Presented by the Rev. Nathan Huddleston, the Rev. Rob Donehue & the Rev. Canon Ricardo Sheppard
How do we form young people and young adults for deep, lasting discipleship in a world that no longer revolves around the Church? This workshop explores the shift from program-centered ministry to relationship-centered formation, where authenticity, belonging, and spiritual depth matter more than attendance numbers.
The Rev. Canon Ricardo W. Sheppard, Canon for Discipleship in the Diocese of Virginia, will frame the conversation by reflecting on how youth and young adult ministry is evolving across the Church. He will challenge us to move from attractional models of ministry toward incarnational presence, where formation happens through community, trust, and honest faith.
We will also hear how Christ Church Georgetown’s Young Professionals ministry has created consistent, compelling space for connection, discipleship, and leadership development among young adults navigating fast-paced professional lives. In addition, Rob Donehue of Grace Church Cathedral will share how ministry rooted in presence, invitation, and purpose has brought more than 70 The Citadel cadets into weekly Bible study and Christian community. Together, this conversation invites leaders to ask not simply, “How do we get them back?” but, “How do we become the kind of Church they are actually seeking?”
The Rev. Canon Ricardo W. Sheppard serves as Canon for Discipleship in the Diocese of Virginia, where he works with clergy and lay leaders to strengthen faith formation and discipleship across the diocese. His work includes supporting children, youth, and family ministries, Episcopal schools, and campus ministries, helping to nurture lifelong formation across generations.
Before this role, Canon Sheppard served as Rector of The Episcopal Church of the Atonement in Washington, DC, and Priest-in-Charge of St. Albans Episcopal Church in New Jersey. Prior to ordained ministry, he served over nine years in the United States Marine Corps and worked in youth and outreach ministry at Hebron Baptist Church in Brooklyn. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from the College of New Rochelle, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Diploma in Anglican Studies from the University of the South. He remains deeply committed to equipping lay people for ministry and proclaiming the Gospel with clarity and hope.
