Princeton Theological Seminary taps Liz Moore to lead youth ministry institute

Princeton Theological Seminary has named Liz Moore director of its Institute for Youth Ministry, elevating a longtime staff member as the institute enters its fourth decade. The move comes as churches increasingly rely on volunteers and broader congregational support to serve young people.

Why it matters: - Princeton Theological Seminary is positioning its Institute for Youth Ministry to respond to a shrinking full-time youth pastor model and a wider need for training across churches. - The appointment broadens the institute’s focus beyond professional youth ministers to volunteers, parents, educators and other adults who shape young people’s faith formation.

What happened: - Princeton Theological Seminary named Liz Moore director of the Institute for Youth Ministry on Oct. 6, 2026. - Moore has served as assistant director of the institute since 2023. - The institute will enter its fourth decade under Moore’s leadership. - Moore has more than 10 years of youth ministry experience. - Moore earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Trinity College and a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School.

The details: - Founded in 1995, the Institute for Youth Ministry links Princeton Seminary’s theological resources with the practical needs of people who work with young people. - The institute supports research and scholarship, develops educational resources and programs, and convenes practitioners around emerging questions in youth ministry. - Current offerings include the Certificate in Youth and Theology, the annual Forum on Youth Ministry, and the Lilly Endowment-funded Foundations Project. - The Foundations Project brings scholars and practitioners together to build practical theological resources for ministry settings with limited infrastructure or support. - Moore said the institute needs to reach youth leaders and others who care about young people. - Moore said the goal is to help every Christian adult in a community see caring for young people as a shared responsibility. - Kenda Creasy Dean, the institute’s founder, said Moore is well positioned to lead during a period of major change in youth ministry. - Abigail Visco Rusert, a former director of the institute, said the IYM serves as a bridge between theological scholarship and congregational life.

Between the lines: - The appointment reflects a larger shift in youth ministry, where fewer congregations can support a full-time youth minister. - That shift increases the importance of practical tools, volunteer training and shared leadership inside local churches. - Princeton Seminary is signaling that youth ministry is no longer just a specialist role, but a wider church responsibility.

What's next: - Moore said she plans to expand the institute’s reach beyond people in formal youth ministry roles. - Princeton Seminary is expected to keep building programs that connect academic theology with the day-to-day realities of churches and families. - Media inquiries about Moore, youth ministry, faith formation and church support for young people can go to Linda Romano at linda.romano@ptsem.edu.