this way ministries

This Way Ministries has been created out of a deep desire to minister to those who work tirelessly to love, encourage, and walk with teenagers through the Christian faith journey. After nearly a decade of youth ministry experiences that includes almost four years of participation in the Lilly funded Youth Ministry and Spirituality Project (YMSP), I have come to recognize that there is a way of doing and being in youth ministry that can be life giving both for teenagers and for the minister who ministers to/with them. Out of a deep sense of gratitude for the teachings of Mark Yaconelli, Michael Hryniuk, and Deborah Arca Mooney, and from an awareness of the realities of today’s youth minister, I share this contemplative approach to youth ministry. The spirit fostered by our processes flows from a sincere appreciation of the YMSP and its partners and out of deep gratitude for the faithfulness of our partner churches.

brent parker

Brent Parker has served as a local youth minister, a camp and conference director, and a featured speaker and worship leader. He has also accompanied Disciples, United Methodist, Episcopal and Presbyterian churches in prayerfully discerning ministry plans for their young people. Brent has a Masters of Divinity Degree from Brite Divinity School and a Certificate in Youth and Theology through Princeton Theological Seminary, and has nearly completed a Certificate Program in Spiritual Direction. Brent, Kori and their sons, Caedmon and Kai call The Woodlands, Texas home and enjoy spending days together at the park, the pool, and anywhere they can find a field or court on which to play ball.

Brent currently leads retreats for youth and adult church groups and is a curriculum writer for the United Methodist Publishing House and The Thoughtful Christian.