Young People’s Ministry
Young People’s Ministry in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference creates pathways for youth (grades 6-12) and young adults (ages 18-35) to encounter God, grow in discipleship, and discover their calling. Through collaborative events, leadership development, and congregational support, we’re cultivating the next generation of United Methodist leaders across Greater New Jersey and beyond.
As stated in The Book of Discipline (¶256): “The church recognizes the importance of ministry with youth and young adults and commits itself to nurture young people in faith, justice, service, and leadership.” We live out this commitment by equipping local churches, connecting young people across our conference, and providing opportunities for spiritual growth and missional engagement.
OUR APPROACH
We believe that:
- Young people are leaders of the church TODAY
- Collaborative ministry reaches more young people than any single church can alone
- Authentic relationships and intergenerational connections are essential to faith formation
- Every young person has gifts to offer and a calling to discover
CONNECTIONAL LEADERSHIP
District Youth Coordinators
GNJ’s District Youth Coordinators are essential partners in young people’s ministry, serving as vital connections between local churches and conference-wide initiatives. Each district has dedicated coordinators who:
- Connect youth leaders within their district
- Organize regional youth events and gatherings
- Share resources and best practices among local churches
- Identify and develop young leaders
- Advocate for youth ministry needs and opportunities
District Youth Coordinators meet monthly to collaborate, plan, and support one another in this important ministry. They ensure that young people’s ministry is accessible, responsive, and contextually appropriate throughout Greater New Jersey.
GNJ Board of Higher Education and Young Adult Ministry
The GNJ Board of Higher Education provides vital support and advocacy for young adults in our conference. The board:
- Connects college students with campus ministries
- Provides scholarships for higher education
- Develops young adult leadership opportunities
- Advocates for young adult voices in conference decision-making
- Creates networks of support for young adults in transition
ANNUAL CONFERENCE EVENTS
IGNITE Conference
IGNITE is our flagship annual youth conference, bringing together 1,500+ students from grades 6-12 for a weekend of high-energy worship, inspiring messages, small group connections, and hands-on service opportunities.
When: October (Wildwood, NJ) and February/March (Ocean City, MD) Who: Students grades 6-12 and their adult leaders What to Expect: Dynamic worship with top Christian artists, powerful speakers, engaging workshops, mission opportunities, and authentic community
IGNITE creates space for young people to encounter God, be seen and valued, and discover their place in God’s story. Many young people point to IGNITE as a transformative experience in their faith journey.
Camping & Retreat Ministry
Carson Simpson Farm and other retreat locations provide year-round opportunities for young people to experience God in creation, build lasting friendships, and grow in faith.
Youth Nights: Monthly gatherings for middle and high school students featuring worship, games, teaching, and community (September-May)
Summer Camps: Week-long resident camps offering adventure, spiritual formation, and fun in a Christian community
Confirmation Retreats: Weekend retreats designed specifically for confirmation classes to explore faith together
RESOURCES FOR LOCAL CHURCHES
Discipleship Calendar
Our annual Discipleship Calendar maps out all GNJ young people’s ministry events, providing churches with a clear planning tool for the year. The calendar includes:
- IGNITE Conference dates
- Youth Nights at Carson Simpson Farm
- Confirmation retreat weekends
- Re:Connect collaborative youth events
- District and regional gatherings
- GNJ Takes Over Six Flags
- Connectional opportunities (Mission of Peace, Global Young People’s Convocation)
Download Discipleship Calendar
Monthly Youth Leader Calls
Connect with other youth leaders across GNJ on the first Monday evening and Friday noon of each month. These Zoom gatherings provide:
- Updates on upcoming events and opportunities
- Practical ministry tips and resources
- Peer connection and encouragement
- Space to ask questions and share ideas
Zoom Link: https://gnjumc.zoom.us/j/6829570524
Newsletter & Resources
Stay connected with young people’s ministry across GNJ through our monthly newsletter featuring:
- Stories of young people leading in congregations
- Upcoming events and registration information
- Ministry resources and practical tips
- Opportunities for involvement and leadership
COLLABORATIVE YOUTH EVENTS
Re:Connect Events
Re:Connect events bring churches together for collaborative youth ministry experiences. These localized gatherings:
- Build relationships between churches in a region
- Reduce the burden on individual church youth programs
- Provide high-quality experiences churches couldn’t offer alone
Current Re:Connect locations include:
- Haddonfield UMC (Delaware Bay District)
- Additional locations being explored
Future opportunities will be announced through the newsletter and youth leader calls.
District Youth Events
Each district organizes additional youth gatherings and activities throughout the year. Contact your District Youth Coordinator to learn about opportunities in your area and to get involved in planning district-level youth ministry.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG ADULTS
We’re actively developing expanded ministry with young adults (ages 18-35) including:
- Cultivate Internship Program: Summer internships for high school and college students in local churches
- Young adult representation on conference boards and agencies
- Leadership roles at IGNITE and other conference events
- Campus ministry connections
- Young adult networks and gatherings
CONNECTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
GNJ young people have access to United Methodist ministry beyond our conference:
- NEJ Mission of Peace: Regional mission and service opportunities
- Global Young People’s Convocation: Quadrennial international gathering in Dublin, Ireland (July 2026)
- General church leadership opportunities
Partnerships with other annual conferences for expanded programming
GET INVOLVED
There are many ways to engage with young people’s ministry in GNJ:
For Youth Leaders:
- Join monthly youth leader calls
- Subscribe to the newsletter
- Connect with your District Youth Coordinator
- Bring your group to conference events
- Share your ideas and feedback
For Young People:
- Attend IGNITE Conference
- Participate in Youth Nights and camping programs
- Join the IGNITE Squad as a young adult volunteer
- Consider Cultivate internship opportunities
- Serve on conference boards and committees
For Churches:
- Send youth to conference events
- Host or participate in Re:Connect events in your area
- Support young people’s leadership development
- Provide scholarships for youth to attend events
- Collaborate with other churches in your district
For more information, contact:
