Princeton Theological Seminary Names Liz Moore Director of Institute for Youth Ministry
Moore will lead the Institute into its fourth decade, expanding resources and theological formation for the changing
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Moore will lead the Institute into its fourth decade, expanding resources and theological formation for the changing landscape of ministry with young people.
PRINCETON, NJ, UNITED STATES, October 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Princeton Theological Seminary has named Liz Moore Director of the Institute for Youth Ministry (IYM), where she will lead one of the nation’s longstanding centers dedicated to equipping people for thoughtful, just, and creative ministry with young people.
Moore, who has served as the Institute’s Assistant Director since 2023, brings more than a decade of experience in youth ministry as well as a focus on developing practical theological resources responsive to the changing needs of churches, ministry leaders, volunteers, parents, and educators. She holds a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Trinity College and a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School.
“I’m elated to help take the IYM into this next chapter,” Moore said. “It’s been an incredible journey to be part of this kind of work, to support youth leaders and anyone who cares about young people.”
Founded by Princeton Seminary in 1995, the Institute for Youth Ministry connects the theological resources of the Seminary with the practical needs of those who accompany and minister with young people. Now entering its fourth decade, the Institute supports research and scholarship, develops educational resources and programs, and convenes practitioners around emerging questions in youth ministry. IYM’s work includes the Certificate in Youth and Theology, the annual Forum on Youth Ministry, and the Lilly Endowment, Inc.-funded Foundations Project, which brings scholars and practitioners together to develop practical theological resources for ministry contexts with limited infrastructure or support.
Moore’s appointment comes amidst larger shifts in the traditional model of youth ministry. The number of congregations going without a full-time youth minister has increased markedly, and more churches have been relying on volunteers to work with youth.
“As the landscape of the church and the economics of the church has changed, we’ve seen our audience change,” Moore said. “In this cultural moment for people of faith, we need to reach volunteers, parents, and teachers who need help so that young people can feel the support that they need.”
Kenda Creasy Dean, PhD ’97, Mary D. Synnott Professor of Youth, Church and Culture and founder of the Institute for Youth Ministry, said Moore brings the perspective needed to lead the Institute through this changing environment.
“The needs of youth pastors, not to mention young people themselves, have changed dramatically over the past 30 years,” Dean said. “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.”
Abigail Visco Rusert, MDiv ’08, Associate Dean of Continuing Education and former Director of the IYM, noted the Institute’s distinctive role connecting academic theology and congregational life.
“The IYM has a long history of being a bridge to theological resources for youth ministry leaders,” Rusert said. “Liz is ready to steward the IYM’s work as we continue to build bridges between the academy and the church.”
Looking ahead, Moore hopes to broaden the Institute’s reach beyond people who formally hold youth ministry roles and help congregations see caring for young people as a shared responsibility.
“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 said.
Media Contact
To arrange an interview with Liz Moore or to speak with her as a source or thought leader on youth ministry, faith formation, the changing role of youth ministers, or how churches and communities can better support young people, contact Linda Romano at linda.romano@ptsem.edu.
About the Institute for Youth Ministry
Established in 1995, Princeton Theological Seminary’s Institute for Youth Ministry equips adults who work with young people for thoughtful, just, and creative ministry. Embedded within a theological institution, the IYM connects scholarship, theological education, research, and practical resources with the evolving needs of churches and those who care for young people. Through educational programs, research initiatives, convenings, and resources, the Institute serves youth ministers, volunteers, educators, parents, pastors, and others committed to the flourishing of young people.
About Princeton Theological Seminary
Founded in 1812, Princeton Theological Seminary equips women and men for faithful, compassionate, and competent leadership in ministry, academia, and public life — preparing them to serve Christ with integrity, scholarship, and joy.
Linda Romano
Princeton Theological Seminary
+1 609-497-7765
email us here
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