Mountains, ministry and momentum
Registration is now open for PYWA’s 2026 national gathering
Youth ministry leaders spend much of their time investing in others. From Oct. 5-8, the Presbyterian Youth Workers Association (PYWA) will provide space for those leaders themselves to be encouraged, equipped and renewed.
Under the theme “Come to the Mountains,” PYWA’s annual gathering will bring together youth workers from across the country for worship, keynote presentations, workshops and networking opportunities. The event is open to ordained and non-ordained leaders, paid staff and volunteers alike. According to PYWA, the gathering is designed to connect, uphold and inspire those who serve young people in the church.
The Rev. Neema Cyrus-Franklin is one of two keynoters at this fall's gathering.
“We have a lot of virtual opportunities to connect, but being with one another in person creates deeper relationships where we can learn and support one another in the wild world of youth ministry,” said Rebecca Witt, who helped design the co-learning spaces of the gathering. Witt, who is director for Youth & Young Adults at Opequon Presbyterian Church in Winchester, Virginia, described three types of learning spaces: Soul Care, Idea Exchange and Learning Labs. Idea Exchange are “facilitated conversations where everyone has wisdom to share,” according to Witt. Conversation topics will be about games, youth involvement with worship, and support for graduating seniors.“Our hope is that youth workers will find ways to breathe and take care of themselves during the gathering, so they feel refreshed when stepping back into their ministry context.”
The Learning Labs will be engaging, content-rich sessions led by the two keynote speakers: Cyrus-Franklin and the Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean. Cyrus-Franklin, an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has more than 25 years of experience in local, regional and national ministry. Her work has focused on intergenerational Christian formation, leadership development, camp and conference ministry, mission and holistic soul care. She also serves as project coordinator for the Lilly Endowment-funded Around the Table Initiative, where she resources and supports trained coaches and cohort participants as they engage faith communities and caregivers in innovative storytelling practices that strengthen intergenerational relationships and support household faith formation.
Creasy Dean is the Mary D. Synnott Professor of Youth, Church and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary. Dean is widely recognized for her contributions to youth ministry and theological education and is the author of numerous books, including “Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church” and “The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry.” In 2024, she was the first recipient of the Distinguished Leader in Innovation Award by Wesleyan Impact Partners.
Additional conference leadership includes the Rev. James Potts, who will guide Soul Care experiences. Potts serves as an associate pastor and educator who integrates theology, creativity and storytelling in ministry. Soul Care experiences are designed to nourish the spirit and support one’s well-being as a ministry leader and includes activities like a guided hike, reading corner, yoga, or a crafting area.
Worship leadership will be provided by the Rev. Josh Sweeney, a pastor at Knox Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, Kansas, and Oliver Page, director of youth ministry at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Maryland. Both bring extensive experience in youth ministry and worship leadership.
Registration for the event is now open. Regular registration is $180. An exhibitor rate of $150 is also available. Travel, lodging and meals are not included in the registration fee and must be arranged separately.
Reserve housing through Montreat Conference Center.
At a time when churches are seeking new ways to engage younger generations, PYWA’s gathering offers youth ministry leaders an opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners, strengthen professional relationships and reconnect with their sense of call. For those committed to helping young people grow in faith, the event promises both practical resources and spiritual renewal.
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