First Things in Youth Ministry

Registration Process and Upcoming Program Dates

Registration & Cost

Individual Registration

An individual can register for the First Things in Youth Ministry program directly through the link below. Individual registrants will be placed in a cohort of 8 to 12 other new youth ministry leaders, assigned based on geographical location.

After registration is closed, the cohort coach will contact the group to setup the Orientation Session where the cohort meets one another, reviews the logistics for the program, and determines the dates and times for future sessions (recommended to occur every 2-3 weeks)

Registration for Fall Cohorts Coming Soon!

Cost

  • $150 per participant includes a one-year Associate Membership to NFCYM (a $75 value). 


NFCYM membership includes:

  • Professional training, resourcing, and support
  • Network of peers in youth ministry and youth-serving agencies
  • Special rates to NFCYM events
  • Full access to resource library and webinars
  • Current updates on national trends and concerns affecting youth
  • Direct link to national organizations (USCCB, NCCL, La Red, NAACYMN)

Diocesan Cohorts

A diocese can sponsor its own cohort (or multiple ones) for new youth ministers in their area. They also have the opportunity to designate their own coach.

Diocesan Cohorts

The following have previously sponsored diocesan cohorts so if you are in one of the dioceses, check first with your diocesan leader to see if a new cohort is forming soon that you can join.

Upcoming Course and Registration Dates

Season
Registration Opens
Deadline to Register
Course Starts
Summer ’24
April 1
May 10
June 1, 2024
Fall ’24
TBD
September 13
October 2024
Winter ’25
TBD
January 10
February 2025

I am so excited about this new First Things in Ministry program - I wish I would have had this as a brand new youth minister years ago! There is no one book or one program or one person who can help you learn everything you need to learn when you are just starting out in youth ministry. But NFCYM has put all the best resources from all the best youth ministry experts together in one course that can help a new youth minister to lay a strong foundation within their first months of ministry. And that firm foundation, along with the relationships that will be built with other youth ministers within the cohort, are setting new youth ministers on a path towards successful youth ministry for many years to come.

Yazmín Maní Malone

Pastoral Juvenil Hispana Coordinator,
Diocese of Austin


Diocesan Member

"NFCYM has accompanied me in reaching out to like minded professionals to better provide service (ministry) to adolescents. NFCYM has allowed me to network and grow professionally.

'Youth as Protagonists' has been essential to Pastoral Juvenil Hispana in the Diocese of Austin."

Eva P. Delgado

Youth Minister, St. Christopher Church

Associate Member

"The various resources have helped me keep our program exciting and vibrant. NFCYM has provided me with shared information via webinars, workshops, conferences, outreach, and opportunities that are very informative to help make my ministry successful.

NFCYM is an open forum for me to seek material, guidance and support in keeping the youth ministry program successful."