University of Pretoria, Youth Ministry Conference: Call for Papers (due 7 March 2025)

University of Pretoria, Faculty of Theology and Religion, Department of Practical Theology and Mission Studies

CALL FOR PAPERS: YOUTH MINISTRY CONFERENCE

It is with great excitement and expectation that the Department of Practical Theology and Mission Studies in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria invite all academics and practitioners of youth ministry in Southern Africa to come and share their knowledge and experiences to the benefit of all involved in youth ministry in Southern Africa.

Venue: The University of Pretoria, Faculty of Theology and Religion
Date: 22-24 July 2025
Mode: In-person
Cost: R 750,00 (Include refreshments)
Participants are responsible for their own lunches.

THEME: Youth Ministry in Southern Africa: Celebrated and Rediscovered

Africa is known as a youth continent and the biggest part of the South(ern) African population is youth. Fifty years ago (1974) when the biggest part of the white population in Southern Africa was youth the Dutch Reformed Church had the “Youth to youth action.” During this time more than 350,000 young people attended their rallies. As part of the evangelical youth outreach, around 32,000 young people were trained to talk to their peer group about the gospel and matters of faith.

This ministry led to new enthusiasm for the church among many young people and large numbers of them signed up for theological study after 1974.

Today in 2025 the South(ern) African context, also the church context is totally different. Most of the South African population still confess they are Christian (80%). Most Christians belong to independent and or Pentecostal churches, mainline missionary denominations are decreasing in membership. Fewer young people enrol for theological education to become pastors while many pastors of independent churches have no theological training. The purpose of the “youth-to youth” action (1974) was to establish a ministry philosophy that young people should be equipped to work with young people.

During the 2025 youth conference we want to celebrate and rediscover youth ministry within an ever-changing Southern Africa society. Four main questions that will frame this conference are:
• Who is the youth in youth ministry?
• Where is God in youth ministry?
• What is the purpose of youth ministry?
• Who is the youth minister in youth ministry?

To address these questions, we suggest that papers will attend to one of the following themes:
1. Youth Ministry as a theological endeavour
2. Youth ministry as family ministry through faith formation
3. Youth Ministry: when we ignore youth, we deny our identity.
4. Youth Ministry as a call to follow Him
5. Youth Ministry as “place sharing” (Root) in a ministry of belonging
6. Youth Ministry and “at risk” communities
7. Youth ministry and relational learning
8. Youth Ministry: learning from Africa
9. Youth Ministry and political activism
10. Youth Ministry and God’s world, our earth

HOW TO SUBMIT A PAPER PROPOSAL:
Paper proposals (for single papers of 20 minutes, to be followed by 10 minutes of discussion) should include: a proposed title for the paper, your name and institutional affiliation, and as an abstract, a brief outline (200 — 300 words) of the topic, the argument and an indication of the relevance of the topic and approach to the conference theme.

Proposals as well as any questions in this regard should be directed to Prof. Hannes Knoetze, email: Johannes.Knoetze@up.ac.za

PROPOSAL DEADLINE: 07 March 2025

FEEDBACK ON ABSTRACT: 20 March 2025

Upon acceptance, you will be requested to send an 80% completed paper on or before Monday 16 June 2025. Thereafter, your name will be affixed to the program for a 30-minute presentation.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE
Please request banking details from and then send your proof of payment, name, and institution to: karen.esbagh@up.ac.za

We look forward to receiving your papers on this topic.

With kind regards,
Hannes Knoetze