The Young Life Blog
Culture is changing. The next generation is searching for friends, hope, truth — and much more. We live at this intersection, offering insight, encouragement, and practical ways to show up in the lives of students.
I grew up not knowing Jesus. But through a beautiful and life-changing series of events, I came to know Jesus and found my heart for ministry with those with disabilities in my senior year of college. When I started working with Young Life, I didn’t know the first thing about working alongside our friends with…
What Genesis teaches about dignity and agency. Creation Story The creation story flashes out of the first few chapters of the Bible, reframing for ancient minds how the earth was formed — not out of some battle between gods, but in a way that created structure and order in our world, and gave humans agency…
The weeks leading up to Easter offer a special opportunity to slow down, reflect, and draw closer to Jesus, especially in a noisy, fast world. For Young Life leaders, staff, and families across the community, Lent isn’t just about giving something up, it’s about leaning in. It’s a season to practice spiritual disciplines, wrestle with…
Celebrating our 2025 Community Network Award Recipients Regardless of age and generation, whether Boomer, Gen X, or Gen Y, the impact of a “Quiet Yes” over decades cannot be underestimated. Young Life is a mission that’s been blessed for over eight decades by countless individuals who have said “Yes.” “Yes” to Jesus. “Yes” to kids….
It’s the age-old dichotomy — leadership from a position of authority or leadership from a position of influence? In my 40 years on Young Life staff, it always feels better, clearer, and cleaner to lead when I have the position of authority, but I’ve learned the hard way that leading with authority is far more…
As funny as it may sound today, Young Life was once a tent ministry! That’s right, some of the very first kid gatherings happened in circus-sized tents. In the early part of the 20th century, summer tent revivals were extremely popular. Young Life’s founder, Jim Rayburn, whose father was a traveling evangelist, adopted the large…
We all have that friend — the one who knows the latest music, owns the newest technology, and somehow stays up to date with everything. Or, we did have that friend — for some of us, what’s happening with younger generations seems absolutely foreign. It leaves us with questions: These may be questions you have…
Remember that childhood lesson drilled into us by every caring adult in our lives? Stop. Look left. Look right. Look left again. Then cross the street. It seemed so basic then, right? A simple safety rule for navigating busy streets. But what if this simple practice holds wisdom for navigating our spiritual lives today? The principle behind…
September 17, 1961 – December 14, 2025 Written by Brian Summerall, former longtime Young Life staff. Editor’s Note: Tiger Dawson served on Young Life staff for 22 years. During this time he started the work in Temple and San Antonio, Texas. He also served in the role of regional director in North Central Texas (now the…
Adventure, connection, and faith-filled experiences with the Young Life community Whether you’re looking to reconnect with the Young Life community, experience ministry in action around the globe, or simply find adventure with like-minded believers, Young Life has so many trips and experiences that combine breathtaking destinations with meaningful connection. But you don’t have to hop…
Many of us instinctively want a faith that’s more integrated in our lives, that is deeply rooted, and shared with others. The growth of our faith, and its tangible application to our lives, is discipleship — following Jesus as his disciple. How do YOU think about discipleship? If you’re a parent, how are you modeling…
“Mike shows me what Jesus is like.” – JT, WyldLife kid in Great Miami Valley, Ohio Isn’t that what being a WyldLife leader is all about? For 12 years, Mike Allen* has been showing JT and other middle school kids who Jesus is. Mike and his wife, Janie, are the parents of five boys, and…
AI is reshaping teen life. Caring adults can respond with wisdom and hope. Teens today are stepping into a world where artificial intelligence is not just another tool, it’s a constant companion in everyday life. Whether they’re working on homework, navigating friendships, or wrestling with questions about who they are, AI now shows up in…