Perkins Announces 39th Annual Perkins School of Youth and Children’s Ministry

DALLAS (SMU) – Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University announces the 39th annual gathering of the Perkins School of Youth and Children’s Ministry (PSYCM), taking place January 12–14, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 503 North Central Expressway, Richardson, Texas. 

PSYCM will convene pastors, volunteers, educators, and ministry leaders from across the country for three days of learning, community, and renewal. Registration is now open and closes on December 8, 2025.

Established in 1987, PSYCM equips and engages leaders whose ministries focus on children, youth, and young adults. Unlike a traditional conference, PSYCM functions as a school for faith formation ministries, providing participants with theological grounding, practical tools, and collaborative community. 

“PSYCM embodies the heart of Perkins’ mission—forming leaders who think deeply, serve faithfully, and live out the Gospel in community,” said Bryan P. Stone, Leighton K. Farrell Endowed Dean of Perkins School of Theology. “For nearly four decades, this gathering has brought together those committed to shaping the faith of future generations. It reflects our conviction that ministry with young people is both a sacred calling and a vital expression of the church’s witness in the world.”

“PSYCM has always been about forming leaders who serve with both heart and mind,” said Bart Patton, Assistant Dean of External Programs at Perkins School of Theology. “We’ve seen the transformative power that happens when ministry leaders are given the tools, community, and theological grounding they need to thrive. PSYCM isn’t just a training event—it’s a shared journey toward faithful, sustainable, and creative ministry for the next generation.” 

Participants may register for one of two learning tracks:

Foundations Track, a pre-set learning cohort designed for those newer to ministry or seeking to strengthen core frameworks for children’s, youth, and family ministry.
Workshops Track, offering a flexible schedule and access to 14 in-depth workshop options for deeper engagement and reflection.

This year’s leadership reflects the diversity and experience of ministry across the church:

• 95% United Methodist
• 68% female leadership
• 65% currently serving in local church ministry
• 21% serving in ministry resource or conference-level roles
• 14% engaged in education or the academy

“Every January, PSYCM brings together pastors, age-ministry veterans, interns, and educators in a vibrant space to learn and grow together,” Patton said. “We create room for leaders to find their people, their purpose, and to engage in the practical ministry conversations that will fuel what comes next.” 

For details or to register, click here. 

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Perkins School of Theology, founded in 1911, is one of five official University-related schools of theology of The United Methodist Church. Degree programs include the Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Music, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Pastoral Music as well as the Ph.D., in cooperation with The Graduate Program in Religious Studies at SMU's Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.