As both a former career youth leader and now a member of the team at Dare 2 Share, I’ve had the privilege of attending and learning from dozens of youth ministry conferences over the past 25 years. From denomination-specific gatherings to massive national events featuring the biggest names in youth ministry, I’ve seen just about everything.
And although each of them offered something of value, I’ve also learned the hard way that not every event delivers a solid return on investment. When you consider the time, money, and energy you pour into these events—for both you and your team—it’s essential to evaluate what’s truly worth it.
Why all Youth Ministry Conferences are not created equally
I’ve walked away from events feeling inspired and recharged—and I’ve also left feeling disappointed, overwhelmed, or even discouraged. Some conferences were noticeably lacking in Scripture, featured speakers who were later found to have moral failings, or were so unfocused that I left feeling more confused than when I arrived.
After decades of trial and error, I’ve developed a personal checklist of what makes a youth ministry conference worth attending. Below are the five elements I now consider essential. If an event doesn’t include most of these—or ideally all—it doesn’t make my list.
Five non-negotiables for a conference that will make a lasting difference in your ministry:
1. A scriptural foundation
This should go without saying, but sadly, some youth ministry conferences barely mention the name of Jesus from the platform. Others rely more on personal opinions, clever ideas, or self-promotion than the actual Word of God.
A worthwhile conference should put Scripture at the center of every main session, workshop, and resource. Illustrations and strategies can be helpful, but they should never replace solid biblical teaching. If a speaker’s new book gets more airtime than the Bible, that’s a red flag.
2. Theological alignment
At some large conferences, I found myself resonating with one speaker’s message only to feel blindsided by the next—someone whose theology was radically different than mine. The experience can feel like being spiritually “dissed”—disoriented, discouraged, and even disturbed.
While you don’t need 100% agreement on every minor theological point, I suggest ensuring the event and its speakers align with these five foundational areas:
- God
- God’s Son
- God’s Spirit
- God’s Word (as the core of every message)
- The Gospel (clearly communicated)
If those are solid, you’re off to a good start.
3. Practical ideas you can actually use
I love a good, inspiring message. But inspiration without application won’t lead to transformation.
The best conferences equip you with practical tools and real-life strategies you can immediately implement in your ministry. Look for sessions that not only encourage you but also challenge you to take action—and give you the steps to do it.
4. Nurturing for your entire team
When your volunteers are equipped, encouraged, and aligned with your vision, your entire ministry is strengthened. I’ve always prioritized events that allowed me to bring my team—and better yet, invested in their growth right alongside mine.
There’s something powerful about dreaming, learning, and strategizing together. It creates momentum that carries over long after the conference ends.
5. Not too short, not too long—just right
Time is always a factor, and short, one-day events can seem attractive. But I’ve found that they’re often too rushed to bring lasting impact. On the flip side, weeklong youth ministry conferences tend to be exhausting and overwhelming—so much content that it’s hard to implement anything.
Some events even encouraged us to skip sessions and take naps. (And yes, I love naps—but I didn’t pay to nap.) The sweet spot? About three days. Enough time to reflect, learn, and connect without feeling overloaded or drained.
Why The Energize Youth Ministry Conference Rises Above the Rest
I’m so excited about Energize, Dare 2 Share’s brand-new youth leader conference, because it embodies all five essentials. It’s designed from the ground up to reflect these must-have qualities:
- Solid theology, centered on Scripture and prayer
- Speakers who clearly preach the Gospel
- Practical tools you can implement right away
- The option to bring your whole team
- A three-day schedule that’s “just right”
Energize will help you build the kind of youth ministry you’ve always envisioned—one that’s growing and makes disciples who make disciples. You’ll leave with fresh passion and a clear strategy for transformation in your students’ lives.
I hope to see you there!
