[1]CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — More than 1,300 youth ministry leaders and ministry partners from multiple states gathered Jan. 29-31 in Chattanooga for Youth Ministry Conclave [2], united by a shared purpose: to be equipped, connected, and encouraged in the work of discipling the next generation.
With more than 300 exhibitors and 96 booths represented, the multi-state gathering reflected both the scale of youth ministry today and the growing need for collaboration, clarity, and support among those serving students and families.
Conclave brought together pastors, ministry leaders and volunteers from Baptist state conventions across the region to the Chattanooga Convention Center. While the event offered extensive opportunities for learning and resourcing, its deeper focus was formation — shaping leaders at every level for long-term faithfulness in an increasingly complex ministry landscape.
A pre-conference hosted by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary focused on partnering with parents and engaging the whole church in the spiritual formation of the next generation, setting a theological and relational foundation for the weekend. That emphasis on connection — between students, families, and the church — carried into the main conference as leaders moved from reflection into shared worship, training and collaboration.
The first main session featured International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood, who who called leaders to anchor their ministries in God’s heart for the nations. Walking through key movements of Scripture — including the covenants, the prophets, the Psalms, and Revelation — Chitwood traced a biblical vision of God’s redemptive mission from beginning to end.
Chitwood said one of his goals for the night “is that you would leave this room more convinced and convicted than you already are about why missions must be one of the top priorities for your local church, your life, and your youth ministry.”
“The Great Commission is not the plan of man or even the plan of the church,” he said. “The Great Commission is God’s plan.”
Friday morning’s session featured former college football coach Mark Richt, who spoke in an interview-style format on the foundations of leadership.
[3]Richt spoke candidly about the internal pressures leaders often face, including criticism, fear and insecurity. He acknowledged that living out one’s identity in Christ can be especially challenging in leadership roles where expectations are high and affirmation is often scarce. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Richt framed adversity as “momentary light affliction,” encouraging leaders to view hardship through an eternal lens rather than allowing it to define their worth or calling.
The third main session was led by Ed Newton, lead pastor of Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas, who preached from 2 Kings 4:1-7, addressing the temptation many leaders face to strive for acceptance.
“If you have the affirmation and the approval of a heavenly Father,” Newton said, “you move not from trying to find acceptance — you move from acceptance.” Using the imagery of oil filling empty vessels, Newton challenged leaders to examine what might be occupying their lives in ways that hinder the work of the Holy Spirit.
“When the oil of heaven flows, it fills,” he said, urging leaders to consider what may need to be emptied so God’s Spirit could restore and renew.
The main sessions concluded Saturday morning with a message from Shane Pruitt, National Next Gen director for the North American Mission Board, who reflected on lessons learned through 20 years of next-generation ministry.
A few of those lessons: “Never get over the power of the Gospel in your own life.” Always focus on the depth of ministry.” “Don’t feel guilty about self-care.” “Good leaders need good friends.” “Sometimes, fruit surprises you.” “You can say ‘no’ and let people walk away.” “Let the thorns lead you to the throne.”
He emphasized hope and perseverance in disciple-making, particularly among students who may feel unreachable. “No teenager is too lost for Jesus to find, no teenager is too wounded to heal, too far gone to reach, too guilty to forgive, too sinful to save,” Pruitt said.
In addition to sessions focused on strategy and leadership development, Conclave also offered targeted breakouts designed to care for ministry families. One such session focused specifically on ministry wives, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to supporting not only those who lead, but also those who share in the relational and spiritual demands of ministry.
While learning and resourcing shaped much of the Conclave experience, the impact of the weekend was most clearly seen in the relationships formed and renewed among those in attendance.
“Networking with so many other youth pastors at Conclave reminds you that you’re not alone in ministry,” said Rich Douglass, associate pastor of students and discipleship at First Baptist Church Centerville in Georgia. “You may see old friends and even make new ones. Either way, you feel refreshed by the end from connecting with other youth workers.”
“What makes Conclave stand out is how intentionally it cares for youth workers,” Douglass said. “Between connecting with others from across the state, engaging worship, helpful sessions, and practical resources from exhibitors, I left reminded that I’m not alone in this work — and better equipped to keep going.”
All of the main sessions and breakouts can be found at https://ymconclave.org/resources/ [4].
This article originally appeared in The Christian Index [5].
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