Resources for Those Shaping the Next Generation
If you’re serving in children’s ministry, youth work, young adult discipleship, family ministry, camping ministry, or university chaplaincy — you already know this work is rewarding, exhausting, sacred, and often lonely.
As we launch our Communities of Practice for Next Generation Ministries this month, we want to spotlight some of the incredible resources that are already out there — some on our own Resource Hub, and some from organizations who have been walking this road for a long time. Whether you're just beginning or have decades of experience, you deserve to feel supported, resourced, and connected.
APCE
The Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE) is a long-standing and trusted network for Christian educators, youth ministry leaders, and others involved in faith formation across North America. While it’s U.S.-based, many Canadian leaders have found real value and connection through their offerings.
Annual Event
One of the highlights of APCE’s work is their Annual Event - a multi-day conference that gathers hundreds of practitioners for worship, workshops, networking, and spiritual renewal. Workshops cover everything from trauma-responsive ministry and inclusive worship to curriculum development, intergenerational mentoring, running an effect VBS, digital tools, navigating leadership conflicts, creative arts, volunteer recruitment and social justice…. we could go on and on.
Recently the annual event has been offered as both an in-person and online experience so even if you are are unable to fly out to the gathering you can still take part and benefit from the knowledge shared. The gathering for this year just took place in January - but take a look at what was offered and consider taking part next year. AND review their resource offerings, as many of the past workshops and keynotes have been recorded and made accessible on their website.
Opening Doors to Discipleship
This online learning hub began as an ecumenical partnership between five Reformed denominations that developed a training and learning website for church leaders. In 2019, APCE became stewards of the website and its content. The website has resources about theology, educational practices, faith formation, intergenerational faith development, disability ministry and more - check it out here.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s Christian Education Exchange.
We’re excited about this new initiative from the PCC. Here’s what they say about the Christian Education Exchange:
Serving in Christian Education can be isolating, especially in our small churches in small towns spread out across these lands. We want to help bridge the gap between faithful people doing wonderful work. Come gather online monthly and connect with others who serve our faith communities, equipping them for discipleship.
You can be a minister, lay leader, paid staff, volunteer, part-time, full-time, or a passionate retiree. You can serve children, youth, young adults, adults, seniors, or all intergenerationally. Our aim is to make the journey an enjoyable one with companions to rely on.
The meetings are hosted by the Christian Education & Youth Program Team at 7:00pm (Eastern) and 6:30pm (Pacific) on the fourth Monday of each month.
Check Out These Resources for: Faith & Spiritual Development
Check Out These Resources for: Kids Ministry
Check Out These Resources for: Youth Ministry
Check Out These Resources for: Creative Ministry
Check Out These Resources for: LGBTQI+ Inclusion
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