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Our Youth Worker Conference in Abbotsford is about empowering & relationally supporting youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. Home Schedule Speakers Breakouts Venue Map Menu Close Youth Worker ConferENCE ABBOTSFORD Encouraging and Equipping Youth Workers to Better Disciple Their Students. Join us at the Youth Worker Conference to learn from seasoned youth workers, gain practical training, and connect with a community that understands both the joys and challenges of ministry. Breakouts Speakers ABBOTSFORD Youth Worker ConferENCE ABBOTSFORD Encouraging and Equipping Youth Workers to Better Disciple Their Students. That’s a wrap on another amazing conference! We’re already excited for next year. If you joined us this year, we’d love to hear about your experience! Click the button below and let us know what stood out, as well as any ideas for how to make next year even better. Send Us Feedback ABBOTSFORD Youth Worker ConferENCE ABBOTSFORD Encouraging and Equipping Youth Workers to Better Disciple Their Students. February 6-7, 2026 Central Heights Church 1661 McCallum Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 1B8 Register Now ABBOTSFORD BREAKOUTS SPEAKERS OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS MAIN SESSION Keynotes Ginny Olson Point Leader Keynoter Ken Castor Point Leader Keynoter Virginia Ward Conference Keynoter Steve Zacharias Conference Keynoter Heather Flies Conference Keynoter Main Stage Team Joshua Leventhal Worship Leader Jeremy MacDonald Conference Host Terri Newton Conference Host MORE FROM YWC Coalition Learn More Curriculum Learn More Podcast Learn More YWC Resources COALITION PODCAST CURRICULUM See the Venue Map Explore the Map BREAKOUTS & SCHEDULE Friday Saturday Ken Castor & Ginny Olson Point Leader Conference 9:00am - 4:30pm Registration Opens 6:00pm - 7:00pm Main Session #1 Keynote: Heather Flies 7:00pm - 9:00pm After Party 9:00pm - 10:00pm Morning Worship & Prayer 8:15am - 8:45am Main Session #2 Keynote: Virginia Ward 9:00am - 10:15am Snack Break 10:15am - 10:45am Breakout Session #1 10:45am - 11:45am Read More Ginny Olson Thriving in Co-Vocational Youth Ministry Read More Ken Castor How to Lead a Better Small Group Read More Tristan Kruse Leading Your Youth Towards Missions Read More Virginia Ward Loving and Serving Every Tribe, Nation, and Tongue Read More Christine Kliewer How to Help Your Students Practice Spiritual Disciplines More Regularly Read More Iona Snair Caring Well for Neurodivergent Youth Read More Ralph Alvaro Scroll-Stopping Faith: Engaging the Next Gen Online Read More Ebonie Davis Multicultural Youth Ministry
 Lunch Break 12:00pm - 1:15pm Breakout Session #2 1:15pm - 2:15pm Read More Steve Zacharias The Feels Are Strong With This One: Walking With Teens in Emotional Development Read More Terri Newton Building Healthy Connections With Students - Inside & Outside of Your Program Read More Mike Gordon Bridging the Gap: From Youth Group to Thriving Young Adult Ministry Read More Sid Koop How to Lead a Bible Study Read More Ben Woodman The Preacher’s Lab Read More Afope Sanyade How to Look for the Underdog Student Read More Nadia Henderson Sharing Jesus in the Digital space: Equipping leaders to see the internet as a powerful tool for connection. Read More Summer Jackson This is Gen Alpha: Curious, Courageous, Connected Snack Break 2:15pm - 2:45pm Breakout Session #3 2:45pm - 3:45pm Read More Josh Woodcock Faith and Phones: Developing a Theology of Technology for Ministry Read More Rob Chartrand Navigating Suffering and Resiliency in a Hedonistic World Read More Sid Koop Creating Redemptive Communities for Adolescents Wrestling With Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Faith Read More Bryan Pue Discipleship in a Culture of Self Read More Josh Thompson Living with the End in Mind: A Eulogy Exercise Read More Marv Penner Parents! The Most Important Youth Workers Ever Read More Matt Wilkinson Building a Kingdom Dream Team Read More Sarah Stanley The Problem of Pornography Main Session #3 Keynote: Steve Zacharias 4:00pm - 5:00pm SPEAKERS Ebonie Davis Matt Wilkinson Summer Jackson Ralph Alvaro Iona Snair Nadia Henderson Afope Sanyade Christine Kliewer Marv Penner Ben Woodman Josh Thompson Bryan Pue Virginia Ward Kyla Gillespie Rob Chartrand Sid Koop Mike Gordon Terri Newton Steve Zacharias Tristan Kruse Josh Woodcock Heather Flies Ken Castor Ginny Olson Sarah Stanley OUR SPONSORS We'd love to hear your Feedback! If you joined us this year, we’d love to hear about your experience! Click the button below and let us know what stood out, as well as any ideas for how to make next year even better. Send Us Feedback Register Now! Join us to learn from seasoned youth workers, gain practical training, and connect with a community that understands both the joys and challenges of ministry. Register Now WHAT YOU DO MATTERS

There are very few students who are not personally wrestling with issues of gender identity, sexuality, and faith (or don’t have close friends who are). It seems to be the most pervasive issue in current adolescent culture. Is there a way to care for, lead, shepherd, and love all teens in our community when it comes to these complex realities? This breakout will walk through ideas to help you as you point these students to Jesus. < Back Track 2 | Youth Culture Creating Redemptive Communities for Adolescents Wrestling With Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Faith 2:45pm | Breakout 03 3011 SESSION SPEAKER Sid Koop Learn More There are very few students who are not personally wrestling with issues of gender identity, sexuality, and faith (or don’t have close friends who are). It seems to be the most pervasive issue in current adolescent culture. Is there a way to care for, lead, shepherd, and love all teens in our community when it comes to these complex realities? This breakout will walk through ideas to help you as you point these students to Jesus. Apply Now

Our Youth Worker Conference in Saskatoon is about empowering & relationally supporting youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. Home Schedule Speakers Breakouts Venue Map Menu Close Youth Worker ConferENCE SASKATOON Encouraging and Equipping Youth Workers to Better Disciple Their Students. Join us at the Youth Worker Conference to learn from seasoned youth workers, gain practical training, and connect with a community that understands both the joys and challenges of ministry. Breakouts Speakers SASKATOON Youth Worker ConferENCE SASKATOON Encouraging and Equipping Youth Workers to Better Disciple Their Students. That’s a wrap on another amazing conference! We’re already excited for next year. If you joined us this year, we’d love to hear about your experience! Click the button below and let us know what stood out, as well as any ideas for how to make next year even better. Send Us Feedback SASKATOON YWC Resources COALITION PODCAST CURRICULUM MAIN SESSION Keynotes Ken Castor Point Leader Keynoter Ginny Olson Point Leader Keynoter Chap Clark Conference Keynoter Heather Flies Conference Keynoter Steve Zacharias Conference Keynoter Main Stage Team Joshua Leventhal Worship Leader Jeremy MacDonald Conference Host Terri Newton Conference Host OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS OUR SPONSORS BREAKOUTS SPEAKERS SASKATOON Youth Worker ConferENCE SASKATOON Encouraging and Equipping Youth Workers to Better Disciple Their Students. January 30-31, 2026 Elim Church 419 Slimmon Rd, Saskatoon, SK S7V 0A4 Register Now See the Venue Map Explore the Map We'd love to hear your Feedback! If you joined us this year, we’d love to hear about your experience! Click the button below and let us know what stood out, as well as any ideas for how to make next year even better. Send Us Feedback MORE FROM YWC Coalition Learn More Curriculum Learn More Podcast Learn More BREAKOUTS & SCHEDULE Friday Saturday Ken Castor & Ginny Olson Point Leader Conference 9:00am - 4:30pm Registration Opens 6:00pm - 7:00pm Main Session #1 Keynote: Heather Flies 7:00pm - 9:00pm After Party 9:00pm - 10:00pm Morning Worship & Prayer 8:15am - 8:45am Main Session #2 Keynote: Chap Clark 9:00am - 10:15am Snack Break 10:15am - 10:45am Breakout Session #1 10:45am - 11:45am Chap Clark Hurt 3.0 The Cultural Pivot Read More Josh Woodcock Faith and Phones: Developing a Theology of Technology for Ministry Read More Heather Flies Effective Programming for Middle School Ministry: Celebrating Chaos & Implementing Structure Read More Ken Castor How to Lead a Better Small Group Read More Ginny Olson Thriving in Co-Vocational Youth Ministry Read More Marv Penner Parents! The Most Important Youth Workers Ever Read More Summer Jackson This is Gen Alpha: Curious, Courageous, Connected Read More Lunch Break 12:00pm - 1:15pm Breakout Session #2 1:15pm - 2:15pm Will Dmytrow How to Help Your Students Practice Spiritual Disciplines More Regularly Read More Rhythm Knowler Kingdom of Underdogs Read More Lydia Kidd Student Leadership: How to Help Students Lead and Serve Read More Steve Zacharias The Feels Are Strong With This One: Walking With Teens in Emotional Development Read More Ben Woodman The Preacher's Lab Read More Josh Thompson Living with the End in Mind: A Eulogy Exercise Read More Nadia Henderson Sharing Jesus in the Digital space: Equipping leaders to see the internet as a powerful tool for connection. Read More Snack Break 2:15pm - 2:45pm Breakout Session #3 2:45pm - 3:45pm Rob Chartrand Navigating Suffering and Resiliency in a Hedonistic World Read More Sid Koop How to Lead a Bible Study Read More Mike Gordon Bridging the Gap: From Youth Group to Thriving Young Adult Ministry Read More Will Dmytrow AI and the Adolescent Soul: How Youth Workers Can Respond in a Modern Age Read More Terri Newton Building Healthy Connections With Students - Inside & Outside of Your Program Read More Tristan Kruse Leading Your Youth Towards Missions Read More Tim Thiessen Longevity In Youth Ministry Read More Main Session #3 Keynote: Steve Zacharias 4:00pm - 5:00pm SPEAKERS Summer Jackson Nadia Henderson Josh Thompson Marv Penner Tim Thiessen Rob Chartrand Sid Koop Mike Gordon Will Dmytrow Rhythm Knowler Lydia Kidd Terri Newton Steve Zacharias Tristan Kruse Ben Woodman Chap Clark Josh Woodcock Heather Flies Ken Castor Ginny Olson Register Now! Join us to learn from seasoned youth workers, gain practical training, and connect with a community that understands both the joys and challenges of ministry. Register Now WHAT YOU DO MATTERS

Our Youth Worker Conference in Montreal is about empowering & relationally supporting youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. Home Schedule Speakers Breakouts Register Now Menu Close Youth Worker ConferENCE ABBOTSFORD Encouraging and Equipping Youth Workers to Better Disciple Their Students. Join us at the Youth Worker Conference to learn from seasoned youth workers, gain practical training, and connect with a community that understands both the joys and challenges of ministry. Breakouts Speakers ABBOTSFORD Youth Worker ConferENCE ABBOTSFORD Encouraging and Equipping Youth Workers to Better Disciple Their Students. That’s a wrap on another amazing conference! We’re already excited for next year. If you joined us this year, we’d love to hear about your experience! Click the button below and let us know what stood out, as well as any ideas for how to make next year even better. Send Us Feedback ABBOTSFORD Youth Worker ConferENCE MONTREAL Encouraging and Equipping Youth Workers to Better Disciple Their Students. April 10-11, 2026 Trinity Pentecostal Church 1050 Shevchenko Blvd, Lasalle, Quebec H8N 1N6 Register Now MONTREAL BREAKOUTS SPEAKERS OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS MAIN SESSION Keynotes Sid Koop Point Leader Keynoter Steve Zacharias Conference Keynoter MORE FROM YWC Coalition Learn More Curriculum Learn More Podcast Learn More YWC Resources COALITION PODCAST CURRICULUM See the Venue Map Explore the Map BREAKOUTS & SCHEDULE Friday Saturday TBD Point Leader Conference TBD Registration Opens 9:30am - 10:00am Main Session #1 Keynote: Sid Koop 10:00am - 11:45am Lunch (included in registration) 11:45am - 1:15pm Breakout Session #1 1:15pm - 2:15pm Read More Ginny Olson Thriving in Co-vocational Youth Ministry Read More Sid Koop How to Lead a Bible Study Breakout Session #2 2:30pm - 3:30pm Read More Jeremy MacDonald How To Lead a Great Small Group Read More Sid Koop 7 Tasks for Building a Great Youth Ministry Team Read More Steve Zacharias Becoming a Catalyst for Courage Main Session #2 Keynote: Steve Zacharias 3:45pm - 5:00pm SPEAKERS Ginny Olson Jeremy MacDonald Steve Zacharias Sid Koop OUR SPONSORS We'd love to hear your Feedback! If you joined us this year, we’d love to hear about your experience! Click the button below and let us know what stood out, as well as any ideas for how to make next year even better. Send Us Feedback Register Now! Join us to learn from seasoned youth workers, gain practical training, and connect with a community that understands both the joys and challenges of ministry. Register Now WHAT YOU DO MATTERS

Chris Tompkins leads the senior leadership team in bringing the Muskoka Woods vision to life. He holds a degree in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph, a teacher’s college degree from the University of Toronto and a Master’s degree in Youth Development from Clemson University. His experience leading in local community, school, church and camp settings has spanned over 20 years. His current role and expertise generates a demand for him to speak with teens and consult with youth leaders. Chris hosts the Muskoka Woods podcast, Shaping Our World where he speaks with youth development experts. He is an avid sports fan who enjoys an afternoon with a big cup of coffee and a good book. Chris resides in Stouffville, Ontario with his wife and daughter. < Back Chris Tompkins Chris Tompkins leads the senior leadership team in bringing the Muskoka Woods vision to life. He holds a degree in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph, a teacher’s college degree from the University of Toronto and a Master’s degree in Youth Development from Clemson University. His experience leading in local community, school, church and camp settings has spanned over 20 years. His current role and expertise generates a demand for him to speak with teens and consult with youth leaders. Chris hosts the Muskoka Woods podcast, Shaping Our World where he speaks with youth development experts. He is an avid sports fan who enjoys an afternoon with a big cup of coffee and a good book. Chris resides in Stouffville, Ontario with his wife and daughter. Leading Organizations 2:45pm | Breakout 03 Read More

For over eight years, Afope has been pastoring teenagers in North Calgary and is passionate about seeing youth become disciples of Jesus who nurture Christ in everyone they meet. He loves engaging in conversations about theodicy, ethnicity, and reconciliation, and can often be found building up his Letterboxd and Crunchyroll portfolio. Afope is committed to equipping the next generation of leaders to live out their faith in a complex world. < Back Afope Sanyade For over eight years, Afope has been pastoring teenagers in North Calgary and is passionate about seeing youth become disciples of Jesus who nurture Christ in everyone they meet. He loves engaging in conversations about theodicy, ethnicity, and reconciliation, and can often be found building up his Letterboxd and Crunchyroll portfolio. Afope is committed to equipping the next generation of leaders to live out their faith in a complex world. How to Look for the Underdog Student 2:45pm | Breakout 03 Read More

Small groups can be a catalyst for inspirational fellowship and growth… or they can be draining spawns of destruction. Which kind is yours? This workshop will offer 4 tips on improving small group dynamics. < Back Track 3 | Ministry Tools How to Lead a Better Small Group 10:45am | Breakout 01 Auditorium SESSION SPEAKER Ken Castor Learn More Small groups can be a catalyst for inspirational fellowship and growth… or they can be draining spawns of destruction. Which kind is yours? This workshop will offer 4 tips on improving small group dynamics. Apply Now

How can we help high school students transition smoothly into vibrant young adult communities? With experience launching multiple young adult ministries (including one that grew to 550 people!!!) Mike will explore what youth workers should do now to help their students thrive in young adult ministries in their future. You'll also learn practical ideas and principles for building a healthy, growing young adult ministry in any context. < Back Track 1 | Leadership Bridging the Gap: From Youth Group to Thriving Young Adult Ministry 2:45pm | Breakout 03 Choir/Lecture Theatre SESSION SPEAKER Mike Gordon Learn More How can we help high school students transition smoothly into vibrant young adult communities? With experience launching multiple young adult ministries (including one that grew to 550 people!!!) Mike will explore what youth workers should do now to help their students thrive in young adult ministries in their future. You'll also learn practical ideas and principles for building a healthy, growing young adult ministry in any context. Apply Now

This series is designed to give your youth workers bite-size training that is short, practical, and instantly useful. In each 5-minute episode, Jason delivers one focused idea you can put into action right away: from the surprising sign your ministry is actually working, to praying for students by name, to speaking words that build (not break).  5-Minute Youth Worker Training with Jason Ballard Video Package $50 ADD TO CART About the Training This series is designed to give your youth workers bite-size training that is short, practical, and instantly useful. In each 5-minute episode, Jason delivers one focused idea you can put into action right away: from the surprising sign your ministry is actually working, to praying for students by name, to speaking words that build (not break). Other topics include: how a little prep can go a long way, how to celebrate wins, and where to find your real source of strength. Created to help established youth workers grow in their leadership and care for students while also being accessible for brand new youth workers. *Every dollar spent on these resources goes back into creating more series like this.* Preview the Series Need help equipping your youth ministry? Get our Curriculum Discount Codes—no strings attached. We’re a non-profit that exists to serve churches of every size. If budget is tight, we’ve got you covered. Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. * Send My Codes We’ll email you the codes right away and send an occasional update on new resources. Unsubscribe anytime. Buy the Course Now! Video Package $50 ADD TO CART Amplify Ministry Impact Train Your Volunteers Cultivate Faith Foundations Teach Your Students

Kyla Gillespie is the founder of Renewed & Transformed Ministries. Her deep desire is to help Christians be better equipped to love the LGBTQ+ community. She is a podcaster and an international speaker inspired to share her own experiences with same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria so that others might encounter Christ and experience His power and hope in their lives. Kyla is the Author of TransFormed: The Power of God's Word and God's People in One Woman's Journey through Gender Confusion, Reassignment Surgery, and Detransitioning. She lives in Greater Vancouver B.C, where she is an active member of Gospel City Church. < Back Kyla Gillespie Kyla Gillespie is the founder of Renewed & Transformed Ministries. Her deep desire is to help Christians be better equipped to love the LGBTQ+ community. She is a podcaster and an international speaker inspired to share her own experiences with same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria so that others might encounter Christ and experience His power and hope in their lives. Kyla is the Author of TransFormed: The Power of God's Word and God's People in One Woman's Journey through Gender Confusion, Reassignment Surgery, and Detransitioning. She lives in Greater Vancouver B.C, where she is an active member of Gospel City Church. Creating Redemptive Communities for Adolescents Wrestling With Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Faith 2:45pm | Breakout 03 Read More

There are few things more central to deep discipleship than helping students see the beauty of Jesus in His Word. Scripture is the place we see Jesus most clearly, and Jesus Himself said we should teach others to obey all that He has commanded. But sometimes leading a bible study feels like the opposite of discipleship. It feels like painful discipline! In this session we will walk through steps for leading an effective bible study. < Back Track 3 | Ministry Tools How to Lead a Bible Study 1:15pm | Breakout 01 SESSION SPEAKER Sid Koop Learn More There are few things more central to deep discipleship than helping students see the beauty of Jesus in His Word. Scripture is the place we see Jesus most clearly, and Jesus Himself said we should teach others to obey all that He has commanded. But sometimes leading a bible study feels like the opposite of discipleship. It feels like painful discipline! In this session we will walk through steps for leading an effective bible study. Apply Now

Summer serves with the Alpha Youth team, leading strategic initiatives & fostering innovation with ministry leaders across Canada to create spaces for students to encounter God while engaging meaningfully with the big questions of life, faith and purpose. She recently relocated to Vancouver, BC after spending four years in Los Angeles leading the vibrant Alpha ministry at Vintage Church LA. An alumna of Trinity Western University & Propel Women with 12 years in youth & young adult ministry, Summer is passionate about developing young leaders, normalizing audacious prayer, and activating a generation to dream boldly with God. In her free time, you’ll find her exploring Vancouver’s food & coffee scene with friends, serving at her home church, The Way Church Vancouver, or cheering on a local sports team. < Back Summer Jackson Summer serves with the Alpha Youth team, leading strategic initiatives & fostering innovation with ministry leaders across Canada to create spaces for students to encounter God while engaging meaningfully with the big questions of life, faith and purpose. She recently relocated to Vancouver, BC after spending four years in Los Angeles leading the vibrant Alpha ministry at Vintage Church LA. An alumna of Trinity Western University & Propel Women with 12 years in youth & young adult ministry, Summer is passionate about developing young leaders, normalizing audacious prayer, and activating a generation to dream boldly with God. In her free time, you’ll find her exploring Vancouver’s food & coffee scene with friends, serving at her home church, The Way Church Vancouver, or cheering on a local sports team. This is Gen Alpha: Curious, Courageous, Connected 1:15pm | Breakout 02 Read More