About the Forum
Young people find themselves in the crosshairs of social upheaval, political rhetoric, and dangerous circumstances. With fears, threats, and chaos on the rise, youth ministries can be safe harbors that cultivate rest, play, curiosity, and joy. How do youth workers nurture the kinds of communities that are rooted in love, generous in mercy, and responsible with faithfulness? Join the IYM for the 2026 Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry, as we invite learning and reflection on the capacity to stand steadfast, come what may.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24
What is the Forum on Youth Ministry?
The Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry is an annual gathering of people in the church, the academy, and the world who are committed to cultivating and caring for the Christian faith of young people. Designed around a theme that inspires the conversation and content each year, the Forum is a place where people of all demographic and denominational backgrounds come together to learn from and encourage one another. Less of a conference that teaches “how-to,” the Forum is a creative hub where people gather to ask “how come?”
Princeton Lecturers in Youth, Church, and Culture
Since the IYM’s first Forum in 1996, the Forum has featured this distinguished lecture series, designed to foster original scholarship pertaining to youth ministry in the church and world. In 2026, Rev. Dr. Keri Day will deliver our first lecture on Tuesday, and Rev. Dr. Ted Smith will deliver our second lecture on Wednesday.
Elmer G. Homrighausen Professor of Constructive Theology and African American Religion at Princeton Theological Seminary
Associate Dean of Faculty & Charles Howard Candler Professor of Divinity at Candler School of Theology
Event Location
The Forum on Youth Ministry is held on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary in the beautiful and historic town of Princeton, New Jersey. Roughly equidistant from New York City and Philadelphia (and their associated airports), the town is home to cultural institutions like Princeton University, the Albert Einstein House, the Institute for Advanced Study, and the Princeton Battlefield. Participants at the Forum enjoy the leafy dining and retail spots along Nassau Street and Palmer Square, as well as scenic walks through the Seminary and University campuses.
Princeton Theological Seminary is located at 64 Mercer Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. Parking is available for Forum participants behind the Theodore Sedgwick Wright Library at 25 Library Place. Accessible parking spaces are situated along the northeast exterior wall of the library. Alternatively, participants who need accessible parking may park in the lot adjacent to the Mackay Campus Center off the College Road entrance to the Seminary campus. Parking passes will be emailed to participants who indicate their need for one in their event registration and will also be available at Forum check-in.
The Erdman CenterLocated on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary at 20 Library Place, the Erdman Center has 55 simple guest rooms, priced from $80-$140/night, including six ADA-complaint rooms with various accessibility features. (Note: If booking an accessible room, please call to confirm your room requirements to ensure the best room assignment to suit your needs.) A locked room to store your luggage is available at your convenience. Please call 609-497-7990 to reserve your room, and mention the Forum on Youth Ministry to be included in our reserved participant block.
Please note that lodging is not included in your Forum registration fee. Please plan to make your own lodging arrangements. Feel free to contact the IYM if we can offer any assistance: 609-497-7914, iym@ptsem.edu.
We Honor the Land
Princeton Theological Seminary sits on the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Lenape people on territory called Lenapehoking.
The Lenni-Lenape were the people indigenous to this land, and we honor them as caretakers of these lands and waters.
The IYM acknowledges our responsibility to work toward meaningful relationship with the Lenape people past, present, and future.
Tickets
Join us for 3.5 days of workshops, small groups, worship, and lectures.
Tickets are available for full event attendees, as well as for One-Day or Two-Day Passes.
Attend the Full Forum
Super Early Bird Registration
Valid through October 1, 2025
$299
Early Bird Registration
Valid through January 15, 2026
$349
Standard Registration
Valid January 16-April 25, 2026
$399
Attend for Two Days
Two-Day Pass
Includes two full days of attendance either Tuesday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Thursday.
$199
Attend for One Day
One-Day Pass
Includes one full day of the event attendance for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
$99
