Youth Ministry Services and Coordinator for Youth Ministries for the RCA Synod of the Great Lakes. He has served and consulted in youth ministry for nearly 65 churches over three decades.

Leaders on the Horizon

This two year leadership development process grows students as disciples and helps them walk alongside their peers, assisting others in spiritual formation. Specifically designed for the next generation of youth leaders, this discipleship journey includes character development, biblical studies, skill development, and small group accountability.

Presenters: Bob Cleverenga & Rev. Randy Wieland
Bob is Director of Youth Ministries and Events Director of Synodof the Heartland Youth Ministries. Randy is Pastor of Christ’s Community Church, Glendale, Arizona.

Ministry to the Marginalized

The Great Commission instructs us to go and make disciples of all nations... however, there are few youth ministries passionately committed to fulfilling that mandate. This workshop provides resources and tools to reach even the most marginalized youth.Topics include:
Possessing a Passion for Young People, Evangelism Out of the Box, Creating a New Context for Christ, and Developing Today’s Disciples..

Presenter: Dr. Lisa M. Tait
Lisa is Co-Pastor of the Imani Christian Center and Adjunct Professor at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She has developed youth and young adult ministries in four states for over 20 years. She is an author and mother of two teenagers.

The Future is Behind Us: Reintegrating Young People into the Life of the Church

The relationship between many churches and their young people is
tenuous. This workshop explores the biblical and theological bases for reintegrating young people into the life of the church as well as relevant findings from neuroscience and the social sciences.

Presenter: Dr. Darwin K. Glassford
Darwin is Associate Professor of Church Education and MA Program Director at Calvin Theological Seminary. He volunteers in his church’s youth ministry and is the book review editor for the Journal of Youth Ministry.