Did you know there are hundreds of discipleship resources created specifically with Young Life volunteers in mind — and they’re free and available for anyone to use?!
If your answer is a surprised, “Wait, really?” — you’re in luck! The Young Life Discipleship team has been working intentionally to create a library of resources to equip staff and leaders with what they need to help kids get into the Word.
This team is led by Crystal Kirgiss, who has been a leader since 1982 when she first took kids to Windy Gap. Plus, she’s been married to an area director for 35 years. Because she’s seen, heard, and lived the joys and challenges of ministry, she’s passionate about giving leaders the tools they need to lean into the second half of Young LIfe’s mission statement: helping kids grow in their faith.
Q&A with Crystal Kirgiss
Where do the ideas for these resources come from?
Crystal: Almost everything we create is driven by the field! We listen to requests, gather suggestions, and collaborate directly with leaders and staff. Our goal isn’t to hand down materials we think you might need, but to equip you to disciple your friends based on what you know. They are optional and free.
Can other people outside of Young Life use them?
Crystal: We want to be Kingdom players — not just for Young Life. We do use the Young Life context to create, but we don’t frame it for just Young Life so other ministries and people can utilize them, too.
When you first stepped into this role, what needs were voiced and how did you answer them?
Crystal: Leaders wanted digital, accessible tools, and they wanted deep, Christ-centered content for the summer. So, here’s what we created:
- Going Digital: We launched our Instagram account and partnered with YouVersion and BibleProject to put incredible resources right on leaders’ and kids’ phones.
- Summer Staff and Work Crew Devotionals: These actually started out as an unofficial “use if you want to” resource, but it evolved quickly. Today, we’re in the process of cycling through the Gospels, and they’re available for purchase on Amazon.
Discipleship in Young Life is helping someone become more like Jesus. To do that, you have to get to know him. Spending time reading the Gospels each summer is the most natural, obvious way to do that.
For someone who wants to dive in today, what other resources are available?
- The Discipleship Website: We have a dedicated website for both leaders and kids featuring more than 100 small group lessons ready to print and use.
- The Bible App: Our YouVersion reading plans have over 975,000 subscribers. It’s a great way to do a reading plan with Campaigners kids, by yourself, or with your friends.
- Published Books: You can find all of our official discipleship books via Amazon. Check out the list of offerings here.
- Words & Ways: If your kids prefer audio content, this is our audio discipling resource designed for listening on the go; available on Apple or Spotify.
What’s Next for Young Life Discipleship?
We have a lot of exciting new projects in the queue, but we always want to hear from you first. If you have a resource need, an idea, or just want to learn more, drop the team an email at discipleship@younglife.org.
