Recommended Youth Ministry Conferences & Retreats
Where do pastors go to be filled when they’re usually the ones doing the ministry? Obviously, you should go to church. Not simply to “go to work,” but to worship. But every youth pastor has felt the burden of ministry detract from the joy of ministry… and sometimes you need to get away for refreshment.
The Rooted Conference
The heart of the youth pastor needs to be filled. Rooted is one of the highlights of the year for me. The camaraderie of like-minded youth workers, the preaching in the main sessions, and the training during the workshops combine to provide a meaningful and life-giving conference. Sometimes you can go to a conference and come home overwhelmed by what a failure you and and with a desire to make a ton of changes in your ministry. When you come home from Rooted your soul will be full and your desire will be to invite students to discover rest in the grace of God. Rooted hosts once yearly conference (usually in October) and also coordinates quarterly Rooted Regional Groups for regular fellowship.
Reformed Youth Ministry’s Youth Leader Training
RYM’s Youth Leader Training is especially good for new youth workers. Similar to Rooted, there is a desire to see the gospel impact everything about youth ministry, but there is a structured track for new youth workers to follow throughout the week in order to develop a gospel-centered philosophy of ministry. At the same time, no veteran youth workers will go home thinking, “Well that was a waste of time, I already knew all that!” If you go, you’ll hear the gospel proclaimed and applied, you’ll meet new friends, and your ministry foundation will be strengthened. RYM hosts two YLT’s each year.
Conclave describes itself this way, “Each year we work in cooperation to provide a training event for youth pastors, youth leaders, and volunteers. Corporate worship, breakout sessions, and networking are designed to create a training conference to equip and rejuvenate your youth ministry team.” This is a conference is organized by baptistic youth workers, though I’m sure it’d still be helpful for non-baptists.
LeaderTreks’ Refuel Retreats
Truth be told, I haven’t actually attended one of these retreats (yet?!). But I know the staff at LeaderTreks and am confident to recommend this retreat if you need to get away and refuel. LeaderTreks excels at training youth workers to make disciples by equipping students to become student ministers/leaders. In the same way, if you want to grow in your leadership capabilities and you’re accustomed to more theologically-driven conferences (like TGC or T4G), this might be the change of pace you need.
The Gospel Coalition Conference
This is a good conference with sound, biblical teaching. There is not always specific training for youth workers, but there’s lots of options to choose from that will still equip you for ministry. This is an especially great conference if you can attend with your church staff.
