Programme
Workshops
Find Your Space. Grow Your Faith.
AYC26 workshops are more than sessions—they’re spaces to ask honest questions, grow in faith, and discover what it means to be made for more in Jesus.
Categories
Across seven categories, you’ll find practical, creative, and spiritual experiences designed for real life:
Relate
Discover how to build deep, healthy connections that reflect the love of Christ.
Faith & Science
Explore the connection between faith and science, learning to ask honest questions, think deeply, and trust God in a world of discovery.
Campus
Learn to live with courage and authenticity in your studies and everyday environments.
Digital
Rethink your digital habits and use technology for growth and mission.
Grow
Deepen your relationship with God and grow as a disciple.
Gain practical tools to live and share your faith every day.
All Workshops
Category
Relate
Discover how to build deep, healthy connections that reflect the love of Christ.
Workshop
The Blueprint of You: How Your Early Years Shape Your Future
Why do we react the way we do under pressure? Why do some relationships feel easier than others? This workshop dives into the “why” behind our emotions and health. We will explore how our earliest experiences and the challenges we faced growing up actually wire our brains and bodies for the future. By understanding this connection, we can better navigate our current mental health and take charge of our long-term physical well-being.
Dr. Helgi Jónsson is a psychiatrist and CBT psychotherapist based in Iceland. Educated in both Iceland and Denmark, he currently operates a private psychiatric clinic and has served as a consultant psychiatrist for vocational and fibromyalgia rehabilitation centres. Between 2019 and 2020, Dr. Jónsson held the position of Health Ministries Director for the Trans-European Division of the SDA Church. Outside of his clinical practice, he is an avid reader and watercolour painter. He has been married to his wife, Helga, for 30 years, and they have one son.
Workshop
The way we see our selves often clashes with the pressure we feel from social media, friend and the world around us. These pressures can create a sense of shame – that uncomfortable feeling that we aren‘t „doing it right“ or that our feelings don‘t fit in.
We will explore what it means to have inherent value and how to carry that self-respect into your relationships and sexual health. By understanding where shame comes from, you can learn to set boundaries that protect your dignity, ensuring that your choices are always based on your own worth rather than someone else‘s expectations.
Dr. Helgi Jónsson is a psychiatrist and CBT psychotherapist based in Iceland. Educated in both Iceland and Denmark, he currently operates a private psychiatric clinic and has served as a consultant psychiatrist for vocational and fibromyalgia rehabilitation centres. Between 2019 and 2020, Dr. Jónsson held the position of Health Ministries Director for the Trans-European Division of the SDA Church. Outside of his clinical practice, he is an avid reader and watercolour painter. He has been married to his wife, Helga, for 30 years, and they have one son.
Workshop
Real love in the real world
We are all wired by God to search for love. How do you recognise real love? How do you love well? And how do you handle the conflicts? Discover how simple ’secrets’ from the Bible can transform your relationships in the real world.
Karen Holford is a psychologist and family therapist, and the TED director of Family, Children and Health ministries. She is passionate about helping people to have healthy relationships with God and people. She is married to pastor Bernie Holford and they have three adult children and 5 grandchildren.
Workshop
Peacemaker
Conflict is unavoidable. But you can lower the conflicts in your life with a few simple skill you already have. Discover how to be a peacemaker, transform your relationships, and express yourself in ways that are peaceful and respectful. It can change your life.
Karen Holford is a psychologist and family therapist, and the TED director of Family, Children and Health ministries. She is passionate about helping people to have healthy relationships with God and people. She is married to pastor Bernie Holford and they have three adult children and 5 grandchildren.
Workshop
Sex and relationships off the rails
Sex is everywhere—shaping culture, media, and internal narratives as well. Yet the church has sometimes communicated an over-simplified message: sex is “okay” within a heterosexual marriage, and otherwise not. But is that enough to address the realities and complexities young people are navigating today?
This workshop offers thoughtful reflection and practical exploration of underlying principles for engaging today’s most pressing questions about sex—without fear, shame, or simplistic answers. Using clear, usable language for real conversations, we will address topics such as consent, boundaries, online influences, and how to recognize subtle coercion—so you can help young people ask honest questions and develop healthier patterns of connection, lasting into their marriage relationships.
Dr. Mary Jo Vollmer has worked with Forensic Pediatrics for over 25 years as a clinician, researcher, lecturer, and prevention specialist. A 5th generation Adventist and a pastor’s daughter, she has a passion for bringing together the harsh and often hidden realities of life with the healing gospel message. She grew up between the US and Ireland. She has four young adult children and a cat and resides between California and Norway with her pastor husband Vidar Hovden.
Workshop
When Stress Turns Toxic: Trauma, Resilience, and the Healing Gospel
Life is stressful—often from childhood onward—through family conflict, turbulence in romantic relationships, and the pressures of work or school. Many people don’t realize how deeply these stressors can shape health, emotions, and overall well-being. Does being a Christian offer us anything as we navigate these realities? And we’ll ask an important question raised in the session: Is the gospel we present a healing balm—or added pressure in an already painful existence?
In this workshop, we’ll take a trauma-informed look at stress and toxic stress—what it is (and isn’t), how it affects the body, how shame can become intertwined with coping, and what resilience actually looks like in real life. We’ll also explore how Jesus engaged suffering with both truth and compassion, and what it can mean to cultivate safety, connection, and healing in ourselves and our communities.
Dr. Mary Jo Vollmer has worked with Forensic Pediatrics for over 25 years as a clinician, researcher, lecturer, and prevention specialist. A 5th generation Adventist and a pastor’s daughter, she has a passion for bringing together the harsh and often hidden realities of life with the healing gospel message. She grew up between the US and Ireland. She has four young adult children and a cat and resides between California and Norway with her pastor husband Vidar Hovden.
Category
Faith & Science
Explore the connection between faith and science, learning to ask honest questions, think deeply, and trust God in a world of discovery.
Workshop
Talking with friends about Creation
When questions arise about creation and science, the topic can often seem complex and intimidating. While scientific study may involve sophisticated methods and theories, the underlying assumptions and reasoning are often easier to understand than they first appear. This talk will introduce key concepts related to origins and offer practical approaches for navigating these discussions and communicating them clearly.
Birgir Óskarsson is a geologist from Iceland. He specialized in the field of volcanology and is active doing research on volcanic terrains and monitoring volcanic eruptions in Iceland. His work has drawn the attention of national and international media including Netflix and has taken him to various adventures around the world.
Workshop
Into the World of Volcanology
In this lecture, Birgir Óskarsson will share his journey as a Christian scientist working in the fields of geology and volcanology. He has participated in a wide range of fascinating projects, from monitoring active volcanoes to investigating the volcanic history of our planet. Drawing from his experience, he observes that many recent discoveries in the natural sciences appear to challenge the traditional framework of uniformitarianism and deep time. This talk will explore these findings and reflect on their possible implications for both the future direction of science and the Christian understanding of Origins.
Birgir Óskarsson is a geologist from Iceland. He specialized in the field of volcanology and is active doing research on volcanic terrains and monitoring volcanic eruptions in Iceland. His work has drawn the attention of national and international media including Netflix and has taken him to various adventures around the world.
Workshop
How to Survive as a Christian Science Student in the 21st Century
Studying science as a Christian can feel like stepping into enemy territory. Evolution. Materialism. Secular worldviews. Sound familiar?
But here’s the twist: these are actually good times to live your faith openly on campus. People are spiritually curious. They’re searching for meaning. They’re asking big questions — and you have something real to say.
In this workshop, we’ll discover how to move from surviving to thriving: developing rigorous scientific thinking grounded in a solid biblical worldview, learning to win hearts (not just arguments), and building a deep, authentic relationship with God that gives you courage in the lab, the classroom, and every conversation. Expect practical tools, honest discussion, and real strategies you can start using immediately.
You’re not on campus by accident. Let’s learn how to make it count.
Noemí Durán is a Bible-believing Christian and (yes!) a scientist.
She studied Biology and Socio-Environmental Education at the University of Valencia and completed here PhD in Marine Biology at Loma Linda University, researching sea turtle ecology and conservation. She currently serves as Director of the European Branch Office of the Geoscience Research Institute, where she actively promotes the harmony between faith and science.
She loves teaching and lecturing on biblical Creation and developing educational materials for children and young people. She wants them to see that science is not a threat to faith. On the contrary, studying nature in the light of the Bible helps us discover God’s extraordinary intelligence, intentional design, and deep care.
That message is especially relevant in today’s world: we are not here by chance. We were carefully designed, wonderfully made, and loved beyond imagination — and that’s a truth too good to keep quiet.
Workshop
Epigenetics: God, Genes & You
Epigenetics. Everyone’s talking about it. But what is it really — and why should you care?
In this workshop, we’ll unpack what epigenetics actually is (no PhD required) and explore what it means from a biblical perspective. What does epigenetics tell us about the character of God? Can we find any hints of epigenetics in the Bible? Is there a connection between this science and the healthy lifestyle the Adventist Church has promoted since the 19th century — long before epigenetics became a trending topic?
We’ll connect science, Scripture, and lifestyle in a way that is practical, thought-provoking, and deeply personal. Because this isn’t just about biology — it’s about you, your genes, and your God.
Noemí Durán is a Bible-believing Christian and (yes!) a scientist.
She studied Biology and Socio-Environmental Education at the University of Valencia and completed here PhD in Marine Biology at Loma Linda University, researching sea turtle ecology and conservation. She currently serves as Director of the European Branch Office of the Geoscience Research Institute, where she actively promotes the harmony between faith and science.
She loves teaching and lecturing on biblical Creation and developing educational materials for children and young people. She wants them to see that science is not a threat to faith. On the contrary, studying nature in the light of the Bible helps us discover God’s extraordinary intelligence, intentional design, and deep care.
That message is especially relevant in today’s world: we are not here by chance. We were carefully designed, wonderfully made, and loved beyond imagination — and that’s a truth too good to keep quiet.
Workshop
How to Survive a Faith Crisis
A crisis of faith can arise in several areas: the head, the heart, or the habits.
Head: Intellectual tensions, contradictions within one’s faith, or inadequate biblical frameworks and answers.
Heart: Experiences that challenge our understanding of God or our will to believe.
Habits: A drifting away from the disciplines and practices known to sustain faith.
Learn how to strengthen your faith in each of these areas—and how one or two can help sustain you when the others are in crisis.
The speaker has personally experienced crises of faith in all three areas and speaks with pastoral compassion about the struggles and joys of remaining a believer.
Harald Giesebrechthas been involved in church planting and youth ministry his entire adult life. He is married to Kjersti, and they have two grown sons and a teenage daughter. All of them remain active in church life.
His first book, God? Really?, has been published in four languages. Harald is passionate about exploring and communicating what constitutes an intelligent and healthy faith that benefits both you and the people around you.
Category
Campus
Learn to live with courage and authenticity in your studies and everyday environments.
Workshop
Beyond Academia
Students are challenged to step beyond their comfort zones and intentionally share the Word of God as everyday “apprentices of Jesus.” This means viewing their everyday friendships and campus activities—from dorm life to athletic teams—not merely as social circles but as strategic mission fields.
Pastor Busi Khumalo has worked in ministry for over 33 years: 10 years in pastoral ministry and 23 years in youth, chaplaincy, and public campus ministries. He served as a departmental director at the Southern Africa Union Conference from 2003-2010 and at the Southern African Indian-Ocean Division (SID) from 2010 to 2022. Busi’s passion for young people and youth ministries is inspired by the last part of the Pathfinder Pledge: “By the grace of God, I will be pure, kind, and true, I will keep the Pathfinder Law, I will be a servant of God and a Friend to man.”
Busi has been married to his incredible wife, Maipato, for 30 years, and together, they are the parents of two amazing children: a son, Sihe, and a daughter, Side. He also enjoys reading, running, and traveling.
Category
Grow
Deepen your relationship with God and grow as a disciple.
Workshop
The Power of One
The Bible shares the personal experiences of courageous men and women who were trailblazers. They didn’t wait for crowds to join them before making an impact on others’ lives. This workshop will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and become a spiritual influencer.
Pastor Busi Khumalo has worked in ministry for over 33 years: 10 years in pastoral ministry and 23 years in youth, chaplaincy, and public campus ministries. He served as a departmental director at the Southern Africa Union Conference from 2003-2010 and at the Southern African Indian-Ocean Division (SID) from 2010 to 2022. Busi’s passion for young people and youth ministries is inspired by the last part of the Pathfinder Pledge: “By the grace of God, I will be pure, kind, and true, I will keep the Pathfinder Law, I will be a servant of God and a Friend to man.”
Busi has been married to his incredible wife, Maipato, for 30 years, and together, they are the parents of two amazing children: a son, Sihe, and a daughter, Side. He also enjoys reading, running, and traveling.
Workshop
Masterclass: Discerning the Will of God for Your Life: Some Practical Steps in Discovering God’s Will
In this practical workshop we will explore what God’s will is for our lives. We will learn what factors impede the discovery of God’s will, how to discern and find out God’s will in practical decisions we have to make daily, and what the role of our human freedom is in this decision-making process.
Frank Hasel is a theologian and author and currently works at the Biblical Research Institute (BRI) at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. A native of Germany he served as a pastor, Bible teacher, and dean of theology in Europe before moving to the United States. Frank loves Jesus, delights in stimulating conversations, enjoys good humor, and is grateful for genuine kindness. He is the editor of the Biblical Research Institute Newsletter Reflections and the important book Biblical Hermeneutics: An Adventist Approach (Silver Spring, MD: Biblical Research Institute, 2020). His recent book Love Is! A Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude (Cascade Books, 2024) is an encouragement for all who have lost a loved one. You can follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and www.frankmhasel.com
Workshop
How to Interpret the Bible Today — Dictation, Verbal, Thought Inspiration or What? What has Inspiration to do With the Interpretation of Scripture?
There exists great confusion about the inspiration of Scripture and the terminology that is used for it. In this workshop we will study and analyze four major models of inspiration and their influence in the history of Adventism and Theology. We will also explore some important implications for the interpretation and authority of the Bible that derive from different understandings of inspiration.
Frank Hasel is a theologian and author and currently works at the Biblical Research Institute (BRI) at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. A native of Germany he served as a pastor, Bible teacher, and dean of theology in Europe before moving to the United States. Frank loves Jesus, delights in stimulating conversations, enjoys good humor, and is grateful for genuine kindness. He is the editor of the Biblical Research Institute Newsletter Reflections and the important book Biblical Hermeneutics: An Adventist Approach (Silver Spring, MD: Biblical Research Institute, 2020). His recent book Love Is! A Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude (Cascade Books, 2024) is an encouragement for all who have lost a loved one. You can follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and www.frankmhasel.com
Workshop
Masterclass: How Soon Is Soon? A Fresh Look at Daniel 2
This is an explanation of the prophecy in Daniel 2 in the light of the original language and broader historical discoveries. It is an ultimate source of hope and joyful life.
Ivan Milanov (PhD, Wales) is Senior Lecturer in Old Testament at Newbold College, UK. During his almost 20 years of teaching experience, he has taught the following subjects: The Book of Daniel, Introduction to the Pentateuch, Introduction to Hebrew, Intermediate Hebrew, Old Testament Ethics, Old Testament Prophets, Biblical Hermeneutics, Cosmic Conflict. His specialty is the book of Daniel. Dr Milanov is also an ordained pastor who served the local churches in his native Macedonia and neighbouring Serbia. He enjoys preaching the Gospel to Adventist and non-Adventist audiences. Dr Milanov and his wife have a 15-year-old daughter.
Workshop
Fatal Attraction: Adventists and Conspiracy Theories
Learn how to stay calm and not to be confused when you are ‘bombarded’ with spectacular explanations of the present state of affairs in the world and future events.
Ivan Milanov (PhD, Wales) is Senior Lecturer in Old Testament at Newbold College, UK. During his almost 20 years of teaching experience, he has taught the following subjects: The Book of Daniel, Introduction to the Pentateuch, Introduction to Hebrew, Intermediate Hebrew, Old Testament Ethics, Old Testament Prophets, Biblical Hermeneutics, Cosmic Conflict. His specialty is the book of Daniel. Dr Milanov is also an ordained pastor who served the local churches in his native Macedonia and neighbouring Serbia. He enjoys preaching the Gospel to Adventist and non-Adventist audiences. Dr Milanov and his wife have a 15-year-old daughter.
Workshop
Masterclass: Why Preaching still matters?
Some sermons you have heard have been amazing, the majority haven’t. In this workshop we are going to look at ‘Why Preaching still matters?’ What benefits it can have for today and the blessing it can be to people when done well. Come whatever your view on preaching and leave knowing why preaching matters to you and why it should matter to everyone.
Jonathan Holder is passionate about Jesus. He has been happily married to his wife Sophie since 2018. Jonathan received his BD Theology and his MA in New Testament studies from Newbold College. After graduating in 2011, he spent a year in Australia as a student missionary. He was employed in 2013 interned in Birmingham at the Camp Hill and Yardley churches and then in the Leicester District of Churches. He formerly pastored the Leicester St Matthews & Loughborough church and now is the current pastor of Coventry Henley Green the Leamington Missioon and Rugby SDA churches. He is currently undertaking a PhD in Preaching. He enjoys music, reading, badminton, attempts to play piano and clarinet, supports Liverpool FC.
Workshop
Revive our Pockets
Money is something people often avoid talking about—but it matters more than we think. It’s often seen as something negative, yet in reality, it can be a powerful blessing.
In this workshop, we’ll take a fresh look at what the Bible says about God, money, and how to use it wisely—so it becomes a source of purpose, freedom, and lasting security in your life.
Jonathan Holder is passionate about Jesus. He has been happily married to his wife Sophie since 2018. Jonathan received his BD Theology and his MA in New Testament studies from Newbold College. After graduating in 2011, he spent a year in Australia as a student missionary. He was employed in 2013 interned in Birmingham at the Camp Hill and Yardley churches and then in the Leicester District of Churches. He formerly pastored the Leicester St Matthews & Loughborough church and now is the current pastor of Coventry Henley Green the Leamington Missioon and Rugby SDA churches. He is currently undertaking a PhD in Preaching. He enjoys music, reading, badminton, attempts to play piano and clarinet, supports Liverpool FC.
Workshop
Masterclass: Death, then What?
What happens after we die? And why should you care now? In this workshop we will explore how the biblical hope of the resurrection is radically different from both ancient myths and modern ideas about the afterlife and discover why this hope isn’t just about the future. It changes your life today.
Keldie Paroschi is originally from São Paulo, Brazil, and has lived and studied in Brazil, Europe, and the United States. She has a PhD in Biblical Studies (New Testament) from Asbury Theological Seminary, and has worked as an online teacher, editor, and chaplain. Currently, she serves as an Associate Director of the Biblical Research Institute at the General Conference of the SDA Church.
Workshop
Unashamed: Why the Gospel Still Has Power
Rome prized power, status, and strength. So how could Paul boast in a crucified Savior? In this workshop, we will dig into Romans 1:16–17 and discover what makes the gospel so powerful, both in first-century Rome and today.
Keldie Paroschi is originally from São Paulo, Brazil, and has lived and studied in Brazil, Europe, and the United States. She has a PhD in Biblical Studies (New Testament) from Asbury Theological Seminary, and has worked as an online teacher, editor, and chaplain. Currently, she serves as an Associate Director of the Biblical Research Institute at the General Conference of the SDA Church.
Workshop
God’s Will vs. Your Will
The questions of will and desire have always raised many questions in people’s minds. When we have to make big decisions, such as choosing a job or a spouse, we often wonder: how can I be sure I am making the right choices? What if I am missing out on what God has in store for me? Or could there be wrong choices? Do I really fully understand what God’s will is? There are so many questions to dissect. In this workshop we will plug into God and our own desires, while trying to clarify these dilemmas.
Pierrick, or PierrGeek as some call him, is 40 years old and works as a pastor. He grew up in a religious family without really being religious. But after a while, he needed to find meaning in his life. Not just do things, to get a paycheck at the end of the month. And that’s when God touched him and transformed him by giving him a meaning and a place that he needed in ministry.
Category
Gain practical tools to live and share your faith every day.
Workshop
OneYear in Mission: Why Not You?
I have a prophecy for you: next year, you will wake up in a completely new place, surrounded by people you never thought you would meet, asking yourself, “Why haven’t I done this earlier?”
Well, it’s a conditional prophecy. It has only one condition: if you feel drawn to explore what mission looks like, with the amazing support of our church and alongside a team of other young people, you simply need to join the One Year in Mission and Service programme.
If you would like to find out more about this exciting opportunity to get involved in mission, join us for this workshop.
Head of Student Life and Chaplaincy at Newbold College of Higher Education
Workshop
Forming Christ-Centered Communities: Following Jesus Together
What does it mean for a church to be truly open without losing its identity or depth? Drawing from Paul’s letter to the Galatians, missiological insights, and real-life experience from church planting in one of Europe’s most secular contexts, this workshop explores how a Christ-centered community creates space for growth, belonging, and transformation. Together, we will reflect on how to cultivate a church culture that welcomes doubters, forms disciples, and keeps its focus on the cross rather than on protecting its borders.
Pavel Eder is a church planter and doctoral student in missiology at Andrews University, leading SafePoint Prague, a growing Christ-centered SDA community engaging young secular people in one of Europe’s most secular contexts. He is passionate about forming a relational, mission-oriented church that integrates online and offline ministry, and he lives in Prague with his wife and their two mischievous cats, Sushi and Taco.
Workshop
At the table: sharing our faith through friendship
In this workshop we will explore 5 simple ways to build relationships as we sit at the table that enable us to share our faith in authentic ways.
Sylvia Mendez is a pastor currently serving as Director of Mission, Community Service and Women’s Ministry at the Trans-European Division of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She’s passionate about authentic relationships and creating safe spaces where connection and stories can be shared. She loves God and having experienced His transforming grace in her life is inspired to see this reality in the lives of others. When she isn’t with people, you will find her writing or reading.
Category
Digital
Rethink your digital habits and use technology for growth and mission.
Workshop
Digital Evangelism
This workshop will equip and motivate you to step into the adventure of digital evangelism with clarity, courage, and conviction.
It’s time to stop scrolling and start serving.
You were made for more.
I have served as a pastor for 21 years and currently serve as the Director of Hope Channel Croatia. I am passionate about evangelism and digital ministry, equipping others to use media as a tool for mission.
I am the creator of the YouTube channel Biblija na dlanu, co-founder of the podcast Hopecast, and author of the book Secrets of YouTube.
Married to Danijela, I am grateful to serve God together in ministry.
Workshop
From Content to Community: How Digital Faith Spaces Become Places of Belonging
Most digital ministries begin with enthusiasm but often fade into silence. What if your audience didn’t just watch, but truly belonged? Elli shares how the Revelation Project transformed passive viewers into an active faith community through feedback, collaboration, and a shared purpose. This session is designed for anyone eager to create something sustainable—transforming followers into a community and digital spaces into vibrant movements.
Senior executive with over 15 years of international experience in corporate strategy, branding, communications, and organizational transformation, primarily within the aerospace and space industry as well as with leading European brands and creative agencies. Skilled in translating complex business challenges into actionable strategies that strengthen performance, reputation, and stakeholder engagement.
Extensive background in brand architecture, b2b marketing and corporate positioning, with additional expertise in the design and implementation of ESG strategies and reporting frameworks at group level.
Holds an International Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen (HSG) with international modules in the UK, UAE, and South Africa.
Workshop
Reaching the Secular World through Social Media
How can we communicate our faith online? How can we effectively reach a secular audience in the digital world without losing our authenticity? Pavel has built an online ministry that has reached hundreds of thousands of people in one of the most secular countries in Europe. This digital outreach eventually led to the planting of a new church that successfully integrates online ministry with offline community, with dozens of baptized secular people.
In this workshop, we will explore together how to share faith online in a way that leads to real, transformative impact in the lives of our friends and the people around us.
Pavel Eder is a church planter and doctoral student in missiology at Andrews University, leading SafePoint Prague, a growing Christ-centered SDA community engaging young secular people in one of Europe’s most secular contexts. He is passionate about forming a relational, mission-oriented church that integrates online and offline ministry, and he lives in Prague with his wife and their two mischievous cats, Sushi and Taco.
Workshop
Truth, Fake News and Discernment
Not everything that goes viral is true. From AI-generated videos to fake news, this workshop will help you learn how to pause, question, and think critically, so you don’t just scroll, but discern.
Coming soon!