This year’s National Young People’s Ministry (NYPM) gathering brought together roughly 25 conference-level young people’s ministry leaders from across the United States for a focused time of learning, dreaming, and connection. Held in St. Louis, this year’s NYPM gathering was hosted by the Missouri Conference.
The Tennessee-Western Kentucky (TWK) Conference was represented by Jordan Littrell, Director of Intergenerational Ministries at Grace UMC in Mt. Juliet and Chair of the TWK Youth Ministry Operations Team. Although this year’s gathering was more brief than previous years, it carried a tone that was both challenging and hopeful — a reminder of the important work happening across the connection to support young people in the United Methodist Church.
Leaders attended from conferences across the country, including South Carolina, Rio Texas, Upper New York, Desert Southwest, and even the Alaska Conference. The diversity of contexts brought richness to the conversations, offering a wide view of how youth ministries are growing, adapting, and imagining new ways to serve young people.
The gathering began with a presentation from Chris Wilterdink of Discipleship Ministries, who shared updates on major upcoming opportunities for young people in the UMC. A key highlight was the latest information on the next Global Young People’s Convocation (GYPC), scheduled for July 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. This will be the first GYPC since 2018. This event is designed to develop young leaders from around the world, featuring advocacy and legislative training, worship, and collaborative learning experiences. Wilterdink also previewed Youth 2027, the next national youth event for United Methodists, scheduled for July 11-14, 2027, in Dallas, TX.
Participants also engaged in a design-thinking session led by Charlie Conder of the Rethink Group. This collaborative workshop provided an opportunity to name shared challenges, explore creative solutions, and learn from one another’s ideas from across the denomination.
Even with a condensed schedule, the opportunity to connect with fellow conference-level leaders remained invaluable. Attendees shared updates on initiatives within their conferences, celebrated successes, and discussed ways to strengthen support for local churches and youth workers. The spirit of connection across the UMC was a meaningful reminder that nurturing young people—and ensuring they are fully included in the church’s life and leadership—is a shared calling that strengthens us all.
TWK Youth Ministry Operations Team Now Preparing “United” Youth Weekends
Within the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, that shared purpose continues to guide the TWK Youth Ministry Operations Team. Preparations are underway for the second year of United, the conference’s winter youth retreat. In 2026, United will once again be offered over two weekends — January 30–February 1 and February 6–8 — with both gatherings taking place at Cedar Crest. This year’s speaker will be Katie Minnis, and worship will once again be led by James Touchton. Registration is now open, and groups can reserve their spots online. Additionally, we are excited to be launching our first Conference Youth Leadership Team, made up of youth from various churches throughout our conference.
The TWK Youth Ministry Operations Team remains committed to walking alongside congregations and youth workers throughout the conference. Anyone seeking support or connection is encouraged to reach out at youth@twkumc.org. Together, we continue building a future for youth ministry that is connected, collaborative, and full of possibility.
Submitted by Jordan Littrell, Chair of the TWK Youth Ministry Operations Team
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