Youth Ministry Lab

The Gulf Coast Youth Ministry Lab will be an opportunity for local youth ministry leaders to dream, learn and connect.

Participants will experience fellowship and brainstorming opportunities that will energize them in their calling to ministry with youth, and strengthen the churches they serve. To be hosted in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, registration will include meals, evening activities and a guest panel of other youth workers to help you dream big. A discounted block of rooms will be reserved at a hotel walkable to the host church, and early registrants can have their lodging paid for.

This gathering is meant for youth ministry workers serving a few youth, or looking where to start to serve youth in their church and community. This gathering is made possible by the Louisiana United Methodist Foundation.

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR MINISTRY LAB

COst

Cost: $50. Includes 3 meals, entertainment, and materials.

***First 10 to register qualify for one night hotel included, if traveling 50 miles or more.

***Scholarship can be available

Schedule

Sample Schedule Day 1:

4:00-6:00 Check in

6:00 Welcome

7:00 Dinner and Evening Fellowship

Sample Schedule Day 2:

7:30am Breakfast

8:00 Worship, Guest Speaker

9:00 -12:00 Lab 1, 2, 3

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch

1:00-3:00 Lab 4, 5

3:00 Guest Speaker

3:30-5:00 Annual Planning

DATES

March 12/13, 2026

Thursday evening/ Friday day

potential discussion topics

(vote on during registration)

Starting from Scratch What can I do when I have a few youth across grades, or no youth showing consistently?
Culture Discerning our culture, establishing, or changing our culture
Best Sesh Your favorite Bible study topics, games we play, fundraiser ideas
Volunteers: Recruiting, training, equipping
Service Opportunities: Mission in our context. (What has God already started in your congregation or town that you can join? What isn’t there but needs to be?)
Supporting Youth: Neurodivergence, Mental Health, Political Conflict
Weekly Programming
Confirmation
Student leadership
Gen Alpha Trends
Working with a pastor
Healthy boundaries with Youth and Families
Healthy boundaries for your church.
Conference Ministry
Annual Calendar: A designated time before you leave to dream and draft what an annual calendar could be, to bring back and present by August. Considering local events, school calendars, so your families can plan.