Youth ministry is joyful, unpredictable, and often overwhelming. You want to serve teens well. You want your parish to thrive. But you cannot do it alone, and you do not have to!
Life Teen offers a full range of training experiences for every level of parish ministry. Whether you are building a brand-new program, supporting a core team, serving in a diocesan office, or wanting to strengthen your own formation, you will find an option that fits your needs and your mission.
Every training shares one goal: to equip you and your parish to lead teens closer to Christ.
FOR: Youth ministers, core members, priests, volunteers, parents, musicians, and anyone serving young people
WHERE: Phoenix, Arizona
WHEN: Annual national summer event
WHY: Renewal, mission, community, worship, and practical training for beginners and veterans
The Catholic Youth Ministry Convention is Life Teen’s premier training event. It brings together leaders from around the world for formation, prayer, inspiration, and practical guidance. It is ideal for anyone who wants to grow as a disciple and strengthen the mission of evangelizing teens.
FOR: Youth ministers, core members, pastors, and parish leaders
WHERE: Life Teen Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia
WHEN: Offered throughout the year
WHY: Hands-on training, personal guidance, and long-term ministry sustainability in small, personal groups of about 15-20 participants
Workshops and Masterclasses are designed to meet you where you are in ministry, whether you’re building a strong foundation or ready to go deeper.
Workshops focus on the essentials of youth ministry. You’ll explore relational ministry, understand today’s teen culture, navigate parish life, collaborate effectively with your pastor, and gain practical tools you can start using immediately.
Masterclasses are targeted, small-group intensives that dive into specific content areas such as parent outreach, forming a core team, developing teen leaders, and media and marketing. These sessions create space for real discussion, personalized coaching, and strategies tailored to your ministry.
Both formats equip you with a clear, actionable plan—so you return home confident, focused, and ready to lead.
FOR: Parishes seeking tailored formation for staff and core teams
WHERE: At your parish
WHEN: At a time that best fits your parish calendar
WHY: Vision, alignment, and practical support for parish-wide youth ministry
This on-site training model sends a parish trainer directly to you! Together, you will clarify your vision, train your core team, and strengthen the foundation of your Life Teen or Edge program. This training can include staff development, core formation, or ministry-wide planning based on your parish’s needs. Your regional coordinator and parish outreach support team will help guide preparation and follow-up.
FOR: Core Teams, youth ministers, clergy, and parish staff
WHERE: Regional gatherings across the United States
WHEN: Annually in the Fall
WHY: The most efficient and effective preparation for your core team
Empower is Life Teen’s foundational core team training. It offers practical instruction, team-building experiences, and essential content for the current youth ministry landscape. You will learn proven strategies for relational ministry, small groups, Catholic identity, and parish collaboration.
Empower sets your team up for success at the very start of the ministry year and connects you with other leaders in your region.
FOR: Diocesan leaders who oversee parish youth ministry
WHERE: Hosted by the Diocese, led by Life Teen
WHEN: Coordinated with each Diocese and our Parish Success Team
WHY: Sustainable youth ministry formation across multiple parishes
Life Teen partners with diocesan offices to equip parish leaders with a deeper understanding of the Life Teen model. Training covers topics such as relational ministry, recruiting volunteers, teen engagement, small group discipleship, and using Life Teen, Edge, and Purpose resources effectively.
The diocese manages promotion and logistics. Life Teen provides trusted speakers and proven content. To discuss possible costs, topics, and schedule for your Diocesan Life Teen training day, please reach out to Katie Gray at kgray@lifeteen.com.
FOR: Parishes that need flexible scheduling or remote training
WHEN: Available annually from October through December
WHY: Affordable, accessible training for whole teams
Virtual Empower allows your team to participate in core team training from your parish. You will receive pre-recorded sessions, team discussion questions, prayer experiences, and practical exercises that help prepare your ministry for the year ahead.
Registration is per parish, not per person, which allows your full team to participate at an affordable rate.
FOR: Youth ministers, parish leaders, core members, and volunteers at subscribing parishes
WHEN: At your convenience
WHY: Deep, academic-level formation in relational youth ministry
In partnership with Franciscan University of Steubenville, Life Teen offers a video-based Certificate in Youth Ministry. Six modules include training from leading professors and ministry experts, along with recommended reading to help form confident and capable ministers.
Access is included with Life Teen, Edge, and Purpose subscriptions and can be accessed at youthministrycertificate.com.
Getting started is often the hardest part. The Life Teen Startup Kit provides a clear roadmap for building or relaunching your youth ministry. It includes vision tools, core team recruitment strategies, curriculum planning, and essential first steps.
Your subscription includes ongoing support from our parish coaching team. Coaches are available to answer questions, help troubleshoot challenges, and offer guidance throughout your ministry journey.