Ten churches have committed to be part of a youth ministry cohort. The churches are: Bowman UMC, ND; Hettinger UMC, ND; Huron First UMC, SD;  Miller UMC, SD; Rapid City Canyon Lake UMC, SD; Sioux Falls Sunnycrest UMC, SD; Winner  UMC, SD; Washburn UMC, SD; Watertown First UMC, SD and Yankton UMC, SD.

The cohort will meet quarterly with Stephanie Caro, Ministry Architects over the next year.  Through training and planning, each church will seek to create a culture of call for young people and develop youth leadership to help make disciples.

The churches will meet with Caro for the first time on June 8 in Sioux Falls in conjunction with the 23rd Session of the Dakotas Annual Conference. In addition, Caro will give a special presentation on Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30-7:30 pm in the Roosevelt Room of the Ramkota Inn.

“We invite everyone to come and join us on June 8,” said Deb Kjerstad, Director of Leadership Development. “Come and meet Stephanie. We would love to have people learn more about effective youth ministries and creating a culture of call.”

Caro is a senior consultant with Ministry Architects. She has been involved in ministry to youth and youth workers in the local church for over 30 years. Caro has spoken and presented to youth of the Dakotas Conference at Leadership Training Camp and DakYouth 15.

Caro is the author of several books including: Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Churches and 99 Thoughts for the Smaller Church Youth Worker, published by Group / Simply Youth Ministry.

Churches in the first Youth Ministry Cohort will meet with Caro on August 6 at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, and on October 15 at Storm Mountain Center, Rockerville, SD.  Anyone is invited to attend the sessions for a fee of $20.

“This first cohort will help guide the way for future cohorts. We want anyone interested to come to any of the sessions to learn more and maybe join the second cohort,” said Kjerstad.