What Is PYWA?

The Presbyterian Youth Workers’ Association (PYWA) exists to connect, uphold, and inspire Presbyterian youth workers to faithfully serve the one triune God among young people.

PYWA is a national community of Presbyterian youth workers who are committed to developing and sustaining healthy youth ministry leaders. The organization formed in 2005 in response to youth workers throughout the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who expressed the need to connect with other people who shared a passion and commitment for connecting young people with God’s amazing love, hope, grace, and justice.

PYWA connects, upholds, and inspires youth workers through advocacy, networking opportunities, webinars, online meetups, email blasts, Bible studies, book clubs, seasonal idea sessions, and conversations with youth ministry experts. Though begun in the PC(USA), PYWA has expanded to include other Presbyterian denominations and Reformed congregations.

Who Can Benefit from PYWA?

PYWA exists for all Presbyterian youth workers, including (but not limited to):

  • Those who volunteer and those who are paid
  • Those who serve in local congregations and those who serve in specialized ministry contexts
  • Those who are ordained and those who are non-ordained
  • Those who serve on Christian education and/or youth committees

 

How is PYWA funded?

PYWA believes that healthy youth workers lead to healthy churches. Our work is made possible by the financial support of churches, presbyteries, and individuals like you who believe in our mission. Click here to join us in the work of PYWA and become a supporter today.

The Office of Christian Formation in the Presbyterian Mission Agency has partnered with five associations to support age and stage formation across a lifetime of Christian formation. APCE is proud to be a part of the Christian Formation Collective with Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network (POAMN), UKirk, Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA), and Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators (APCE). We partner with the Office of Christian Formation and with one another to support faith formation through new initiatives, leadership training and support and equipping our leaders for ministry. See the work of the Christian Formation Collective. You can also find out about our partners and the resources they offer by going to each of their websites.