NextGen Conference

Youth leaders have a difficult job that leaves them feeling alone and lacking in wisdom on how to best minister to students. The PCA values you in student ministry, and the Nextgen Conference seeks to equip, encourage, and empower Youth Leaders. Youth Leaders will leave this conference with connections to help them serve in the Student Ministry they’re called to and with training that they can implement in their unique setting. We will have options for seminars, downtime to be encouraged by other Youth Leaders, and great evenings of worship!

WHO

Men and women leading and serving in student ministry.

WHERE

The Commons – Chesterfield Presbyterian in Chesterfield, MO

WHEN

October 19-21, 2026

COST

$275 includes registration and 2 meals

2026 Keynote Speakers

Ray Cortese

Ray is a native of Miami, Florida, and a 1983 graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA.  He has been the pastor of Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church, located in Lecanto, Florida (70 miles north of Tampa) since it began in 1984.  A large part of the ministry of SRPC is Seven Rivers Christian School, begun in 1988, fully accredited serving families and students from Pre K3 thru 12th grade. Ray recently transitioned from Senior Pastor to Assistant (Founding) Pastor at Seven Rivers Church. 

Mike Khandjian

2026 Musicians

Will Nabholz

Will Nabholz is a current MDiv student and Chapel Coordinator at Covenant Theological Seminary. He also has worked as the youth ministry intern at Covenant Presbyterian Church for the past 4 years. Born and raised in Augusta, GA, youth ministry was pivotal in Will’s coming to faith as elders invested in him at a young age. Youth ministry was also the environment in which he grew in his love for and ability to lead music in worship.

Conference Schedule

Monday, October 19

2:00pm – Certificate Final Projects
2:00pm to 4:00pm – Check-in
4:30pm – Welcome Session
6:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm – Session 1
8:30pm – Late Night Hangout

Tuesday, October 20

9:00am – Coffee and Hangout
9:30am – Session 2
10:30am – Breakout Seminars 1
11:30am – Breakout Seminars 2
12:30pm – Lunch
1:30pm – Breakout Seminars 3
2:30pm – Free Time/Dinner on your own
7:00pm – Session 3
8:30pm – Hangout

Wednesday, October 21

9:00am – Coffee and Hang
9:30am – Panel Q&A
10:30am – Session 4
11:30pm – Head Home

Breakout Seminar Options

Ministering to our Kids While in Ministry with Katie Polski

Ministry leaders often speak about the tension between church life and home life. But does it have to be a constant tug-of-war? Is it possible for these two sacred callings to strengthen rather than compete with each other? Join us for an honest and hope-filled conversation about both the blessings and the challenges of raising children while serving in ministry. Through personal stories from a former pastor’s kid who is now serving in church leadership, you’ll gain insight into what helps, and what hurts, when ministry and family collide. You’ll leave with seven practical, actionable strategies to help your ministry and home life thrive together instead of pulling apart.

Embracing the Awkwardness: Why Middle School is Amazing! with Brad Robson and Lara Jensen

 In a recent survey, 9/10 youth leaders admitted that they prefer working with high school students more than middle school students. In this breakout session, we will discuss why a healthy middle school ministry is vital for your youth group and church. We will discuss strategies for effectively coming alongside students in the middle school years with the goal of showing them Jesus and connecting them to one another. 

Caring for ALL of your Students: the Core, the Fringe, and those Off the Radar with Issac Terwilleger

Caring for Yourself in Ministry with Jason Pittman

Location and Lodging

Chesterfield Presbyterian Church – The Commons

The Commons
(at Baxter & Clayton)
14885 Clayton Road
Chesterfield MO 63017

Hotel Options:

You are expected to make plan for your own lodging for the conference. We have negotiated a discounted rate for a couple of hotels near the conference where some of our team will be staying.

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis Chesterfield

355 Chesterfield Center East, Chesterfield, MO 63017

Offering special group rate:

Hampton Inn St. Louis/Chesterfield

16201 Swingley Ridge Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017

Offering special group rate:

Connect with Us!

GET CONNECTED TO CDM

MEET THE CDM TEAM

Looking for something in particular?

Can’t find it? Let us help!