Those of you who know the history of American Baptists in New Engalnd are probably familiar with the School of Methods, an annual academic conference based at what is now the Oceanwood facility. This acclaimed program trained young men and women for Christian ministry both at home and abroad, and later became the New England Baptist Youth Conference (NEBYC); the predecessor of CYC. As fewer young people expressed interest in ministry and mission work, the conference gradually transformed into its current format, which is more focused on helping teens develop and maintain a relationship with Christ.

Recently, however, under the leadership of a new Academic Dean, the faculty of the conference have united to create a much more developed academic program – one designed to recall the original goals of the School of Methods. Young men and women attending CYC will be challenged to explore God's call on their lives, and will be helped to consider whether they might be called to full-time Christian ministry. At the same time, there will be a greater focus on improving the Biblical literacy of the students.

Providentially, this effort has coincided with a substantial financial endowment to the conference, which the conference leadership has decided to channel in an exciting new direction: the provision of scholarships for young people entering ministry or missions programs. Beginning in 2009, any CYC graduate pursuing medium to long-term mission work, or planning to enroll in college to major in ministry or mission work, will be eligible for a scholarship to help support their calling.

These developments mark a shift in both the purpose and function of the Youth Conference, and it is exciting to contemplate the ways in which God may use this new effort. Please remember CYC and its students in your prayers as we embark together in this forward-leaning return to the ways of the School of Methods.