YOUNG STAFF NETWORK
INVESTING IN YOUNG STAFF THAT THRIVE LONG TERM
Young Staff Network (YSN) is a community of young staff from national movements all over Europe. Learning and developing together, they become better equipped to fulfil God’s purpose where he has placed them.
YSN is the second stage of IFES Europe’s leadership development pathway that has provided new leaders for national movements and the wider church.
I have learned the depth of the meaning and importance of growth as a Christian [leader], and why it is so important and precious to have a community in which you can experience [it].
FORMER YOUNG STAFF NETWORK MEMBER
Developing leaders with character, conviction and skills
We believe that what we do comes from who we are: our doing flows from our being. So our priority is to help young staff develop a Christ-like character, following a biblical model of leadership.
On that foundation, young staff build skills that enable them to fulfil their roles as leaders in their national movements. Some will eventually progress to senior leadership positions.
We also believe that growth happens best in community. YSN creates a safe space for young staff to build relationships that will nurture and develop them during their time in the network and beyond.
I learned to value my strengths and work from them, rather than against them. I’ve come to a better understanding of the importance of mentoring and recognise how deeply I had longed for it.
I have come out of this program with more HOPE about ministry.
I have learned the depth of the meaning and the importance of growth, and why it is so important and precious to have a community in which you can experience [it].”
FORMER YOUNG STAFF NETWORK MEMBERS
Nurturing new leaders in a supportive community
Guided by Eva Petržilková and members of the IFES Europe Leadership Development Team, the Young Staff Network creates a supportive space for those at the beginning of their ministries to:
- apply the gospel to their understanding of who they are as leaders
- understand their purpose in God’s mission
- grow in self-awareness, understanding how God has formed them and identifying what gifts and talents he has given them to serve his people
- be intentional in thinking about their spiritual health, growth and development
- establish healthy patterns of working and resting which enable them to thrive in ministry long term
- develop skills which enable them to be part of God’s process of change in their own lives, the lives of the students they serve and in the lives of their national student movements.
YOUNG STAFF NETWORK 2026-27
Young Staff Network is a good fit for you if:
You are in your 1st or 2nd year serving with an IFES Europe national student movement and will continue for at least a year after YSN.
You are nominated by your national movement staff or general secretary.
Time commitment
YSN is a one-year network running from November to November. Participants are expected to:
- Attend three training events throughout the year:
- 9–13 November 2026: Kick off residential meeting in Bischofsheim, Germany
- 17-21 May 2027: face to face meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria
- November 2027, location and date tbc
- Take part in 90 minute online meeting every other month
- Attend monthly online mentoring sessions
- Follow a study program that complements the training events, individualised for each participant.
As the program is delivered in English, you will need to have a good enough English language skills to be able to participate fully.
Course fees
Approximately €550 – 600 in total. This covers all study materials and conference costs including food and accommodation but not travel costs. Conference costs may increase owing to world events.
Application deadline 31 July 2026.
Program Team
YSN 2026-27 is delivered by Eva Petržilková and members of the IFES Europe Leadership Development team, who also provide mentoring for the network, together with former and current YSN members from across Europe.
Eva Petržilková serves on IFES Europe’s Leadership Development Team. As well as coordinating the Young Staff Network, she supports staff development across different stages of ministry, including the Staff Mentoring Network for more experienced staff. She is passionate about scripture and has the privilege of coordinating IFES Europe’s Scripture Engagement work. Based in Prague, Eva has been in ministry for over 15 years.
You are welcome to contact Eva with your questions about YSN.
Help us invest in future leaders needing financial help today
Young Staff Network is part of the IFES strategy supporting national movement sustainability. Past participants have gone on to senior leadership positions within multiple movements including Austria, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Switzerland etc. as well as in the wider church.
We don’t want to turn any away for reasons of cost and are grateful to any IFES supporters who can help us offer more scholarships.