In the world of youth ministry, few principles resonate as deeply as the idea that relationships are the key to transformation. Young Life focuses on introducing teenagers to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith. We understand the most powerful way to reach kids is through authentic, meaningful connections. What follows are a…

Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he, he climbed up in a sycamore tree, the Savior for to see. And as the Savior passed that way he looked up in the tree, and he said, “Zacchaeus, you come down, for I’m going to your house today, for I’m going…

BRIDGING GENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION GAPS TO TALK TO GEN Z AND GEN ALPHA Remember when millennials were considered the “young generation”? Well, times have changed! You may have blinked and now suddenly finding Gen Alpha kids in your WyldLife clubs! Today, we see a mix of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in our clubs at Young…

Connecting with adolescents can be intimidating. But it’s important — and simpler than you might think. Making inroads with kids and young adults can be tricky. It’s a difficult time for them. They’re undergoing one of the most dramatic eras of physical, emotional, and social change in their lives. It’s a period of doubt, disruption,…

A Non-Negotiable for Young Life Leaders In Young Life we use the term incarnational a lot, even referring to ourselves as an incarnational ministry. But what do we really mean when we say this? First, let’s make sure we’re clear on the definition of the word. Incarnation comes from the Latin incarnationem, meaning “the act…

THE PROMISE OF A “FULL” LIFE A teenager leans back in a creaky school chair, staring at the ceiling, and wonders, “Is this all there is?” Many people, both young and old, feel the weight of this question daily; the potential emptiness of life gnaws at them and demands an answer that’s long-term, sustainable, and…

The Bible offers a rich tapestry of metaphors to describe the life of a Christ follower. One particularly evocative image is that of an “aroma,” a fragrant scent that draws others in. In the context of your Young Life community, this “aroma of Christ” represents the potent, attractive power of a healthy and vibrant culture….

The heartbeat of Young Life’s ministry pulses through its volunteer leaders. While undoubtedly staff play a huge role in our ministry, it’s the volunteer leaders who ultimately make Young Life happen. We literally could not do ministry without them and reach the millions of adolescents we’ve reached so far since 1941. These volunteers — whether…

As I sat down with my Asian brother to have a conversation about his life, his ministry, and his faith, worry, curiosity, and compassion fueled my questions. My friend, Jon*, does ministry in a part of the world where it is not safe to follow Christ. Religious persecution affects his ability to worship in song,…

s:ne(Young Life is simple, not easy) I want to be a Do-It-Yourself  (DIY) guy, but I’m not. I don’t think I have the gifts, and I am pretty sure I don’t have the patience. So when I do venture into the rough waters of taking on a project, I want it to be “as advertised.”…

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been comfortable most of your life calling God by names like Lord, Creator, or Father. And while these names are meaningful, have you ever stopped to wonder what God’s real name is? It’s not a requirement for faith to go beyond these titles. However, the deeper we seek to…

Have you ever noticed how different it feels when someone specifically invites you to join something, versus just seeing an open invitation? There’s something incredibly powerful about hearing the words: “We’d love to have you here,” or even a simple, “Want to sit with us?” These personal invitations can completely change how we experience opportunities…