Church Leaders

Our approach to this question is different than some other “youth ministry” organizations you may have encountered. Our work is not primarily focused on fun and games. Instead, we turn academic research into practical resources, equipping leaders and parents to help faithful young people change our world.

FYI’s research in Sticky Faith reveals that some of the most important things a church can do to help a teenager’s faith “stick” include helping teenagers understand and articulate the gospel, intergenerational worship and relationships, and partnering with parents in the faith development of their children. All of these areas relate to youth ministry, but rarely can they be carried out by a youth pastor alone.

FYI’s research in Growing Young reveals that the best way to involve, retain, and form young people in the church is not the result of a single program or strategy. Instead, churches thrive when they create an overall culture – in every area of the church – that supports young people. The better news is that a culture that forms young people in the image of Jesus isn’t just good for young people – it can be good for every generation in the whole church.

We believe your role as a senior leader is creating an overall church environment in which the sort of culture described above can develop and thrive. You don’t need to do all the work of youth ministry yourself, but you can create an environment where it can thrive – and you can partner with your youth leader or youth ministry volunteers and position them to thrive in the church’s ministry with young people.
 

Learn about Sticky Faith    Learn about Growing Young    Learn about Our Work