2026 Youth Ministry Leaders Network

Sometimes youth ministry is viewed as a non-essential “add on,” a place to serve when one is too young to do anything else or too inexperienced to move into “real ministry.”  However, the data would tell us that just the opposite should be true.  Ninety percent of believers put their trust in Christ before their 21st birthday.  Strong youth ministry is essential if we want to reach Europe again for Christ.

A high percentage of Christian workers receive their call into ministry while they are still young.  Young people are more teachable, more easily motivated and mobilised, and still have most of their key life decisions before them.  Teaching them to reach their peers and make disciples can prepare a new generation of leaders for the church.

In spite of this, most youth leaders have no specific training on how to effectively lead their local youth ministry.  Learning a philosophy of ministry based on the life of Christ and drawing from the experiences of others who are effective in a European context can powerfully increase their effectiveness.  Quality preparation can also keep them from becoming discouraged or burned out.

The aim of the Youth Ministry Leaders Network is to lay a strong base in youth ministry philosophy from the life of Christ, as well as teach strategies that are bearing significant fruit in a European context.  The participant will walk away with a deeper understanding of what makes a disciple-making youth ministry, as well as have specific tools that can be immediately applied to their setting.  

Prior preparation will be set for all applicants.

What Network Participants Are Saying

• "Participating in this conference as the youth group leader of my church has been an incredibly enriching experience. Every day, I am inspired by the teaching and new knowledge I am acquiring. These experiences are not only expanding my understanding and commitment to the faith, but they are also providing valuable tools that I can bring into my ministry with the youth of Rome."
  - Rebeca Neciosup Alburqueque, Youth Leader, Italy
• "Time at the European Leadership Forum is very helpful and meaningful for my ministry. I have had the ability to meet so many great leaders who have experience in leading youth. I find it so helpful to connect with people who already do what I am dreaming of doing. I am inspired by the leaders at the Forum who treat people so well and show such great examples of leadership." - Gabriele Krulyte, Youth coordinator and radio host, Lithuania
• "Being at ELF is a wonderful gift to me because I learn what the work of other youth leaders looks like. Through other people’s experiences, I learn how to bring youth closer to Jesus. I have learned how to create a safe environment for young people and how important that is, especially today when so many teenagers are struggling with anxiety, loneliness, and depression."
  - Buda Vaczi, Youth Leader and Worship Team Member, Hungary