The Upturn at the NYMW 2025
The wonderful Step team recently spent a weekend at Youthscape’s National Youth Ministry Weekend (NYMW) 2025, themed The Upturn — and we came away feeling both refreshed and quietly challenged.
It was wonderful to be worshipping together as a team and with so many others too. It was so good to find space in our busy diaries serving young people in schools, to find space to stop, listen, sing, and simply be present, it was exactly what we needed.
The weekend programme offered a good mix of main talks, seminars, and interactive sessions. I was most inspired by Justin Brierley, who spoke during the interactive keynote for The Upturn. He reflected on what he’s learnt from years of interviewing people across all kinds of belief systems - about faith, doubt, the church, and young people. His gentle probing and humility really resonated, reminding us of how rich and messy faith conversations can be.
We also benefitted from the richness of the wide-ranging seminar tracks. From trauma-informed youth ministry to evangelism, contemplative prayer, leadership, and one-to-one discipleship - there was something for everyone. These specialist-led sessions stretched us in different directions, and reminded us that youth ministry isn’t one-size-fits-all.
One of the most practical take-aways came from the three give away resources and also the conversations in the exhibition hall, where the generous offering of free resources gave us fresh ideas for our work in schools. We’re already thinking about how to weave some of them into our lessons.
Beyond the sessions, we loved the relational space the conference created. It was wonderful to reconnect with people who genuinely feel like family — even if we don’t see them often — including Andy and Emma Winmill, Charlotte Barton, and Yener Yenerenski. Those conversations of encouragement, shared vision, and friendship are always a powerful part of NYMW.
Of course, none of this would have felt as restful or freeing without our incredible Terrie Bourner. She managed every single detail of the trip — organising transport, booking, amazing food, logistics, and more — so that we could simply receive. Her leadership allowed us to come without the usual burden of responsibility, and it meant everything.
We came home from The Upturn tired from high energy weekend, but very encouraged, equipped, and reminded of why we do this. We’re now looking forward to putting into practice the insights and resources over the coming months.
Chris
It was wonderful to be worshipping together as a team and with so many others too. It was so good to find space in our busy diaries serving young people in schools, to find space to stop, listen, sing, and simply be present, it was exactly what we needed.
The weekend programme offered a good mix of main talks, seminars, and interactive sessions. I was most inspired by Justin Brierley, who spoke during the interactive keynote for The Upturn. He reflected on what he’s learnt from years of interviewing people across all kinds of belief systems - about faith, doubt, the church, and young people. His gentle probing and humility really resonated, reminding us of how rich and messy faith conversations can be.
We also benefitted from the richness of the wide-ranging seminar tracks. From trauma-informed youth ministry to evangelism, contemplative prayer, leadership, and one-to-one discipleship - there was something for everyone. These specialist-led sessions stretched us in different directions, and reminded us that youth ministry isn’t one-size-fits-all.
One of the most practical take-aways came from the three give away resources and also the conversations in the exhibition hall, where the generous offering of free resources gave us fresh ideas for our work in schools. We’re already thinking about how to weave some of them into our lessons.
Beyond the sessions, we loved the relational space the conference created. It was wonderful to reconnect with people who genuinely feel like family — even if we don’t see them often — including Andy and Emma Winmill, Charlotte Barton, and Yener Yenerenski. Those conversations of encouragement, shared vision, and friendship are always a powerful part of NYMW.
Of course, none of this would have felt as restful or freeing without our incredible Terrie Bourner. She managed every single detail of the trip — organising transport, booking, amazing food, logistics, and more — so that we could simply receive. Her leadership allowed us to come without the usual burden of responsibility, and it meant everything.
We came home from The Upturn tired from high energy weekend, but very encouraged, equipped, and reminded of why we do this. We’re now looking forward to putting into practice the insights and resources over the coming months.
Chris
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