“The thief has come to destroy, but God has come to give life in abundance.”
John 10:10
The past few years of pandemic ministry, in the midst of political tension and social unrest, have left youth workers with BIG questions: What’s next for my ministry? How do I get students to come back? Why aren’t families prioritizing church the way they did before COVID? Why is what I’ve always done not working anymore? Why do I feel more exhausted than I ever have before?
Many youth workers we talk to feel like the joy has been stolen out of their ministries, and they are struggling to cast vision for the ministries while also taking care of themselves as ministers.
God promises us life with abundance — which can feel REALLY hard to see right now. For this year’s WYM Conference, we are going to focus on topics that help you lead your ministries and live your life as ministers with abundance.
Sessions Built for YOU
- We value community over big speaker names. You’ll hear from a diverse group of women in the trenches of ministry.
- Each session will have a chance for you to ask questions and/or talk about the content at your tables.
- Ever go to a conference and walk away with more problems than solutions? Our sessions will be solutions-based. You’re guaranteed to come back with new, fresh ideas.
Schedules that have FUN
- Fun meet-and-greet Wednesday night to kick off the conference.
- On Thursday, we will have an offsite activity in a private venue.
- Sessions will include icebreakers & giveaways to take back home!
- We will facilitate dinner meetups to meet all your internet pals IRL!
- We hear snacks are important, so there will be an open snack station throughout the day!
Affordable for ALL
- Lunch & a group activity provided
- Option to sleep in a hotel or in the Student Ministry building, cutting costs.
- Reduced rates for volunteers / volunteer youth pastors
- Many women are at churches that don’t have the big budgets, so we are committed to providing an accessible experience.
- If you need a scholarship, email heather@womeninyouthministry.com
Schedule
Wednesday
6pm: Meet & Greet & Check-in at Luke’s Lodge (Student Ministry Building)
Thursday
9:00 Check in & Networking
9:15 Opening Worship & Keynote
10:15 WYM Talks
12:30 Lunch (provided)
1:30 Workshops
3:30 Break
4:00 Optional Building Tour
5:30 Dinner Meetups
7:00 Outing at District Tap
Friday
9:00 Morning Worship & Keynote
10:15 WYM Talks
12:30 Lunch (provided)
1:30 Workshops
3:30 Keynote & Send-off
Electives / Meetups for those who stick around!
FAQ
When and where? Tell me more! The Women in Youth Ministry Conference will take place March 8th-10th at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, IN. From Wednesday night through Friday afternoon we will have an experience you will likely never forget. We will have a Facebook group for the Conference where you can organize rideshares, hotel sharing costs, and meetups on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday nights.
What does the cost include? What other costs should I prepare for? The cost includes lunch both days, and a fun outing on Thursday. Please plan to provide your own transportation and lodging, as well as other meals. If you’d like free lodging, we will have our Student Ministry Building, which includes showers, available for anyone who’d like to sleep in it. We will also have a Facebook group for anyone who’d like to coordinate carpooling and sharing hotel rooms.
Where is the nearest airport? What hotel should I stay at? If you choose to fly, use the Indianapolis International Airport. We are located just 20 minutes from it. Within minutes of our venue are several hotels. You can receive a rate discount by clicking here.
Would I be able to use my continuing education budget for this? Absolutely! Senior Pastors, if you’re reading this because your talented staff member sent it to you, this will be the most important thing she goes to this year. Not only will she learn from others in her position, but she’ll be able to build relationships that last a lifetime. You can’t afford to not send her.
Would I be able to attend if I’m not in youth ministry? We think this conference will be most impactful for anyone in youth, children, college-aged/young adult, or family ministry — whether you are a Director, Pastor, Coordinator, or Administrator. We are adding intentional opportunities for women in kids ministry and volunteers this year as well.
Will there be a virtual option? What will that be like? There WILL be a virtual option for people to attend. Last year our virtual participants said that it was really meaningful. We will cast the sessions on Zoom, have a dedicated host to share your questions with the speakers, host breakout rooms for discussion, and have the Zoom room open for lunches. On Friday Heather will have lunch with all the Zoom participants. We will record the entire conference and it will be available for later viewing.
Speakers & Presenters
Khristi Lauren Adams
Keynote: “Helping Students find their Purpose and Passion”
Jen Bradbury
Workshop: “3 barriers to recruiting and training leaders & how to overcome them”
Sister Sara Galyon
WYM Talk: “Advocating for Yourself in the Hiring Process”
Matumaini Taylor
WYM Talk: “Unlocking Student Leadership: Building Student Ministry from your Students’ Voices”
Bethany Parker
Workshop: “Ministry Q&A with the WYM Team”
Heather Lea Kenison
Keynote: “Combating Imposter Syndrome”
Erica Schimelpfenig
Workshop: “Service Trips with Respect”
Charlie Conder
WYM Talk: “Fighting Burnout”
Mindi Godfrey
WYM Talk: “The Gifts of Tenure in Ministry”
Lisa Vegors
Workshop: “Rooted in Prayer: a Guided Prayer and Journaling Experience”
Sunny Brown
Worship, Workshop: “Ministry Q&A with the WYM Team”
Meghan Hatcher
Workshop: “Does your church’s culture impede innovation?”
Rev. Nora Elliott
Workshop: “Creating Gender-Inclusive Student Ministries”
Susan Moellering
WYM Talk: “How to be the Best Volunteer”
Loni Fancher
Workshop: “Ministry Q&A with the WYM Team”
Sponsors & Partners
If you’d like to be a sponsor, contact heather@womeninyouthministry.com.
