Princeton Seminary Appoints Liz Moore to Lead Institute for Youth Ministry into New Era

Princeton Theological Seminary has named Liz Moore as the new Director of its Institute for Youth Ministry (IYM), according to an announcement from the Seminary. This appointment marks a significant moment for the Institute as it steps into its fourth decade, poised to expand its reach and resources for individuals dedicated to nurturing the spiritual lives of young people.

Moore, who previously served as the Institute’s Assistant Director since 2023, brings over a decade of hands-on experience in youth ministry. Her leadership is expected to bring a vital focus on developing practical theological resources that are responsive to the evolving needs of churches, ministry leaders, volunteers, parents, and educators. This forward-thinking approach is particularly relevant today, as communities seek innovative ways to engage and support younger generations in their faith journeys.

Responding to a Changing Landscape in Youth Ministry

The landscape of youth ministry has been undergoing significant shifts, a trend that Princeton Theological Seminary acknowledges. According to the Seminary, there's been a noticeable increase in congregations operating without a full-time youth minister, leading to a greater reliance on volunteers to work with young people. This change highlights a growing need for accessible, practical resources and robust theological formation for a broader group of caregivers.

Liz Moore recognizes these shifts, stating, “As the landscape of the church and the economics of the church has changed, we’ve seen our audience change.” She emphasizes the importance of reaching volunteers, parents, and teachers who are now often on the front lines of youth support. Her vision, as shared by the Seminary, is to broaden the Institute’s reach beyond formal youth ministry roles, fostering a collective understanding that caring for young people is a shared responsibility within a community.

For parents and educators, this expanded focus means more accessible support and resources. Whether you're a Sunday school volunteer, a parent navigating difficult conversations about faith, or a teacher looking to understand the spiritual dimensions of your students' lives, the IYM's work under Moore's leadership aims to provide practical guidance. Understanding theological concepts can sometimes feel daunting, but platforms like COSMIQ offer free voice-driven AI tutoring for K-12 students, which can be a valuable tool for young people exploring complex topics, including those related to faith and ethics, in an accessible way.

A Legacy of Bridging Academia and Practice

Founded by Princeton Seminary in 1995, the Institute for Youth Ministry has a long-standing history of connecting the rich theological resources of the Seminary with the practical needs of those who accompany and minister to young people. The Institute supports research, develops educational resources and programs, and convenes practitioners to discuss emerging questions in youth ministry. Its initiatives include the Certificate in Youth and Theology, the annual Forum on Youth Ministry, and the Lilly Endowment, Inc.-funded Foundations Project, which aims to create practical theological resources for ministry contexts with limited infrastructure.

Kenda Creasy Dean, PhD ’97, Mary D. Synnott Professor of Youth, Church and Culture, and founder of the Institute for Youth Ministry, expressed confidence in Moore's ability to navigate this evolving environment. “Nobody is more aware of those shifts, or is better positioned to address them, than Liz Moore. Her knowledge of the field, vision, creativity, and holy curiosity are exactly what the Institute for Youth Ministry needs right now,” Dean said, according to Princeton Theological Seminary.

Abigail Visco Rusert, MDiv ’08, Associate Dean of Continuing Education and former Director of the IYM, also highlighted the Institute's unique role as a bridge between academic theology and congregational life. This enduring mission underscores the Seminary's commitment to ensuring that theological scholarship directly informs and strengthens practical ministry.

Empowering Communities to Support Young People

Moore's appointment comes at a crucial time when young people face a myriad of challenges and opportunities. Her vision, as described by the Seminary, centers on empowering every adult within a faith community to contribute to the well-being and spiritual formation of youth. “What we hope to move people toward is that, instead of it only being the responsibility of youth leaders, each Christian adult in a community has something to offer young people,” Moore stated.

This holistic approach encourages a communal effort in nurturing the next generation, recognizing the diverse ways adults can mentor, guide, and support young individuals. For teachers and youth leaders, this means a wider network of support and a greater sense of shared purpose. For students, it signifies a more robust and integrated community looking out for their spiritual development, complementing their academic and personal growth.

Princeton Theological Seminary, founded in 1812, continues its mission to equip leaders for faithful, compassionate, and competent service. The appointment of Liz Moore to direct the Institute for Youth Ministry reinforces this commitment, ensuring that its resources and theological insights remain relevant and impactful for the vital work of supporting young people in their faith journeys in 2026 and beyond.