Teens who are abused will be the focus of “YM2006: A Youth Ministry Symposium” set for Jan. 13-15 at the JW Marriott hotel in Houston.
LCMS District and Congregational Services — Youth Ministry will host the conference planned for professional and volunteer youth workers in Synod congregations, schools, agencies, and districts.
“The church is not immune to issues of abuse — physical, sexual, emotional, or spiritual,” said Rev. Terry Dittmer, director of LCMS Youth Ministry. “Children and youth who are victims of abuse sit in the pews of our churches.”
Dittmer said that YM2006 will lead participants to confront the reality of abuse issues and the impact it has on ministry to youth across the church.
Invited speakers include Dr. David Ludwig, an LCMS pastor, psychologist, counselor, speaker, and author from Hickory, N.C.; and Dr. Trisha Bennet, director of Programs, Products, and Services for the Charleston, S.C.-based Darkness to Light Foundation, which focuses on sexual-abuse issues.
Registration for the three-day event is $175. Separate discounted housing reservations may be made at the JW Marriott. Through Jan. 1, those registering for the Houston symposium can also register for LCMS Youth Ministry’s 2006 National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference, scheduled for next July in New Orleans, for a combined “early bird” fee of $350 (a $50 savings).
For more information, including a registration form, click here.
Posted Sept. 29, 2005
