Our Work
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.
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INTENTIONALITY
We are guided by a shared purpose that provides clarity about how, when, and why we do our work -
BELONGING
We are committed to the widest possible welcome and celebration of every person we encounter. We are accountable to the community we serve and seek to foster spaces of integrity and inclusion -
IMAGINATION
We remain laser-focused on how best to serve leaders who care for young people, which requires creativity, experimentation, fluidity, and adaptability -
SUSTAINABILITY
We pace ourselves and our work by celebrating our interdependence and shared humanity. We reject manufactured urgency, and we trust God’s timing and guidance -
COURAGE
We believe we are living in a time that requires close alignment between our words and our actions, and we do not let fear rule our work, relationships, or lives