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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 Values

The Institute for Youth Ministry accompanies communities and leaders in theological reflection, sparking experimentation with new ideas and encouraging transformative learning and connection 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.
INTEGRITY

The IYM honors its history, context, and relationships. Our stakeholders can count on us to be respectful, honest, and accountable in all our work.

INCLUSION

The IYM is committed to the widest possible embrace and support of every person we encounter. We are intentional to create accessible structures, compassionate communities, and equitable systems.

INNOVATION

The IYM remains laser-focused on how best to serve young people, which requires the courage to creatively reimagine and experiment.

INTERDEPENDENCE

The IYM believes in the power of collaboration and builds bridges, cultivates partnerships, and connects people, organizations, and communities to work and journey together.

IMPACT

The IYM wants to make a difference in the lives of young people, youth workers, the church, and the world.

Our Impact

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Questions about the IYM?

Browse a few of our most FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.  

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