Women in Youth Ministry Conference Highlights Legacy, Leadership and Belonging

Women serving in youth ministry from across Texas and beyond gathered in early March for the Women in Youth Ministry Conference, a non-denominational event designed to support, equip and amplify women called to ministry with young people. The conference was hosted this year by First United Methodist Church of Arlington.

The Women in Youth Ministry (WYM) community provides an intentional space for women in a field where they represent approximately half of all youth workers, yet are often underrepresented as speakers, teachers and leaders. What began as an online community has grown into an annual conference created by and for women serving in youth ministry.

The conference was founded by Heather Campbell, a career youth director from Indiana, after she recognized a gap between the number of women working in youth ministry and the voices elevated in the field. Seeking to address that imbalance, Campbell helped cultivate a network that now connects women across denominations and ministry contexts.

This year’s conference centered on the theme “Legacy,” inviting participants to reflect on those who shaped their faith and leadership, as well as the legacy they are creating for the young people they serve. The theme emphasized that legacy is not built alone, but through the “cloud of witnesses” — mentors, communities and leaders — who support and empower youth to grow into leaders themselves.

Keynote speakers included Campbell, who presented “The Legacy We Raise Up,” Rev. Joy Gonzalez of Lovers Lane UMC, who delivered “The Legacy We Live,” and Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney, professor at Brite Divinity School at TCU, who spoke on “The Legacy That Holds Us.” Rev. Chelsea Peddecord of Highland Park UMC also led a workshop at the conference.

In her keynote address, Gonzalez encouraged participants to view ministry as an embodied calling rather than a role they perform. “Your life isn’t just the tool for ministry,” Gonzalez said. “It is the vessel for ministry.”

Ten participants from across the Horizon Texas Conference attended the event, focusing on understanding more deeply the “who” and “why” of their ministry callings.

Tessa Armes, HTC area coordinator and director of children’s ministry at First UMC Lubbock, attended the conference for the first time.

“The WYM Conference speaks to the heart of women serving in youth ministry by promoting healthy ministry models, empowering women to lead in their giftings, and providing the opportunity to be seen and known in the midst of serving in a profession that can often feel isolating,” Armes said.

The conference was hosted locally by Loni Fancher, director of student formation at First UMC of Arlington, who has been part of the WYM community for several years.

“It’s really special to be in a space where I can use shorthand for every aspect of who I am,” Fancher said. “Getting to see God use women like me all over the world and in so many denominations affirms my call, and getting to pour into women who’ve felt isolated and show them they aren’t alone in their journey is part of how God is working in and through me.”

Callie Barbee, youth ministry director at Couts Memorial UMC in Weatherford, also attended for the first time.

“This has been a great experience for me,” Barbee said. “It’s very connectional, which is a part of our Methodist heritage, and it aligns beautifully with our conference goals of championing children and youth, telling our story, and pursuing and embracing diversity. I believe by empowering our leaders, we empower those they lead.”