Conference invites youth ministry workers to refresh, connect and be inspired
Event set for Oct. 6–8 in San Diego
This fall, the Presbyterian Youth Workers Association (PYWA) invites everyone who works in youth ministry — paid staff, volunteers, full-time youth directors, part-time assistants, ordained ministers and everyone in between — to Come to the Water, a refreshing in-person gathering designed to nourish, connect and inspire. PYWA is in partnership with the Interim Unified Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through the Office of Christian Formation.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Diego, this three-day event will take place at Christ Presbyterian Church from Oct. 6–8. Whether you’ve been in youth ministry for decades or just stepped into this sacred calling, this gathering is for you.
Come to the Water is more than a conference — it’s a place to breathe deeply, build relationships and be reminded that you are not alone.
“Being a youth worker is one of the best and most fun callings in the church, and at times it can feel isolating and lonely,” said the Rev. Eileen VanGieson, current co-moderator of PYWA’s Board of Directors. “This is a fantastic opportunity to gather with fellow colleagues and connect and be inspired in this very important role. I am excited to be encouraged and filled!”
This gathering is designed to meet you where you are and offer space for growth, reflection, creativity and connection.
PYWA welcomes the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow as the keynote speaker. A longtime pastor, author and cultural commentator, Reyes-Chow brings wisdom, humor and deep insight into the work of ministry in today’s world. The Rev. Dr. Kathryn Threadgill, vice president and dean of Student Formation and Campus Culture at Columbia Theological Seminary, will serve as the gathering pastor. She, too, is passionate about youth ministry and is excited to offer spiritual grounding and pastoral care throughout the time together.
The planning team for Come to the Water is excited to launch a new way of offering workshops. “I love a good workshop, but I’m even more excited about what we’re offering because we have planned so many different types of workshops,” said Rebekah Witt, a planning team and PYWA board member. “We know there are people who come ready to learn from experts. Some look for space to breathe, and others want to hear what ideas their fellow youth workers are trying out."
Each workshop session will offer three types of experiences, allowing youth workers to engage in the way that feels most meaningful to them:
Soul Care: These workshops will focus on nurturing your spirit. Join a yoga class, go on a prayer walk, or engage in practices designed to help you find renewal and peace.
Idea Exchange: Sit around a table with fellow youth workers and swap stories, strategies and creative solutions. These sessions provide space to learn from one another and spark new ideas together.
Learning Lab: Dive into more traditional presentations and teachings from experienced leaders. These sessions will explore key topics in youth ministry through structured, speaker-led formats.
With a mix of spiritual care, collaborative sharing, and practical learning, the workshop model ensures that every youth worker can find something of value.
Whether you’re a seasoned youth ministry professional, a dedicated volunteer or somewhere in between, Come to the Water is an invitation to rest, reconnect and return home encouraged. Join PYWA in San Diego this October for a gathering full of grace, laughter, learning and the deep community that comes from being with others who understand the joys and challenges of walking alongside young people in faith.
For more information and to register, go here.
The Rev. Kiersten Hill is an associate pastor for youth and young adults in Denver and a former co-moderator of PYWA’s Board of Directors.
You may freely reuse and distribute this article in its entirety for non-commercial purposes in any medium. Please include author attribution, photography credits, and a link to the original article. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDeratives 4.0 International License.
