Overview
Young people are growing up in a culture in desperate need of peacemakers.
Some young people are hearing a prophetic call and are eager to be equipped for the peacemaking work ahead. Some are in the direct path of violence and need courageous leaders to make peace urgently. Some are being saturated by ideas that may contort Jesus’ words into the shape of violence itself.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
With these words, Jesus declared to all who gathered to hear his Sermon on the Mount that peacemakers bear the family resemblance that marks them as God’s own. They are not passive witnesses who are content with a mere absence of conflict. They are actively making peace like they’ve learned from their Divine Parent, engaging in the kind of work that honors the dignity and flourishing of God’s whole creation.
The Online Forum on Youth Ministry is a one-day gathering where Christian leaders, parents, teachers, coaches, volunteers, and youth workers will explore Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:9. Join us for a day of worship, workshops, lectures, and discussions about peacemaking in our world!
Leadership
Lecturer
Workshop Leader
Workshop Leader
Workshop Leader
Workshop Leader
Schedule
Saturday, October 5; 12-5pm ET (Please be sure to calculate your time zone.)
| Welcome & Worship | |
| Lecture & Discussion, Part 1 | |
| Break | |
| 1:45-2:30 p.m. | Choice of Workshop #1 |
| 2:30-3:15 p.m. | Choice of Workshop #2 |
| 3:15-3:30 p.m. | Break |
| 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Lecture & Discussion, Part 2 |
| 4:30-5:00 p.m. | Closing & Blessing |
Please note that the online event platform will automatically record all sessions. All participants will have access to every workshop and lecture for the 60 days following the event. You are still encouraged to register if you cannot attend synchronously, as you will still have full access to the recorded material.
Lectures & Workshops
Lecture 1: “Cultivating a Theological Imagination for Courage and Peace”
In a world where Christian symbols and language are used to promote nationalism and wage violence, it can be easy to resort to pessimism and apathy about living lives of courage and peace. Helping young people find a way forward requires the cultivation of wonder and imagination that breaks through many narratives we all encounter everyday. This lecture will discuss a framework of three interrelated commitments that are important for cultivating this wonder and imagination.
Lecture 2: “Peacemaking and the Practice of Pilgrimage”
In this lecture, Montague Williams will share how and why pilgrimage can be a central practice for helping young people develop a theological imagination for courage and peace. Along with providing a fresh way to think about pilgrimage, this lecture will offer insight from actual pilgrimages.
Workshop: “Katartismos: Equipping Youth for the Work of Justice and Peacebuilding”
In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes that Christ’s purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ (4:12). As youth ministers, we can engage in this equipping, or katartismos, by developing our own and our youth’s confidence in working for justice and peace through self-reflection, education, and skills-building. In this workshop, we will approach youth ministry as peace education, looking at ways to integrate peace and justice skills into common discipleship practices, such as Bible study, small groups, short-term mission, and worship. Together, we will experience one exercise you can adapt and use with youth to equip them with tools to take the next most faithful steps towards becoming peacebuilders.
Workshop: “Peacemakers: Prophetic Witness, Bold Proclamation”
In a society often marked by political division and social conflict, the clarion call to become a peacemaker is more urgent than ever. Engaged in critical and conscious theological reflection with young people, youth leaders are now faced with the question: Where is the presence of God’s spirit in the chaos of our time? To answer, youth leaders must embody a theology of hope as they journey alongside young people, seeking safe spaces amidst unrest. This workshop explores the role of youth leaders as prophetic voices in communities of faith, standing for justice, truth, equity, and reconciliation. Participants will engage with biblical teachings on peacemaking, examine historical and contemporary examples of prophetic witnessing, and learn practical strategies for proclaiming peace in a world that desperately needs it. Whether you are a parent, youth leader, or simply passionate about young people, this workshop will equip you to speak boldly and act courageously as a peacemaker in your context.
Workshop: “No Justice, No Peace”
Many of us are familiar with the chant, “No Justice, No Peace” within the American protest tradition and this chant may cause us to wonder what the relationship is between justice and peace. In this workshop we’ll begin with a discussion of what we understand this chant to mean in light of Christian practices. We’ll then explore what two significant, but radically different theologians (medieval scholastic Thomas Aquinas, and modern pastor and activist Martin Luther King Jr.) have to say about the relationship between peace and justice.
Workshop: “Dr. King’s Peacemaking Strategy of Nonviolent Discipleship”
Dr. King’s strategy for social change was rooted in a practice called nonviolence. As we pursue peacemaking, we have to be equipped with practical strategies for how to make peace in a world of war. Dr. King did that through trainings, writings, and leadership development rooted in nonviolence. Practically, this looks like turning away from habits of peacekeeping – not moving from the status quo – and instead becoming peacemakers unafraid of conflict and violence. We do this, not because of our courage, but because of our commitment to self-sacrifice and Jesus’ call to love that is more than sentiment. Come learn more about Dr. King’s Discipleship Framework of Nonviolence.
Cost & Registration
Individual Registration: $79 per person
Group Registration: $40 per person for groups of 3 or more participants.
Registration closes on Tuesday, October 1.
A Note on Accessibility: The IYM strives to create an inclusive space that is hospitable to people of all health needs, neurotypes, and physical and mental abilities. While this is always our goal, we are aware of limitations in our infrastructure and personnel that may contribute to us being unable to meet this goal. If you have any concerns or would like to speak with someone regarding accessibility or needs, please contact us via phone or email so that we can discuss how to best welcome you to the Online Forum.
FAQs
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The IYM strives to make our events and resources as accessible and affordable as possible, but we are keenly aware that some participants may still need financial assistance. We regret that we do not yet have a scholarship fund available for participants in the Online Forum. However, if you are a degree graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary or if you are a CPE or Field Education Supervisor through PTS, you are eligible to receive a 15% discount on standard rate continuing education program fees. For the 2024 Online Forum, this applies to the individual registration of $79 only. Contact iym@ptsem.edu for details
We understand that life is unpredictable, and sometimes participants must cancel their plans to participate in an event. Therefore, our policy states that you can cancel your event registration up to one week (seven calendar days) prior to the Online Forum start date, and your fee will be refunded, minus a required $15 processing fee. Due to expenses already incurred after this date, we cannot offer any refunds for cancellations made within one week (six or fewer calendar days) of an event start date.
The Online Forum is a self-funded event, which means that the income from participant fees is allocated to cover event expenses, rather than a grant or PTS’s general operating fund. Currently, 35% of the income from participant fees is allocated toward the speaking fees and expenses incurred for our external leaders. An additional 25% of the income funds our promotional efforts. Another 20% of the income funds operational costs, including the online event platform and PTS staff. The final 20% generates revenue, which ultimately allows the IYM to continue offering resources, programs, and events for our audience.
Absolutely! We welcome people from all over the world to participate in the event. Those who want to join synchronously are welcome to do so by calculating time differences and attending from anywhere. Those who want to participate but are unable to do so synchronously can still register and enjoy access after the event to all content, including lectures and workshops.
The IYM uses Airmeet, an online platform that allows us to host an immersive event experience with lectures, workshops, 1-1 networking opportunities, automatic session recordings and replays, and exhibit booths. We take full advantage of the platform’s features to create a dynamic learning experience for our participants. In the week before the Online Forum, we will provide a helpful event guide, which will include a brief orientation to the platform and some notes for troubleshooting technical difficulties.
