CALL FOR PAPERS

The ANZ-IASYM regional conference welcomes researchers and reflective practitioners committed to strengthening Christian ministry among children and young people. This three-day academic conference is a welcome space for a broad range of researchers and reflective practitioners to engage with the latest scholarship and research as well as present their work to their colleagues for feedback and constructive criticism.

The conference presents research related to ministry amongst children, youth, and emerging/young adults, in church and parachurch settings, family, school, neighbourhood, and other organisational contexts. Presenters include people researching and teaching in children’s and youth ministry, Christian youth work, Christian education, intergenerational ministry, and secular youth work, as these relate to mission and discipleship among children and young people.

Presentation Formats

Conference sessions are in three presentation formats to facilitate contributions from different stages of research and to enable various forms of engagement and interaction.

1) Research Papers are complete works of new research that are ready for constructive critical engagement. In keeping with the publication scope of the Journal of Youth and Theology, research papers should have theology as a core discipline,whether that be practical, systematic, historical, or biblical theology. Contributions are often interdisciplinary, bringing theological reflection to historical, pedagogical, cultural, missional, ecclesiological, sociological, or psychological perspectives. Research Papers must be submitted in advance of the conference and when presented will be followed by a prepared response as well as group discussion. Research papers can be completed projects prepared for publication, or progress reports on doctoral projects.

2) Emerging Research sessions provide an opportunity to share ‘works-in-progress’ and developing thoughts as well as completed ideas not yet established in a formal paper. These sessions are available for new or emerging researchers (whether engaged in formal study or as a thoughtful practitioner) as well as senior researchers to road-test ideas and receive constructive feedback.

3) Practitioner Reflection sessions are thoughtful theological reflections on youth issues or youth ministry practice. They may or may not be accompanied by a paper, and provide an opportunity to discuss ideas with the academic community. For assistance in structuring a practitioner reflection refer to this template as a guide: ANZ-IASYM Practitioner Reflection template.pdf

Submit Proposals

Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit paper proposals for consideration using the online submission form: https://forms.gle/o2iWm9KyoNV9FLK8A 

Proposals are due by Friday, 20 March, 2026

Submissions should clearly outline the paper’s central argument, research questions, methodology, and anticipated contributions to the youth ministry conversation. Members of the Academic Committee will review all submissions and are available to provide further advice and support for developing your proposal. 

Once proposals are accepted, presenters are encouraged to prepare a written submission to share with conference delegates ahead of time. Submission formats range from fully-prepared papers that could be ready for submission to be published in the Journal of Youth and Theology or elsewhere, through to notes that indicate the kind of discussion you are trying to foster. 

Academic Committee

For more information please contact members of the Academic Committee:

• Graham Stanton (chair): g.stanton@ridley.edu.au

• Tammy Preston: tammy@intergenfaithresources.com

• Dave Fagg: dffagg@gmail.com

• Tim Mullen: tim.a.mullen@gmail.com