IASYM - The International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry - IASYM 2027 European Conference

Supporting and developing the professionalisation of youth ministry around the world

Church was once the centre of society across Europe but is now, generally, in decline and is therefore increasingly situated on the edge. This may position Christian youth in the periphery of society and even marginalise young people themselves in their social groups. What is more, youth ministry has not been the centre of attention in most churches. While it can take up a central role there are many ways in which youth ministry can be treated as a peripheral part of ministry. On the other hand, youth work as a vital part of a democratic society seems to be more necessary than ever.

Youth ministry experiences this ambiguity of being sometimes in the centre and sometimes at the periphery. The 2027 European Conference seeks to address these experiences of (de)centring.

For more information about the conference, please contact the organizing committee Amy Casteel and Matt Whiffen at leuven2027@iasym.net.

Proposals are invited in one of three categories: research papers; a dialogue, workshop, or roundtable discussion; or an emerging research paper.

Abstracts for presentation proposals are due by Saturday, 10 October 2026 (extended)