Two UMC-specific Our Whole Lives (OWL) facilitator trainings will take place in 2026. Information on how to apply to participate is below.

At the 2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, delegates affirmed a significant step forward in approaches to human development and faith formation. Proposal 20788-CB-¶161.G [“The Church approves the use of the “Our Whole Lives-Sexuality and Faith” curriculum, a comprehensive, age-appropriate, culturally relevant sex education curriculum for children youth and adults, inclusive of reproductive health, rights and justice and supporting a theological understanding of health and stewardship of our bodies.”] was referred by committee to Discipleship Ministries in order to resource during this quadrennium.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a values-based, age-appropriate, and inclusive, comprehensive sexuality education curriculum originally developed by the United Church of Christ (UCC) and Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). The committee’s decision to refer this item for resourcing and development expands the church’s commitment to holistic formation and equips congregations to engage with questions of sexuality, relationships, and faith with sensitivity, grounded in both faith and best practice. United Methodist Churches have many options regarding resourcing related to human development and human sexuality, and OWL has already been in use across churches in the United States.

Discipleship Ministries received the committee referral, and through Young People’s Ministries (YPM), has arranged a partnership with the UCC and UUA to offer two OWL facilitator trainings, and develop United Methodist companion materials to the original resource. Two UMC-specific OWL facilitator trainings will take place in 2026. Information on how to apply to participate is below.

OWL curriculum supports learners across the lifespan in making informed, responsible decisions about their bodies, relationships, and identities as children of God. The existing resource is grounded in respect, responsibility, and relationships — and goes beyond basic information to nurture self-worth and healthy communication skills.

Training Details & Support

Cost Covered: Participants do not pay for the training itself — Young People’s Ministries is covering that cost. Trainees are responsible only for travel to and from the in-person training sites.

Limited Seats: Each training has only 20 spots available — making space both intentional and limited.

Application Required: Interested learners must complete an application to be considered, helping ensure a thoughtful match with participants. You can find the application form here: https://forms.gle/7ZiZMXbDWfc1GWvo8.

This investment in facilitator preparation offers more than just instructional skills. Training helps future OWL facilitators embody the values and pedagogical approaches of the curriculum, model healthy dialogue, and build confidence in leading sensitive but essential conversations within their faith communities. Participants will also be in the earliest wave of folks who can provide feedback related to United Methodist specific companions to the original resource.

For United Methodist congregations seeking to expand how they support young people and adults in questions of sexuality, relationships, and faithfulness, these OWL trainings are a timely and transformative opportunity. Whether you’re called to bring OWL to your congregation or to integrate it into your ministry context, this collaborative offering is a step toward building safer, healthier, and more informed church communities.