[Blog] What to expect at PSYCM 2026

Every January, ministry leaders arrive with full calendars, big questions, and a deep love for the next generation at PSYCM, the Perkins School of Youth and Children’s Ministry. Since 1987, PSYCM has equipped leaders serving children, youth, and young adults with tools that travel well—back to their churches, teams, and communities.

PSYCM 2026 takes place January 12–14, 2026, and it’s an in-person event hosted at First United Methodist Church (503 North Central Expy, Richardson, TX 75080).

“My own Perkins journey began as a student at PSYCM, some years before I came to work at Perkins with this event in my portfolio," said Bart Patton (MTS, 2022), Assistant Dean of External Programs & Church Relations.

With 60% of 2026 registrants being brand new to PSYCM, attendees can expect to encounter new concepts and ideas from current research and practical implementation.

Building foundations for careers

PSYCM 2026 offers two distinct tracks so you can choose what best fits your season of ministry.

-The Foundations Track is recommended for leaders with 1–2 years of experience or volunteers stepping into responsibility and covers core ministry essentials.

Workshops Track is recommended for leaders with 2+ years of experience, with sessions designed at the intersection of practice and theory across four comprehensive areas: Practice of Ministry, Theology of Ministry, Care in Ministry, and Congregational Ministry.

For many new ministry leaders, this event helps give them confidence to make an early impact in their positions.

Rev. Stella Eunbyul Cho (M.Div. 2024), Associate Pastor of Families at FUMC Colleyville recounts her experience with PSYCM as she plans to bring her youth director for the upcoming event.

“Right after finishing my M.Div. at Perkins, I was commissioned and appointed to a new role as Associate Pastor of Family Ministries,” she said. “It was my first time in this position and also a cross-cultural context, which honestly felt a bit overwhelming. On top of that, with sudden vacancies in both the children’s and youth director roles, I found myself jumping straight into children’s ministry and learning everything on the go.

Register now

Online registration closes December 10, 2025. Reserve your spot today.