Leader - UYWI

Urban Youth Workers Institute (UYWI) will be leading an engaging workshop you won’t want to miss. More details will be shared soon, but plan to join this session for encouragement, connection, and fresh insight for your ministry journey. UYWI exists to equip and support leaders so young people can experience life transformation through the Gospel.

Leader - Major Jamie Satterlee

Ministry leaders often prioritize everyone else’s needs above their own. This session focuses on cultivating a rhythm of life that nurtures the soul, honors God’s call to rest, and protects leaders from burnout. Together, we’ll examine practical ways to build rest, reflection, and renewal into the everyday realities of youth ministry.   

Leader - Josh Griffin

What are freshman-seniors going through and how can we best create a youth ministry to reach them? Find answers to the biggest questions they are asking and how we can shape our youth ministry to help them develop a life-long faith as they go through the seismic shift of differentiation into independent adults. Plenty of fun and learnings for all! Best when you come ready for discussion throughout.

Leader - Chap Clark

The past few decades have brought cultural changes that have affected all of us, and no more so than adolescents and emerging adults. In the early 2000s researchers began to recognize that society had changed and developmental shifts changed the landscape of growing up. By the 2010s things had become increasingly difficult to forge a path to adulthood and with it our evangelism and discipleship ministries. Today, changes in culture – the Cultural Pivot – affects not only the young but all of us. In ministry with today’s GenZ and AlphaGen, we need to not only understand how these macro changes affect young people, but how these influences impact us as well. This session will provide specific strategies to take on these forces as we join the Holy Spirit in caring for His flock.

Leader - Anne Henningfeld

This session explores how youth workers can leverage relationships, grounded presence, and intentional tone to calm heightened situations, drawing on core principles of neuroscience and the brain’s stress response. Participants will learn practical, handsfree strategies for interrupting escalation, maintaining safety, and guiding young people back toward regulation through connection rather than control.

Leader - Jackie Raihl

We all know that lives change at camp - but what comes after can be even more important for the spiritual development of a camper. What could it look like for camp and corps to work together as a team when it comes to helping build the faith of a camper? Come ready to brainstorm ideas, think through some roadblocks, and help create a plan for your corps to build relationships that go beyond sending a child to camp! 

Leader - Major Sandra Pawar

A 1-hour interactive session exploring biblical justice as part of God’s character and Jesus’ ministry. Participants discover justice in Scripture, connect it to real-world issues like trafficking and refugees, and identify simple, practical ways to live out justice in their daily lives. 

Leader - Josh Powell

A youth worship team is a great way to focus the passion and energy of our youth. Including them in the worship leadership of the corps helps to deepen their faith and encourage confidence in their leadership role in the church. This breakout will explore ways you can start and maintain a vibrant youth worship ministry that gives your young people a vehicle for spiritual and musical expression while allowing for opportunities for intentional discipleship.

Leader - Gloria Diavangama

Adolescence is tricky and can be intimidating (maybe even a little scary). This session will give you some insight into the mind of teenagers and the many mental challenges that a great number of them face today. You will find that you may be just in the right spot to lead them toward a clearer path.  

Leader - Josh Griffin

What if you put commercial breaks, cliffhangers, humor & more into your message to make them connect better with your audience? Just how long should your message actually be anyhow? Learn more than 25 ways to make your next talk stickier with your students. 

Leader - Chap Clark

Most everybody in youth ministry takes the call of what is known as “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28) as the cornerstone of our work (and rightly so). Yet is it possible that in our zeal to “make disciples” we sometimes rely more on tradition and programmatic history than a sound biblical theology of discipleship as we put our ministry into practice? Two questions the Church has wrestled with for centuries but are vital today get at the heart of this theological struggle: 

●   What is the believer’s role in growing as a follower of Jesus (a disciple), and what is God’s?

●   What is the “discipler’s” role in drawing out a lifestyle of authentic faith and commitment to Jesus Christ?

Especially in light of where we are as a culture, and how so many (young) people view what the Church says and “preaches” about how we “do” Christianity, it is vital that we take a hard look at what it is we are inviting people, and especially young people, to as we communicate the love of God in Christ. This session will focus on what the Bible teaches and how we can be faithful in aligning with the work of the Spirit in our discipleship ministry. Bring a Bible, this is gonna be fun!

Leader - Anne Henningfeld

This session explores how naming emotions—our own and those of the young people we serve—can reduce intensity, increase regulation, and open the door to stronger relationships. Through interactive activities, the feelings wheel, and real world scenarios brought to life by an improv performer, participants will learn practical strategies for helping youth expand their emotional vocabulary and find relief through accurate expression.

Leader - David Gray - Lanier Practice

Participants in this workshop will gain practical, evidence-based strategies for effectively supporting children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. The session will focus on strengthening communication by understanding sensory needs, processing differences, and expressive challenges, while learning how to adapt language, expectations, and environments to foster connection. Attendees will explore relationship-building techniques that promote trust, emotional safety, and consistency, laying the groundwork for meaningful engagement. The workshop will also highlight positive behavior support, including proactive strategies, reinforcing strengths, and skill-building approaches that minimize challenging behaviors without using punishment. Throughout the session, participants will learn how to nurture self-esteem by recognizing individual abilities, promoting autonomy, and helping children develop confidence in their social, emotional, and learning experiences. 

Leader - Major Sandra Pawar

A 1-hour interactive session for that reframes justice as a core leadership responsibility rooted in Scripture. Leaders examine biblical models of justice, assess their own ministry practices, and learn practical tools for teaching, preaching, and building justice-centered ministries. 

Leader - Aaron Jackson

Learn how music and arts can become powerful tools for connection and community. This breakout will provide practical strategies for creating programs that draw people in, foster belonging, and strengthen your corps' mission through creativity.

Leader - Jon Avery

AI isn’t here to replace your calling — but it can help you live it out more effectively. This workshop walks through how to use tools like ChatGPT wisely, creatively, and ethically for ministry and youth work. Instead of “write me a devo,” we’ll talk about how to ask better questions, shape better outputs, and make sure what you post, teach, or publish still sounds like you and points to Jesus. 

We’ll cover: 

• How to get good results (not generic AI fluff) 

• Fact-checking and theological responsibility 

• Where AI helps… and where it shouldn’t 

• Practical ministry uses 

• How to still fully stand behind what you put out 

Leader - Gloria Diavangama

For generations, the Corps Cadet program has shaped strong, Christ-centered leaders within The Salvation Army and beyond. Now, we’re taking it to the next level! The Southern Territory is introducing an innovative digital platform designed to make the program even more effective than it already is. Join us and discover how you can implement this new system in your Corps. 

Leader - Jeremy & Danielle Rowland

This workshop includes concepts for ministry participation strategies, church & program growth, community outreach, and how these ideas fit within The Salvation Army format. Getting more people involved in ministry is not simply helpful or beneficial, but necessary and essential to the work of Kingdom Building Discipleship. God has created the multi-generational Church to advance His Gospel in our communities and into the world.  There is an urgent call for our Corps to make strategic efforts to build, strengthen, and equip people to participate in Ministry.  

Leader - Danielle Delaney

This breakout session explores the pivotal role of local youth officers in guiding, mentoring, and empowering young leaders. Participants will gain insights into effective youth leadership strategies, learn how local youth officers support community engagement, and discover ways to foster meaningful youth participation in decision-making. 

Leader - Major (Dr.) Paul Cain

In this session, we will 1) look at characteristics of the Gen-Z generation, 2) review significant research of Salvation Army college students, and 3) review some best ministry practices of Salvation Army ministry for college students. 

Leader - Skye Bussey

This workshop explores how to communicate the unchanging message of the Gospel through creative methods without compromising truth. Participants will examine how creative arts can be used as a tool to deepen understanding of the Gospel without diluting the message. Through examples, discussion, and hands-on practice, leaders will learn how to use creativity to illuminate the Gospel and to communicate with both theological depth and human connection.

Leader - Roberta Simmons-Smith

Discover how Planning Center can streamline  your ministry organization—from preparing Sunday School lessons and coordinating Corps programs to designing detailed tech briefs for youth councils and other divisional events and beyond. This intuitive, user-friendly platform empowers you to bring order and efficiency to your planning process. While Planning Center isn’t free, its affordable cost is matched by exceptional value, making it a smart investment for any ministry leader. 

Leader - Kevin Slous

Help youth and young adults take personal assessment of their own discipleship, while connecting purposefully with others. READY to LEAD will help establish a rhythm of life and strengthen intentional relationships. As youth and young adults take an intentional look at their own discipleship journey, they will explore 13 discipleship essentials and will choose their next steps forward as they become CHRIST-centered, OTHERS-focused disciples.  

Leader - Jon Avery

Social media isn’t just announcements – it can be ministry. In this practical workshop, we’ll dig into how to use social platforms intentionally for your corps or youth program. We’ll talk strategy, language, and spiritual leadership online – not just trends and algorithms. 

We’ll cover: 

• What to post (and what not to bother with) 

• Basic best practices: timing, captions, engagement, visuals 

• Speaking about Jesus clearly online — not just events and schedules 

• Youth-specific considerations (combined vs. separate accounts, volunteer-run pages, consistency) 

• Using social media as ministry, not marketing 

Leader - Captain Ashish Pawar

You are not an accident; you are a masterpiece created with a divine blueprint. Yet many of us still find ourselves asking, "What was I made for?" In this session, we will look at how to identify the specific design God has for your future, how to align your passions with His purpose, and why finding your true calling is the key to a life of fulfillment. 

Leader - Major Matt Satterlee

Most breakout leaders want to tell you all their successes. Let me tell you all the times I’ve failed, crashed, burned, and just did things wrong. Honestly, odds are you’ve failed as well so we might as well laugh about it. Studies show that we learn more from our failures than we do our successes. We may try to pretend we’ve got it all together, but let’s talk about all the times we’ve gotten it horribly wrong in youth work and how we can learn from our mistakes. 

Leader - Melissa Powell

Youth ministry is easier when you don’t have to do it alone! Come explore a full year of Youth Down South resources designed to support you, spark creativity, and strengthen your corps. We’ll look at what’s offered, how to access it, and practical ways to use these tools right away.  

Leader - Kara Rodriguez

Small groups are one of the best ways to help young people grow, connect, and feel like they belong. In this breakout, we’ll talk about what makes a small group work, how to start one, and how to keep it healthy and consistent. You’ll walk away with simple, practical ideas you can use right away in your ministry. 

Leader - Andy Jung

FYI research indicates that unlike previous generations who looked outward to peers, Gen Alpha turns to family first for identity and guidance. This workshop explores how youth ministries can pivot from competing for students' time to partnering with their families. Participants will learn strategies for intergenerational discipleship and tools to empower parents/caregivers as the primary spiritual guides in a student's life.

Leader - Captain Ruth Cancia

This will be an interactive session on spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, fellowship) that sustains us when we feel weary, using Galatians 6:1-10 as a guide.

Leader - Sheena Evans

Mentoring relationships are built through faithfulness, patience, and presence—often long before growth is visible. This breakout session invites youth workers to reflect on the sacred work of planting seeds and trusting God with the outcome, even when progress feels slow or uncertain. Grounded in a trauma-informed lens, we will explore the importance of self-awareness as the foundation for healthy mentoring and how appropriate vulnerability can create safety, trust, and deeper connection.

Together, we will also examine how human trafficking preys on wounds such as low self-esteem, isolation, and a lack of self-awareness, and how mentors can serve as protective influences by affirming identity, dignity, and worth. Participants will leave encouraged, equipped, and reminded that consistent, compassionate presence can interrupt harm, foster resilience, and reflect hope—planting seeds that may bear fruit long after the relationship begins.

Leader - Majors Matt & Jamie Satterlee

Like a top ten list? Prefer bullet points to essays? Here’s a top ten list of tips and tricks that can sharpen your ministry to young people. It’s a “grab-bag” session where the bags are metaphorical and the grabs are the friends and life lessons you learned along the way.  

Leader - Melissa Powell

From beginners just starting the Prep Course to older kids preparing to transition out of Jr. Soldiers, each age requires a different approach. This session will show you how to effectively lead across the full Jr. Soldier age span, with tools for tailoring lessons, building age-appropriate conversations, and helping every child take meaningful steps in their walk with Jesus. 

Leader - Kara Rodriguez

College students are in a busy, changing season of life — and reaching them takes creativity and flexibility. In this session, we’ll talk about what helps college-aged young adults feel welcomed, supported, and seen. You’ll get realistic, practical ideas for connecting with students on and off campus and helping them stay engaged in your ministry. 

Leader - Andy Jung

A key finding in the Fuller Youth Institute report titled "Youth Leader Burnout and Well Being" is that many leaders feel valued only for their output, not their humanity. This workshop focuses on the spiritual and emotional "permission slips" leaders need to sign for themselves. We will build personal "Longevity Plans" that prioritize rhythms of rest, friendships outside the church, and an identity rooted in being a child of God rather than a leader of youth. 

Leader - Emma Edelman

Many youth leaders feel stuck in survival mode—focused on filling slots rather than forming leaders. This breakout will explore how intentional, ongoing training helps volunteers feel confident, supported, and equipped for long-term ministry. Participants will learn practical strategies for developing volunteers while continuing to grow as leaders themselves, creating a sustainable culture that allows both leaders and volunteers to thrive.

Leader - Paul Conklin

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an evidence-based training that equips faith leaders and youth-serving adults to recognize the signs of mental health challenges, substance use issues, and crisis situations among young people. Grounded in compassion, care, and community support, participants learn a practical action plan to respond with confidence, offer initial help, and connect youth and families to appropriate professional and faith-based resources. This training is offered in a blended format, combining required virtual coursework with an interactive, in-person session at the conference. Post-conference follow-up activities are required to receive full certification.