Call for Proposals for Young Adult Faith and Flourishing Conference

Overview

We are extending an invitation to emerging scholars to submit abstracts for short, curated 10–12 minute talks that address the topic of supporting the faith and flourishing of young adults (ages 22-32). We especially encourage submissions from doctoral candidates and recent PhDs/postdocs, early-career faculty, practitioner-scholars, and scholars from historically underrepresented communities and diverse Christian traditions. A total of 8 emerging scholars will be selected. Selected presenters will receive registration, travel, lodging, and meals (up to $50 per travel day). Talks will be recorded and shared for educational and promotional use by Princeton Theological Seminary.

What: Polaris Young Adult Faith and Flourishing Conference
When: October 16–17, 2026
Where: Princeton Seminary campus
Who: Anyone invested in young adult leaders (ages 22–32) alongside the scholars, practitioners, and community leaders and organizations invested in their flourishing. Educators, healthcare professionals, ministry leaders, nonprofit professionals, and researchers from across disciplines and Christian traditions are all encouraged to attend.

Submission Guidelines

This is not a traditional academic conference. Selected presenters will be invited to offer a 10–12 minute talk centered on one clear, compelling idea, translated for a broad audience that includes students, educators, clinicians, community leaders, and ministry practitioners.

Talks should be  

• Idea-driven rather than paper-driven  
• Grounded in contemporary questions of emerging adult flourishing across disciplines, including (but not limited to) anthropology, sociology, psychology, medicine, public health, mental/behavioral health, environmental studies, theology, ethics, social work, chaplaincy, education, and related fields  
• Engaged with Christian theology, Scripture, or tradition, while remaining accessible to those outside theological disciplines  
• Accessible and compelling for people who work and study in a variety of disciplines and contexts
• Proposals will be evaluated based on clarity and originality of the idea, depth of insight (theological, interdisciplinary, or applied), relevance to young adult flourishing, and ability to communicate to a broad audience.

Suggested themes may include:

• Christian understandings of flourishing, abundance, and wholeness
• Faith, mental health, and resilience among young adults ages 22-32
• Formation, identity, and belonging in communities of practice
• Technology and AI ethics and innovations
• Embodiment, stress, and care for the whole person
• Suffering, trauma, and hope in from theological and interdisciplinary perspectives
• Intersections of theology, public health, psychology, education, or social sciences
• Ecumenical and cross-disciplinary insights into the care and formation of young adults

Please submit your proposal with the following materials below:

• Abstract (300-400 words) describing the core idea of your proposed talk
• Reflection question (under 300 words)
• Video pitch about your proposed idea (2-3 minutes)
• Headshot and brief bio (100 words) including institutional affiliation and 1-2 sentences on how your work engages young adults ages 22-32
• CV or Resume

Deadline to submit is July 12. We will be in touch by August 1 as we make our selections. Please contact polaris@ptsem.edu with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m not a young adult (ages 22-32) – can I still attend?
A: Yes! Anyone invested in the Faith and Flourishing of young adults is welcome to register and attend.

Q. I’m not a young adult (ages 22-32) – can I still apply to present?

A: Absolutely! Any Emerging Scholar – defined as “early-career scholars and researchers” – can apply to present, as long as the topic is focused on the flourishing of young adults (ages 22-32).

Q: What is an ’emerging scholar’?

A: We define this as early-career scholars and researchers. This could be doctoral candidates and recent PhDs/postdocs, early-career faculty, or practitioner-scholars in the field. if you are a mid-career scholar you are still welcome to attend the event.
Q: My work is not in ministry, is this still applicable?
A: We welcome presenters and attendees from any field or industry, secular practitioners are encouraged. However idea talks will be chosen based on their ability to merge the topic of faith with the industry or field they represent.