The Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry

Thirty years ago, a group of Christian leaders committed to ministry with young people imagined a future where theologians and ministry leaders were part of a dynamic learning community that formed thoughtful, just, and creative ministries with teenagers. The result of this collective dreaming became the Institute for Youth Ministry (IYM) at Princeton Theological Seminary, and since 1995, the IYM has helped shape the theory and practice of youth ministry around the world. The IYM is honored to invite you to join us for the 2025 Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry, where we will celebrate the incredible milestone of 30 years of impact.

CELEBRATE! The Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry
April 29–May 2, 2025
Princeton Seminary Campus
Featuring workshops, small groups, The Princeton Lectures on Youth, Church, & Culture, and a celebration of the Institute for Youth Ministry’s 30th Anniversary.
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What is the Forum on Youth Ministry?

The Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry is an annual gathering of people in the church, the academy, and the world who are committed to cultivating and caring for the Christian faith of young people. Designed around a theme that inspires the conversation and content each year, the Forum is a place where people of all demographic and denominational backgrounds come together to learn from and encourage one another. Less of a conference that teaches “how-to,” the Forum is a creative hub where people gather to ask “how come?”

Alongside opportunities for celebration, the 2025 Forum will invite participants into deep reflection on the role that celebration plays in ministry with young people.

In a time of great uncertainty and distrust, youth ministry can be a safe place that celebrates, affirms, and bears witness to the lived experiences of young people. As those formed by practices that celebrate God’s work in the world through Jesus Christ, Christians are well equipped to help young people know and celebrate that they belong to God – no matter what.