Disrupting Ministry Princeton Theological Seminary

In this bonus episode, you are invited to listen in on a staff meeting of the Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary. Host Megan DeWald is joined by Rev. Abigail Visco Rusert and Carmelle Beaugelin to reflect on the stories from this first season and to discuss the relationships and themes that have emerged.

How can an affluent, high-achieving, suburban congregation foster authentic relationships among stressed and isolated young people? In this episode, meet the Rev. Meredith Keseley of Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Burke, Virginia, and listen to the Rev. Aqueelah Ligonde, as they discern the Holy Spirit's transformative presence in blossoming relationships.

How can an immigrant community empower its young people to flourish, as they navigate two cultural identities and create a third? In this episode, meet the Rev. Eliseo Morales of Esperanza Viva Iglesia Cristiana in Norwalk, California, and listen to Research Fellow Seth Vopat, as they explore and reimagine the possibilities for youth ministry for third culture kids.

How does a senior minister help a church develop its theological imagination for youth ministry? In this episode, meet the Rev. Beth Royalty of Calvary Episcopal Church in Rochester, Minnesota, and listen to the Log College Project's Lead Researcher, Kelsey Lambright, as they consider how a very unique ministry context impacts how people are connected, shaped, and transformed.

How can a historic mainline church in small-town America challenge "the way we've always done it"? In this episode, meet Lisa Kaufer of the First Presbyterian Church of Middletown, Ohio, and listen to the Log College Project's Lead Researcher, Kelsey Lambright, as they explore how intentional listening and embracing failure are key ingredients in doing a new thing.

How can a small church transform its neighborhood through youth ministry? In this episode, meet Michelle Robinson and Frankye Parham of Coppin Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Southside of Chicago, and listen to the Rev. Aqueelah Ligonde reflect on the church's vision to cultivate a "new normal."