Our Work

Thoughtful. Just. Creative.

Our work is thoughtful: We think that the best youth ministry takes theological questions like “Who is God?” seriously. We invite diverse Christian traditions to engage in theological reflection.

Our work is just: We believe that the ministry of Jesus calls young and old to love our neighbors and our world without exception. We equip intergenerational communities to follow Jesus’ example of solidarity with those who are suffering, marginalized, and oppressed.

Our work is creative: We know that Christian leaders and young people are following the Holy Spirit’s creative lead. We accompany organizations and congregations through practices of renewal.

Our Process

We are community builders. Through our events and programs we cultivate authentic intergenerational relationships by building bridges between scholars, youth ministry leaders, and young people. The Institute for Youth Ministry accompanies communities and leaders in theological reflection, sparking experimentation with new ideas and encouraging learning in the midst of every experiment. In and throughout this work, we unearth new possibilities for ministry with young people and help communities implement innovative ideas.

We partner with thought leaders, scholars, and youth workers to design our programs and research.

We build bridges between the theological academy and the church, facilitating connection and learning across difference.

We trust and support leaders to create change in their context.

We influence the wider landscape of youth ministry by empowering communities to solve problems and implement innovative ideas.

We listen and re-design through the insights and expertise of collaborators.
Collaborative Design

We partner with thought leaders, scholars, and youth workers to design our programs and research.

Bridge Building

We build bridges between the theological academy and the church, facilitating connection and learning across difference.

Mobilization

We trust and support leaders to create change in their context.

Constructive Disruption

We influence the wider landscape of youth ministry by empowering communities to solve problems and implement innovative ideas.

Recovery

We listen and re-design through the insights and expertise of collaborators,

Our Impact

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Questions about IYM?

Browse a few of our most FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.  

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