Encouraging and equipping youth workers across Canada to better disciple their students. Save the Date for our 2025/2026 conferences! YOUTH WORKER CONFERENCE Encouraging and Equipping Youth Workers to Better Disciple Their Students. Register Now Register Now Dates & Locations Dates & Locations HELPING YOU BETTER DISCIPLE YOUR STUDENTS NEXT WEEK Hear from previous attendees of the Youth Worker Conferences! "Encouraging, relevant, gospel-centred, empowering." "I'm glad I went! And that I brought my entire leadership team. They gladly carved out the time, based on last year's experience." - Winnipeg Youth Worker "I love Youth Worker Conferences!" "YWC has a good format that allows us to access what we need/want. There is freedom to try different sessions and a variety within the breakout sessions. I love the encouragement and equipping space it gives to volunteers in particular. - Abbotsford Youth Worker "So many tools for myself and my ministry!" "I was inspired to be a minister of Jesus who loves the people I connect with... I was better equipped to handle some of the tougher questions for those who might be doubting their faith... I was encouraged to walk deeper into my relationship with Jesus, and to create more space for developing deeper rhythms with my faith." - Saskatoon Youth Worker Are you ready for this? UPCOMING CONFERENCES NOV. 7-8, 2025 Youth Worker Conference Winnipeg Register Now NOV. 14-15, 2025 Youth Worker Conference Calgary Register Now NOV. 21-22, 2025 Youth Worker Conference Moncton Register Now JAN. 30-31, 2026 Youth Worker Conference Saskatoon Register Now FEB. 6-7, 2026 Youth Worker Conference Abbotsford Register Now FEB. 28, 2026 Today's Teens Conference Toronto Register Now YOUTH WORKERS MAKE AN ETERNAL DIFFERENCE The Youth Worker Conference is designed to encourage and equip youth ministry leaders who are passionate about helping the next generation follow Jesus. 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. Through engaging sessions, real-world insights, and intentional conversations, you’ll walk away with fresh vision, actionable strategies, and the encouragement to keep going—because what you do matters! Register Now Register Now Are you ready for this? UPCOMING CONFERENCES 2025 NOV. 7-8 Youth Worker Conference Winnipeg Register Now 2025 NOV. 14-15 Youth Worker Conference Calgary Register Now 2025 NOV. 21-22 Youth Worker Conference Moncton Register Now 2026 JAN. 30-31 Youth Worker Conference Saskatoon Register Now 2026 FEB. 6-7 Youth Worker Conference Abbotsford Register Now 2026 FEB. 28 Today's Teens Conference Toronto Register Now Save the Date for this Year's Conferences! Tell us which location you're interested in, and we'll email you as soon as registration opens. First name* Location* Select location Email* Submit WHAT YOU DO MATTERS Hear from previous attendees of the Youth Worker Conferences! "Always a highlight for our team!" "Youth Worker Conference has always been a highlight of the ministry for our team and me, and this year was no different! It is always a huge encouragement to be with fellow youth workers and receive a ton of practical content I could implement when I'm back in the office the next week. I'm already looking forward to next year." - Abbotsford Youth Worker "I had an amazing time!" "All of the breakout sessions were so helpful! All of the leaders spoke clearly and passionately. They gave steps and practical application." - Saskatoon Youth Worker "Every year it's good!" "The conference was so good. Every year it's good! I don't even need to know who the speakers are to know that I will get my moneys worth." - Calgary Youth Worker Podcast Curriculum Coalition IN THE MEANTIME Check out our other resources! 2025/2026 REGISTRATION IS LIVE!

Make your ministry your classroom! Learn more about the Coalition, including Dates, Classes, our current Reading List, and more. Student Info As a student in the Coalition you’ll experience a dynamic way of learning that fits your life and ministry. This releases you to learn right where you are, in your current ministry context, and in the way you learn best. Your Coalition experience will reflect the DNA of the Coalition which focuses on building both your character and competence. In addition to your studies you’ll gain a network of like-minded practitioners, world-class instructors and “boots on the ground” coaches and mentors. LEARN MORE Student Experience Student Experience Tuition Tuition Classes Classes Reading List Reading List Schedule Dates The Experience 8 one-week long "Collaborative Learning Experiences" (4 weeks/year) These are informative and collaborative sessions that leverage a balance of in-person and virtual experience. Assignments focus on real ministry skills and have direct application to your ministry context. These are not just make work projects. Instead, assignments focus on personal exploration, theological reflection, and real resource creation that will propel your ministry forward. Mentored life Your experience will be guided by ministry coaches, mentors, and spiritual directors. The process focuses on developing rhythms that are dynamic and catalyze your own personal growth. Learning Cohorts You will learn in the context of a learning cohort; a group of 12-25 vocational youth workers in a region you select. The win of this experience is that while you are learning you will come away with more than just knowledge--you will also gain community. See All Cohort Locations Classes Personal and Spiritual Formation in Ministry This course will explore the central place of spiritual intentionality and growing intimacy with Christ as the basis for effective life and ministry. We believe that it “takes a disciple to make a disciple.” Designed to be experienced early in the program, it will provide apprentices with a pathway toward spiritual refreshment, deeper commitment to the Gospel, a passionate love for Christ, and disciplined living in the messy reality of day to day ministry. The course will be a blend of guided classroom learning and practical experiences in the spiritual disciplines, culminating in a 24 hour personal spiritual retreat. It is not intended to be a time of learning about intimacy, commitment and spiritual discipline. Instead, it is meant to be a time of actual intimacy, reflection, prayer, worship, meditation, solitude and nurturing community. As such, the course is meant to be intensely experiential and personal. Small groups will be established early on, and maintained throughout the course. Students should be prepared to fully engage in the exercises that will be planned for the sake of their own walk with God. It is anticipated that having experienced some of these lessons together we will have learned some things about pointing others in similar directions. Youth Ministry Management - Principles and Practices Sound ministry philosophy ultimately expresses itself in effective ministry praxis. Successful youth ministry practitioners are required to manage on multiple levels. At the heart of managing a ministry is the management of multiple relationships – with the church staff and leadership; with parents; with a volunteer team; with their ministry colleagues in the community; with social agencies, school leaders, local police, etc.; and of course, with a constantly changing group of students. In addition, they are expected to manage budgets, facilities, events, service projects and trips, and the calendars that give structure to programs. Of course, one of their biggest responsibilities is to manage risk – spiritual, relational, physical, and emotional. And at a very personal level they are required to manage their own time and energy. For many “highly relational” youth workers these management responsibilities don’t always come naturally. They need to be learned, practiced, and sharpened in the day-to-day reality of ministry leadership. The apprenticeship environment is a perfect context for developing the management skills necessary to be successful in ministry. This course will provide each student with the opportunity to explore and identify their own management style and then discover ways to manage the multiple elements of the youth ministry in which they are serving. One of the practical outcomes of this course will be the development of a thorough “practices and policies” handbook which will serve as a guide to their ministry team and provide the structures that are necessary for safety, clarity, longevity, and meaningful ministry outcomes. Thinking Theologically About Youth Ministry The need for sound theological thinking as a starting point for ministry structures and strategies has never been greater. Because many faith communities evaluate the effectiveness of their youth ministry primarily on the basis of attendance numbers it can be tempting to structure our ministries in a way that attracts the most young people. When we start with numerical outcomes in mind it is easy to forget about the crucial importance of theological foundation and framework for the work we do. This course will create a theological structure for understanding the Scripture, the church, the family, and the communities in which we serve and then ask the important “So What?” questions. A sound theology expresses itself in effective ministry. One of the key outcomes of this course will be that students will be trained to habitually ask theological questions first. Worldviews and Conversational Apologetics In a pluralistic global culture like ours it is more important than ever for Christians to be wise and well-grounded in our interactions with others. The Scripture exhorts us to “be prepared to always give an answer” (I Peter 3:15) and shows us a great example in Paul’s interactions in Athens. This course is structured to introduce students to the major worldviews and religious systems that exist in the 21st century and to equip them to interact with people who have a different philosophical or theological starting point than their own. The emphasis on conversational apologetics is intentional. For too long we have seen confrontational apologetics being used – often creating broken conversations that do not lead to positive Kingdom outcomes. Upon completion of this course students will be more confident in their understanding of the Gospel and empowered to engage others in a redemptive dialogue that will lead to deepened relationship and ongoing interaction. Understanding Today's Youth Culture With their unique language, music, values, and heroes, today’s adolescents live in a culture all their own. For effective ministry to occur, it is critical that we understand contemporary culture. This course explores the complex world of the adolescent. It is important for us to understand the role of the media as a window into the soul of today’s teenager. Because the media both shapes and reflects the culture, it is important for all who work with adolescents and their families to develop a familiarity with what is being communicated and the implications for ministry. Youth ministry is cross-cultural missionary work. Adults and teen- agers will often need to translate in order for effective ministry to take place. This course will teach adults the language of the next generation. It is important to keep one eye on the constantly changing world and the other eye on the unshakeable Word to help young people make sense out of the cultural “air they are breathing.” Special emphasis will be given to helping students navigate the complexities of their online world and the social media that connects them to it. Counseling Adolescents and Their Families The landscape is all too familiar for those of us who work with teenagers…addictions, eating disorders, self-injury, destructive sexual choices, media saturation, sexual abuse, family breakdown, violence, bullying, gender disorientation, anxiety, depression and suicide – the dark realities that mark the lives of so many young people today. This course is designed to explore and address some of the most common contemporary behavioral, emotional, and relational issues faced by today’s adolescents. It is meant to prepare the apprentice for increased ministry effectiveness through a deeper awareness of underlying issues, behavioral choices and relational realities faced by students today. It is designed to result in a greater level of freedom to address and discuss these issues with both adolescents themselves and the adults who intersect with the adolescent world. The class will consist of a series of lectures, discussions and interactive exercises addressing a wide range of topics that place adolescents at risk. It is intentionally designed to deliver practical equipping to frontline ministry practitioners in both church and para-church ministries. Communication Skills for Effective Ministry Vocational youth workers are communicators. Whether they are training a group of volunteers, leading a parent event, designing curriculum, facilitating a small group, or delivering a youth talk to a room full of teenagers, the need to be a skilled communicator is apparent. The course will explore basic principles of communication as a foundation for practicing the skills needed to communicate effectively in a wide variety of settings. It will offer students a chance to think about the three basic components of any message and to understand the “why” and “how” of effective communication. In addition to discussing the fine points of how to craft effective message content, we’ll look at the mechanics of effective speaking: everything from gestures to facial expressions to voice technique. Adolescent Faith Formation We believe that the most significant spiritual responsibility of any generation is the spiritual well-being of the generation that follows. This course explores all aspects of the adolescent spiritual journey. One of the identified characteristics of this generation is the spiritual hunger that seems to mark them. It appears that we have a unique opportunity to respond to this “craving” that exists in the hearts of young people today. How do we present the Gospel in a way that engages the soul of an adolescent? How do we best understand and facilitate a young person’s journey to faith in Christ? Once a young person has embraced faith how do we help them become deeply rooted disciples of Jesus? What does the journey of sanctification look like, and how do we position young people to make a Kingdom difference in their generation. This course will explore these and other questions that will equip students to accompany young people well on their journey of faith. It’s the most important thing we do! Youth Practicum I, II, III, IV - Skills and Competence Guided by a ministry mentor. At the heart of The Coalition’s training program is a thoughtfully structured, two-year mentored apprenticeship. Because pastoral ministry is a vocation that requires specific competencies, we believe that the most effective way to equip practitioners is to provide them with a real-life context in which to learn and practice ministry effectiveness. Apprentices will serve in full-time ministry roles under experienced leaders who will guide them through a series of leadership development experiences and skill sharpening opportunities. The environments will vary depending on the specialty being pursued by the apprentice. Many will serve in the local church, but some will receive their training in the context of a community youth ministry organization (e.g. Young Life or Youth for Christ) while others could be trained on the staff of a camp or even in a Christian School environment, if that is where they feel called to serve. The apprenticeship path will be marked by carefully defined milestones, but the details of the apprenticeship will be left to the mentor and the apprentice to design and carry out. Apprenticeships will not be approved unless a suitable mentor is available to provide the necessary guidance. The experiential component of this program is not a “tacked on” bonus but in fact represents the essence of what makes The Coalition different. Soul Shaping I, II, III, IV - a Shared Spiritual Journey Guided by a spiritual mentor. Intentional and structured spiritual formation is a curricular cornerstone of the Coalition. Along with academic excellence, experiential immersion, and intentional community engagement, it is foundational to effective ministry preparation. We believe that “it takes a disciple to make a disciple.” Therefore, investing in the disciple-maker will pay significant dividends in the lives of disciples being made. We reproduce disciples after our own kind. During the course of the two years of the Coalition learning community students will be invited to engage in four six-month seasons of soul shaping. Each of these seasons will be guided by an interactive journal which will outline the five core elements of the soul shaping experience and provide a path for students to follow. Cost Tuition Fees Coalition fees: $6,000/year ($12,000 total) Other Costs If you are planning to use your Coalition experience as part of completing a degree with one of our partner schools, there may be additional fees to be aware of. Depending if you are an undergrad or graduate student, these fees could be as little as $200 (B.A.) to $3,000 (M.A.)/year. These aren't just hidden fees or extra costs. Each partner school offers unique value and additional resources for your ministry leadership development. We can help you choose an option that fits your goals. Travel (if applicable) to in-person meetings. You can choose from a growing number of cohort locations . Accommodations for in-person classes. Books - Plan to budget for $50-120/class. A projected reading list can be found here . Coalition Essential Reading List 2024 DOWNLOAD READING LIST 2025-2027 Schedule Class Dates Personal & Spiritual Formation | Dr. Marv Penner Sept 29 - Oct 3, 2025 Youth Ministry Management (Part 1) | Ginny Olson Nov 12 - 13, 2025 | Calgary Location Counselling Adolescents and Their Families | Dr. Marv Penner Jan 5 - 9, 2026 Youth Ministry Management (Part 2) | Ginny Olson Feb 4 - 5, 2026 | Abbotsford Location Thinking Theologically About Youth Ministry | Dr. Chap Clark April 13 - 17, 2026 Youth Ministry Management (Part 3) | Ginny Olson May 6 - 7, 2026 | Location TBD Understanding Today’s Youth Culture Sept 28 - Oct 2, 2026 Adolescent Faith Formation (Part 1) Nov 2026 | Location TBD Worldview and Conversational Apologetics Jan 4 - 8, 2027 Adolescent Faith Formation (Part 2) Feb 2027 | Location TBD Communication Skills for Effective Ministry April 12 - 16, 2027 Adolescent Faith Formation (Part 3) May 2027 | Locations TBD 2024-2026 Schedule Class Dates Personal and Spiritual Formation in Ministry | Dr. Marv Penner Sept 25 – 27, 2024 Youth Ministry Management | Ginny Olson Jan 6 – 10, 2025 Communication Skills for Effective Youth Ministry | Dr. Chuck Hunt March 31 – April 4, 2025 Worldviews and Conversational Apologetics | Dr. Andy Steiger June 2 – 6, 2025 Understanding Today’s Youth Culture | Dr. Walt Mueller Sept 29 – Oct 3, 2025 Adolescent Faith Formation (Part 1) | Sid Koop Nov 12 - 13, 2025 | Calgary & Live-Streamed Counselling Adolescents and Their Families | Dr. Marv Penner Jan 5 – 9, 2026 Adolescent Faith Formation (Part 2) | Sid Koop Feb 4 - 6, 2026 | Abbotsford & Live-Streamed Thinking Theologically About Youth Ministry | Dr. Chap Clark April 13 – 17, 2026 Adolescent Faith Formation (Part 2) | Sid Koop May 6 - 7, 2026 | Location TBD Want to talk about the Coalition? 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Learn about the Coalition! Earn your MA or complete a BA in our two-year integrated vocational education program. Earn Your MA Or BA Learn and grow through experiential learning, spiritual formation, academic excellence and intentional community, all while you stay in your ministry context. We deeply value academic excellence. Each of the faculty who teach your eight courses have been carefully chosen for their expertise in the subject matter they deliver. Several colleges and seminaries have recognized the academic value of our program and have initiated partnerships with the Coalition that allow students to receive academic credit for their participation. Students may use their Coalition credits to account for a significant portion of an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree or may pursue a graduate (Master’s) degree. APPLY NOW Bachelor's Degree Partners A Two-Year Integrated Vocational Education Program for Youth Workers LEARN MORE Curious About The Coalition? BOOK A CALL APPLY NOW Cohorts & Locations One of the core values of The Coalition is intentional community and one of the ways we create that is by having you journey with a Cohort (aka an incredible group of fellow youth workers) through your 2 years. You’ll learn, grow, encourage, challenge and pray with each other making for a richer experience. We have multiple Cohorts, in multiple locations happening at any given time. When you apply to The Coalition, we help you connect to the Cohort that’s the best fit for you. We always have new Cohorts in new locations opening! 2024 — 2026 Locations Kelowna, British Columbia Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Southern Manitoba Mississauga, Ontario Sussex, New Brunswick Why are there multiple campuses? One of the core values of The Coalition is intentional community and one of the ways we create that is by having you journey with a Cohort (an incredible group of fellow youth workers) through your 2 years. You’ll learn, grow, encourage, challenge, and pray with each other which makes the whole experience so much richer. We have multiple Cohorts, in multiple locations, happening at any given time. Current and committed Cohorts include: Kelowna BC, Moncton NB, and Southern MB. There are new ones popping up all the time, so if you’d like one close to you just let us know when you book a call. Who is the program for? Youth workers. Church youth workers. Camp youth workers. Christian school youth workers. Community youth workers. If you care about adolescent faith development then the Coalition is for you. Some students take the program as a certificate simply to sharpen their leadership. Others use it to complete a Bachelor’s degree. And others still go through the Coalition because they are interested in getting their Master’s. How much does the program actually cost? Some of the expenses related to the program are fixed and identical for every student, but some costs vary depending on geographical location and desired program outcomes. The basic tuition cost of the program is $12,000. $6000 each year for two years. This covers the cost of the eight classroom experiences and eight off-campus (experiential immersion) courses, which will be completed as part of your ministry apprenticeship. Students taking the program for college or seminary credit may be required to pay additional fees to the school accrediting their courses. If you are interested in a breakdown of the various partners and their financial arrangements, please contact the Coalition office at coalition@youthworker.community. Additional costs for textbooks, accommodation, and transportation will vary, depending on your personal circumstances. Students are responsible to find their own accommodation for any in person classes, but the Coalition team can help you find affordable options. Will the class assignments and academic requirements distract me from doing my current ministry? The truth of the matter is that earning a degree will always be disruptive at some level. You don’t get the parchment for “just showing up.” A quality education will always require a degree of commitment and there will be a price to pay. With that said, the class assignments are designed to take place in the regular routines of week-to-week ministry. This is not a program where you will be expected to spend hours in the library writing theoretical papers about ministry. You will be living out the assignments in the day-to-day realities of your ministry context and you’ll often discover that the assignments will be immediately utilized to help you in your work responsibilities. But you might have to skip rewatching The Office another time to focus on completing the program Why are there multiple campuses? Our goal is to make your educational experience as accessible, practical and connected as possible. All our cohorts receive the same high quality, live teaching streamed from the primary cohort location to smaller regional cohorts facilitated by in-person ministry experts with decades of personal ministry experience. This means your experience will be more personal (smaller groups of 10-25 students with direct access to faculty, coaches and facilitators) and more accessible (you won’t need to go so far from home!) What will my degree be in? We know what appears on your diploma matters to you (and your resume!) The most common designation our students earn is a Bachelor or Master of Arts in “Youth Ministry Leadership.” Some of our partners offer additional specialization depending on the emphasis of your studies before or after the Coalition. Our graduates have also earned degrees in “Leadership,” “Next Gen Leadership,” and “Ministry Leadership.” FAQs What's the next step if I'm interested? Book a call with the Steve Zacharias. He’ll be able to answer any of your questions and walk you through the application process should you decide that you’d like to apply. What if I'm not in church ministry? If you work with teenagers and want them to follow Jesus then you’ll love the Coalition. We have students who are involved in a wide range of youth ministry contexts and we are pretty convinced that the diversity is good for us all. Also, some Coalition students are involved in ministry beyond just youth ministry. So if you are wondering if the Coalition fits you and your context, the best thing to do is to book a call with us. I'm a rookie. How can I find a place to do an apprenticeship? If you are not currently involved in a youth ministry that will allow you to do your apprenticeship, don’t lose heart. There are a number of churches, camps, campus ministry chapters, and other ministry contexts who have indicated a willingness to host an apprentice and provide supervision and support. We cannot guarantee an apprenticeship placement, as students will need to earn their placement by applying to the ministry that seems compatible with their sense of calling, but we will do everything in our power to help potential apprentices find a grace-filled learning community where they will be mentored, supported, and encouraged as they pursue their training. Let us know your needs during the application process and we’ll start building some bridges for you. Is the program accredited? Can I transfer credits to another college or university? While The Coalition doesn't issue degrees, the program has been accredited through our academic partners, allowing you to use your Coalition experience in a Bachelors or Masters program. Our academic partners have accredited the program through the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) which is the accrediting body for most seminaries around the world. It is also approved and recognized by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) which is the group that accredits Bible colleges across North America. You can book a call with us to see how the Coalition can help you reach your academic goals. Can the Coalition serve as a building block to further study? (MDiv, PhD, etc.) Absolutely! At its core, the Coalition is an immersive ministry leadership program. What you learn will transfer to many other settings and set the stage for your next steps. Upon the completion of the Coalition you will have the option of moving on to MDiv, DMin and even PhD programs together with our partner institutions. Faculty We’ve gathered some of the best voices in Youth Ministry, Leadership & Theology to invest in you at The Coalition. Your Cohort will have the gift of interacting closely with some of these incredible leaders as well as many others! Dr. Marv Penner Marv Penner is a veteran youth worker with more than 45 years of working in the field. He is the Director Emeritus at the Coalition for Youth Ministry Leadership. An author, speaker professor, and youth ministry consultant to denominations, schools, churches and organizations, he travels North America and the world, equipping, encouraging and empowering young leaders. As a registered clinical counsellor he has specialized in helping adolescents and their families through tough times. Marv brings a lifetime of practical wisdom and experience to the classroom. Ginny Olson M.A Ginny Olson has been involved in youth ministry for several decades on a variety of levels: youth pastor, youth ministry professor, speaker and writer. She is the author of Teenage Girls and the co-author of Youth Ministry Management Tools 2.0. Currently, she is the Director of Youth Ministry for the Northwest Conference of the Covenant Church, as well as an adjunct professor at North Park University’s School of Business and Nonprofit Management, where she teaches on church administration. Ebonie Davis Ebonie Davis has served as the Associate Pastor of Youth at Trinity Baptist Church in Waldorf, MD for ten years. She conducted the most recent national multi-city study of youth ministries known for racially diverse ministry, and holds a Master’s degree from Huntington University in Youth Ministry Leadership. Dr. Chap Clark For many years Chap has served as chair of Christian Discipleship department and professor of Practical Theology and Youth, Family, and Culture at Fuller Theological Semi- nary. He has been the senior editor of YouthWorker Journal, and is currently president of ParenTeenTM, a nonprofit organization helping adults understand and respond to the developmental and spiritual needs of adolescents and emerging adults. Chap is a speaker, trainer, consultant, as well as the author or co-author of 25 books. Before teaching, Chap was on Young Life staff for 15 years as an area and regional director; and for the last 27 years while a seminary professor, Chap has served in a variety of roles in the church. Chap and Dee, a LMFT (www.healingreins.com) have three grown children, two granddaughters and live in New- port Beach, CA and when they can get away in Gig Harbor, WA. Sid Koop Sid has been involved in full-time youth ministry for over 20 years. Following his time at Briercrest Seminary, Sid spent 4 years in Canmore as the youth pastor at Canmore Trinity Bible Church, 11 years at the Evangelical Free Church of Lethbridge as Director of Student Ministries, and the last 4 years in Kelowna British Columbia with Truth Matters Ministries. In 2001, Sid founded Truth Matters with the mission to help the next generation see and experience the truth of Jesus Christ. Since 2013, Sid has put his full-time energy into Truth Matters Ministries as the Executive Director. Currently, Truth Matters runs 7 youth worker training conferences across Canada each year under the title "Canadian Youth Workers Conference". Sid also speaks to students, equips youth workers and informs parents at conferences, retreats, and events across the country. He has a Masters in Youth and Family Ministries and is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry in Emerging Generations at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. Sid lives with his wife Jen and two boys Cole and Payton at Green Bay Bible Camp in Kelowna British Columbia, where his wife is currently the Executive Director. Dr. Andy Steiger Andy Steiger is the founder and president of Apologetics Canada, an organization dedicated to helping churches across Canada better understand and engage today’s culture. Most recently, he wrote the book Reclaimed: How Jesus Restores Our Humanity in a Dehumanized World. This book was preceded by The Human Project video series. In 2018, The Human Project debuted at film festivals around the world and won a number of awards including Best Short Film and People's Choice. He also created and hosted The Thinking Series and is the author of Thinking? Answering Life’s Five Biggest Questions. Andy speaks on these topics internationally at universities, conferences, churches, prisons and coffee shops. He earned his PhD from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Andy is originally from Portland, Oregon and currently lives in Abbotsford, British Columbia with his wife, Nancy, and their boys. Dr. Chuck Hunt Rev. Charles (Chuck) Hunt, D.Min has been ministering to adolescents, young adults, and their families for more than 30 years. He was born in Virginia and grew up in Huntington Beach, CA where his love for adventure developed. He has a BS from Hampton University in Aviation as well as an M.Div and D.Min from Fuller Theological Seminary. Chuck is passionate about Christ’s call to restore our relationship with God and with each other, thus he advocates for righteousness and justice. He has a proven record of building teams in the church and fostering partnerships with organizations in the community. Through both his career and lived experience, Chuck has an ability to connect with individuals from diverse cultural, spiritual, and economic backgrounds. He lives with his wife Shannon and their young adult daughter Rhyen, in Southern California. Though cleverly disguised as a responsible adult, Chuck still runs, surfs, mountain bikes, and skateboards. Dr. Walt Mueller Dr. Walt Mueller is the founder and President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, a non-profit organization serving schools, churches, and community organizations across the U.S, Canada, and worldwide in their efforts to strengthen families. Walt has been working with young people and families for more than 40 years. He is a student of youth culture and family issues, and has appeared on numerous media outlets internationally to discuss teenagers and their world. A regular seminar and conference speaker, he communicates effectively with adults and teenagers alike. He has written extensively on youth culture and family issues and is the author of over 8 books. He is also a regular contributor to a variety of publications. Walt and his wife Lisa live in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, have four adult children and five grandchildren. Start Your Journey Today! BOOK A CALL APPLY NOW Master's Degree Partners

Truth Matters Ministries began in 2001 with a mission to help the next generation see and experience the truth of Jesus Christ. TRUTH MATTERS MINISTRIES Helping the next generation see and experience the truth of Jesus Christ. GIVE NOW We want to inspire youth through the Gospel, equip youth leaders to better love and serve the youth in their care for the sake of the Kingdom, and inform parents on the key cultural and developmental issues our youth are facing. Inspiring Youth. Equipping Leaders. Informing Parents. Our Story Team Donation Contact Us Meet the Team Youth Worker Community is run by a group of veteran youth workers. Want to get in touch? Click on our photos to send us an email! Sid Koop Executive Director Jeremy MacDonald Director of Operations Steve Zacharias Director of Coalition Dawn Gutek Administrator Ben Jepsen Academic Coordinator Melanie Friesen Administration Assistant, The Coalition for Youth Ministry Leadership Ben Woodman Content Development Specialist Our Story Truth Matters Ministries began in 2001 with a mission to help the next generation see and experience the truth of Jesus Christ. In 2002, Truth Matters Ministries partnered with the Evangelical Free Church of Lethbridge, and for the next 11 years, Sid Koop worked with both organizations. In 2013, after a year of communal discernment, prayer and at the recommendation of the board, Sid Koop went full time with Truth Matters and moved the base of operations to Kelowna, BC, taking over the Canadian Youth Workers Conference with the goal of empowering youth workers across Canada to help the next generation know Jesus. In 2018, we created Youth Worker Community as the primary strategy for fulfilling this mission. That’s because, next to parents, youth workers are best positioned to help students know Jesus. Governance Truth Matters Ministries operates as a registered Canadian charity under the leadership of a board of directors. Those board members are Adam Parsons (Chair), Phil McFarland, Ian Lawson, Pat Griffith, Lois VanRoon, and Ginny Olson. Donate & Partner With Us Truth Matters is a registered Canadian charity that operates through the faithful and generous support of people who believe in what we’re doing. Two key values of our organization are accessibility and affordability. We could not live out either of these values if it were not for our partners and friends who financially make this a reality. Partner financially with us to help the next generation see and experience the truth of Jesus Christ. All donations are tax receiptable. Cheque Cheques should be made payable to Truth Matters Ministries Mail to: PO Box 29007 Moncton, NB E1G 4R3 Online E-Transfer to info@truthmatters.ca . Or give by credit card, Paypal, or Google Pay. GIVE ONLINE Automatic Withdrawal Email our team, and we'll help you get set up. EMAIL US Leave us a message and we'll get back to you! First name* Last name* Email* Phone Subject Message Submit You can make an eternal difference.

In this 3-part series with Peter Bakunda, we'll talk about how we’re better together, looking at the themes of loneliness, key relationships, and community. Better Together with Peter Bakunda Video Package $30 ADD TO CART About the Series In this 3-part series with Peter Bakunda, we will talk about how we’re better together. The Bible says that two are better than one because if one falls, the other is there to pick the other one up. Life is challenging, so we need each other. This series will look at the themes of loneliness, key relationships, and community. Your purchase also includes small group questions, making it a ready-to-use resource for youth workers. Feel free to access a full preview of this teaching video below to make sure that it fits for your group. *Every dollar spent on these resources goes back into creating more series like this.* Preview the Curriculum 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 Series Now! Video Package $30 ADD TO CART Amplify Ministry Impact Train Your Volunteers Cultivate Faith Foundations Teach Your Students

How can we love others in the way that God loves us? Elisa provides insight and practical steps for building and nurturing Godly relationships. How He Loves with Elisa Humphreys Video Package $40 ADD TO CART About the Series This series is all about how we can love others in the way that God loves us. Elisa provides insight and practical steps for building and nurturing godly relationships. Topics covered include understanding God's identity as a community of love represented in the Trinity, recognizing one's inherent value through being created in His image, nurturing relationships with parents, building healthy friendships, and cultivating godly romantic relationships. Your purchase also includes small group questions, making it a ready-to-use resource for youth workers. Feel free to access a full preview of this teaching video below to make sure that it fits for your group. *Every dollar spent on these resources goes back into creating more series like this.* Preview the Curriculum 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 Series Now! Video Package $40 ADD TO CART Amplify Ministry Impact Train Your Volunteers Cultivate Faith Foundations Teach Your Students

We exist to support youth workers in helping the next generation follow Jesus. We appreciate your support and donation. Donate & Partner With Us SUPPORT THE MISSION Read More Truth Matters is a registered Canadian charity that operates through the faithful and generous support of people who believe in what we’re doing. Two key values of our organization are accessibility and affordability. We could not live out either of these values if it were not for our partners and friends who financially make this a reality. Partner financially with us to help the next generation see and experience the truth of Jesus Christ. All donations are tax receiptable. Cheque Cheques should be made payable to Truth Matters Ministries Mail to: PO Box 29007 Moncton, NB E1G 4R3 Online E-Transfer to info@truthmatters.ca . Or give by credit card, Paypal, or Google Pay. GIVE ONLINE Automatic Withdrawal Email our team, and we'll help you get set up. EMAIL US Ways to Give Your Support Makes an Eternal Difference Hear from pastors and youth workers who have been impacted by Youth Worker Community, and get a glimpse of how your donation makes a difference in the lives of students and ministry leaders. Follow on Social Media Subscribe to our Newsletter SUBSCRIBE Explore our Curriculum Check out our Conferences Leave us a message and we'll get back to you! First name* Last name* Email* Phone Subject Message Submit

In this 4-part series with Chris Williams, we will explore the transformative power of character development through the teachings of Jesus. Character by Design with Chris Williams Video Package $40 ADD TO CART About the Series In this 4-part series with Chris Williams, we will explore the transformative power of character development through the teachings of Jesus. Each week, we address a different aspect of how we can shape our lives to reflect Christ-like qualities. From building a strong foundation on Jesus’ teachings, embracing humility, facing life's storms with steadfastness, to ultimately understanding the depth of true love, Chris guides us through practical steps and personal reflections. This series aims to inspire and equip us to live out our faith with intention and grace, fostering a life that truly makes a difference. Your purchase also includes small group questions, making it a ready-to-use resource for youth workers. Feel free to access a full preview of this teaching video below to make sure that it fits for your group. *Every dollar spent on these resources goes back into creating more series like this.* Preview the Curriculum 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 Series Now! Video Package $40 ADD TO CART Amplify Ministry Impact Train Your Volunteers Cultivate Faith Foundations Teach Your Students

In this series with Spencer Conway, we will explore different themes in Psalms 23, a prayer written by David. Praying Through Psalm 23 with Spencer Conway Video Package $50 ADD TO CART About the Series In this series with Spencer Conway we will explore different themes in Psalms 23, a prayer written by David. Prayer is where our relationship with God grows. If you’re willing to stick with this practice and learn new approaches to prayer, you will be able to develop a relationship with God that is so much deeper than you could’ve ever imagined. Your purchase also includes small group questions, making it a ready-to-use resource for youth workers. Feel free to access a full preview of this teaching video below to make sure that it fits for your group. *Every dollar spent on these resources goes back into creating more series like this.* Preview the Curriculum 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 Series Now! Video Package $50 ADD TO CART Amplify Ministry Impact Train Your Volunteers Cultivate Faith Foundations Teach Your Students

We exist to empower youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. We do that through conferences, the Coalition, and resources for youth ministries. We can’t find the page you’re looking for This page doesn’t exist. Go to Home and keep exploring. Go to Home

What is Youth Worker Community all about? Equipping, empowering, & relationally supporting youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. Equipping, empowering, & relationally supporting youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus SUPPORT THE MISSION Youth We want youth to know Jesus therefore, Worker we invest in equipping, empowering, and relationally supporting youth workers, so that, Community there is a family of youth workers commited to making an eternal difference in the lives of the youth they lead. Our Story Youth Worker Community exists to empower more youth workers to help the next generation follow Jesus. We do that through conferences, the Coalition, research, coaching, and resources for youth ministries. It all started over 20 years ago as Truth Matters Ministries. In 2002, Truth Matters Ministries partnered with the Evangelical Free Church of Lethbridge, AB, and for the next 11 years, Sid Koop was the Executive Director of Truth Matters Ministries, as well as the Director of Student Ministries for the E-Free Church of Lethbridge. In 2013, Sid Koop went full time with Truth Matters and moved the base of operations to Kelowna, BC, where he formed an informal partnership with Marv Penner and All About Youth. Truth Matters took over the Canadian Youth Workers Conference in 2014, and changed what was a once a year national conference into 6 regional conferences for training youth workers that reached right across Canada. In 2020, Truth Matters created Youth Worker Community to meet the specific needs of youth workers in helping youth follow Jesus. That same year The Coalition for Youth Ministry Excellence launched to meet the need for deeply equipped vocational youth workers. Today, Youth Worker Community meets the unique and growing needs of youth workers across Canada and beyond. Meet the Team Youth Worker Community is run by a group of veteran youth workers. Want to get in touch? Click on our photos to send us an email! Sid Koop Executive Director Jeremy MacDonald Director of Operations Steve Zacharias Director of Coalition Dawn Gutek Administrator Ben Jepsen Academic Coordinator Melanie Friesen Coalition Administrative Coordinator Ben Woodman Content Development Specialist Follow on Social Media Subscribe to our Newsletter SUBSCRIBE Explore our Curriculum Check out our Conferences Governance Truth Matters Ministries operates as a registered Canadian charity under the leadership of a board of directors. Those board members are Adam Parsons (Chair), Phil McFarland, Ian Lawson, Pat Griffith, Lois VanRoon, and Ginny Olson. Our Values Devoted Disciples We place ourselves under the authority of Christ and Scripture. We take the Bible seriously, and invite accountability into our lives to help us become more like Jesus. Faithful Friends We show up for people, celebrating their wins and supporting their struggles. We see each person for who they are, not what they do. We are committed to staying curious, always looking for new ways to serve our community better. We approach problems with an open mind, staying calm and asking “what if”, so that road blocks can be transformed into bridges. Constantly Curious We are committed to staying curious, always looking for new ways to serve our community better. We approach problems with an open mind, staying calm and asking “what if”, so that road blocks can be transformed into bridges. Humble Helpers We leave our personal agendas at the door, and seek to serve others first. We make it a priority to model this posture to those we lead. Statement of Faith The Youth Worker Community was launched while Sid Koop, our founder and Executive Director, was an ordained minister in the Evangelical Free Church of Canada. For that reason, our Statement of Faith mirrors that of the EFCC as well as the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. Click to read our full statement of faith .

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