An unmissable weekend for everyone involved in Christian youth ministry – youth leaders, volunteers, church leaders.
Practical ideas, the latest resources, advice and training, worship and teaching, and a break away to have fun and relax.
Contributors
Contributor
Prof. Andrew Root
Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry, Luther Seminary
Contributor
Rachel Hughes
Senior Pastor, Gas Street Church
Contributor
Krish Kandiah OBE
Founder, The Sanctuary Foundation
Contributor
Rev. Dr. Kate Coleman
Next Leadership
Contributor
Canon Chris Russell
Vicar, St Dionis
Contributor
Rachel Gardner
Director of Partnerships, Youthscape
Contributor
Martin Saunders
Deputy CEO, Youthscape
Is NYMW 2026 for you?
Wondering if NYMW is for you? We’ve created six tracks that give you an idea of how NYMW might work for different preferences and roles. Which one sounds most like you?
New(ish)
If you’re relatively new to youth ministry, this is a place to build confidence and find your feet. You’ll gain practical tools, simple frameworks, and honest insights to help you navigate the early challenges. Most importantly, you’ll connect with others in the same stage, so you don’t feel like you’re figuring it out alone.
Younger focus
If your focus is on children and young people aged 9 to 13, you’ll find fresh ideas and approaches tailored to engaging this age group. Explore creative ways to connect, communicate, and build relationships that stick. You’ll leave with renewed energy and strategies that really work with younger teens.
Community outreach
For those passionate about reaching beyond the church walls, this will help spark imagination and action. Discover innovative ways to engage young people in your local community and build meaningful connections. You’ll be equipped to create ministry that meets young people where they are.
Church leaders
If you’re leading a church, overseeing youth ministry, or shaping vision, this is for you. Step back from the day-to-day to think strategically about strategy and long-term impact. You’ll gain wisdom, encouragement, and clarity to make decisions with confidence and purpose.
Going deeper
If you’re ready to dig beneath the surface, this space will challenge and stretch you. Engage with deeper questions of theology, practice, and calling, alongside others who want to grow in understanding. It’s an opportunity to reflect, wrestle, and strengthen the foundations of your ministry.
Personal growth
If you’re looking to be refreshed as well as equipped, this conference creates space for you. Take time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with God in the midst of ministry life. You’ll leave not just with new ideas, but renewed passion and a healthier sense of who you are and why you serve.
What's happening?
Nov. 20-22, 2026
You can see our full programme by clicking the link below but here’s an outline of the weekend we have planned for you.
Friday
10AM – 4PM
Early Day
4PM – 8PM
Registration, seminars and exhibition
8PM
Main session 1
Saturday
9:30AM
Main session 2
11:45AM
Interactive keynote, seminars and exhibition
7.00PM
Main Session 3
Sunday
9:00AM
Seminars and exhibition
12:30PM
Main session 4
MAIN SESSIONS
SEMINARS
HANDS ON WORKSHOPS
FREE COACHING
EXHIBITION
RESTAURANTS
ENTERTAINMENT
Tickets
Buy early to save money. Make it a long weekend and join in our Early Day. Grab a ‘Back for Sunday’ tickets if you have to head home early.
Special Offer
BUY A TICKET AND GET THE FULL NYMW 2025 RECORDINGS FREE (WORTH £25)
ONLY UNTIL 31/8/26
Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker
With Prof. Andrew Root
Friday 20th Nov, 10am-4pm
Come early for our exclusive deep dive
Discover a fresh vision for youth ministry rooted in deep theology and lived faith. Join Prof Andrew Root for a transformative day exploring why Dietrich Bonhoeffer still matters for youth workers today.
Step into a day of rich theological reflection and practical inspiration with Prof Andrew Root, as he explores the life and thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer through the lens of youth ministry. Known as a pastor, theologian, and martyr, Bonhoeffer is less often recognised for his deep investment in young people - yet his work consistently engaged the formation of youth in Germany, the USA and the UK in times of cultural upheaval.
Drawing from his compelling book, Andrew Root uncovers Bonhoeffer as a “youth worker” ahead of his time: a leader who took seriously the spiritual lives of young people, resisted shallow faith, and called youth into authentic discipleship within real community. His story - shaped by resistance to Nazi ideology and a commitment to costly grace - offers urgent wisdom for today’s youth workers navigating a complex and changing culture.
This Early Day is designed for Christian youth workers across the UK who long to root their practice in deeper theology while remaining grounded in everyday ministry. Through teaching, reflection, and shared conversation, you’ll gain fresh vision, renewed confidence, and practical insight for your work with young people.
Join us for a day that will challenge, equip, and inspire - connecting Bonhoeffer’s legacy to the realities of youth ministry today.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you" Acts 1:8
Power is a loaded word right now. Politically, we're in the age of the strongman; in the church and in society, we're dealing with the fallout of power abuses. We're cautious about power; it feels like so often it is not wielded well.
At the same time, we follow a God who not only holds the greatest power in the universe, but invites us to share in it. Through his son we have seen that true power lies in restraint, service and submission, and through his Spirit we experience the real and supernatural power that can heal the sick, bring freedom to captives and transform lives entirely.
At the National Youth Ministry Weekend this year, we're going to live in this tension because, as Uncle Ben famously told Spider-man, Great Power also comes with Great Responsibility. So what does it mean to lead and guide others, and to step into our God-given gifts, with the responsibility of our calling and the example of Christ firmly in our sights? How do we help young people to navigate a landscape where power and force are used to coerce and divide them? And how can we build a future for the church with them, that avoids some of the corrupting pitfalls of the past?
This year, in the midst of global power struggles and a culture of conflict, we're going to seek God and his power together, for the sake of peace, reconciliation, and a brighter future for our young people.
FAQs
Where does NYMW 2026 take place?
NYMW 2026 will be held at The Vox, a superb conference venue located on the top floor of Resorts World, right next to the NEC in Birmingham. The space includes a 1,000-seat auditorium, seminar rooms, an exhibition hall, and plenty of areas to relax and connect with others.
Resorts World itself offers a wide range of restaurants, shops, a cinema, and other leisure options. Plus, all NYMW delegates benefit from free parking. You’ll find the exact location on the map at the bottom of this page.
What about accommodation and meals?
There are several hotels within easy walking distance of The Vox, including Premier Inn, Moxy, and Crowne Plaza. There are also many other hotel and Airbnb options nearby. We recommend booking early to secure the best rates.
What about the free resources?
Every delegate receives three brand new youth work resources worth up to £100 - and 2026 will be no exception.
When you arrive, you’ll receive tokens to exchange for each resource as they’re released during the event. It’s our way of ensuring you leave equipped with some of the very best, most up-to-date Youthscape resources-completely free.
Is there provision for childcare?
We’re sorry, but we’re not able to offer childcare at the conference.
Is NYMW for every denomination?
Absolutely. NYMW is a genuinely interdenominational gathering, and we celebrate the diversity of traditions represented across our speakers, programme, and worship.
How do I book as an exhibitor?
We have space for up to 20 organisations and businesses to exhibit. Download the exhibitor pack to explore pricing and options.
Exhibiting at NYMW gives you the opportunity to connect with hundreds of youth workers from across the UK and showcase what you offer.
Who are Youthscape?
Youthscape is a Christian youth ministry charity serving churches across the UK, helping them grow and deepen their work with young people.
Founded in the 1990s, Youthscape now provides a wide range of resources, training, and support for youth workers, volunteers, and church leaders. We also run Satellites, a national event for young people each summer.
What’s a ‘Back for Sunday’ ticket?
We know some delegates need to be back for church on Sunday morning. Our ‘Back for Sunday’ ticket is designed for you.
It includes access from the Friday Early Day (20 Nov) through to the Saturday evening session and after-hours programme - all for the same price as a standard ticket.
How do I access my ticket?
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and your ticket will appear in the ‘My Tickets’ section of your Youthscape account.
We’ll also send you a QR version in the week leading up to the event.
Where can I get further help?
If you have any other questions, email us at nymw@youthscape.co.uk or use the website chat function.
Please note: we’re able to respond during office hours only.
Location & Venue
Vox Conference Centre,
Resorts World,
Birmingham,
B40 1PU
The Vox is part of Resort World close to the NEC. Parking is free and there are plenty of places to eat and relax, including a cinema. Accommodation is available in local hotels and AirBnB’s. Book early for the best rates.
