Christmas Institute in July Grows Youth Disciples in the Filipino-American Tradition
The 2026 Christmas Institute in July, a beloved Filipino-American United Methodist tradition, gathered 21 youth, 23 pastors and deaconesses,…
Download the chat box from the event
Are you someone who wants to help build the faith of youth and young adults in your community? Of course you are! Do you want to connect with others who share that goal? Of course you do! Are you looking for encouragement, equipping, and resources to take the next faithful step for your context and ministry? Here’s something for YOU!
The Northern Illinois Conference Discipleship Task Force invites all those in ministry to and with Youth and Young Adults, or longing to start or restart such ministries in their setting, to participate in our third Symposium, Next Steps: Dream into Action, Saturday, April 30, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am on Zoom.
Our Speaker, Chris Wilterdink, the Director of Young People’s Ministries from Discipleship Ministries (formerly the General Board of Discipleship) of The United Methodist Church, will offer a presentation on “Mission, Vision, and Strategy” for Youth Ministry that includes information on anti-racist discipleship.
As with last year’s events, the Spring 2022 Symposium will include opportunities for small group discussion and reflection, and for participants to build connections for mutual support with other disciples who care deeply about this ministry.
About our Speaker:
Chris Wilterdink
Chris is the Director of Young People’s Ministries at Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. He has been part of Discipleship Ministries for the last 11 years. Prior to that, Chris’ past roles in ministry were in the local church for over 12 years. Chris has an undergraduate degree in English Education and a Masters in Non-Profit Management that has shaped his approach to ministry. He is the father of two awesome kids, husband to an amazing wife, and an outdoor enthusiast. He has published several books including “Building Spiritual Muscle,” “Everyday Discipleship: Covenant Discipleship with Youth” and most recently the eBook series “Crash Courses in Youth Ministry." He is also responsible for planning and preparing for YOUTH 2023, the national gathering for United Methodist Youth.
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