Growing Young
Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church
Churches are both shrinking and aging as more young people disengage. Based on groundbreaking research with over 250 of the nation’s leading congregations, Growing Young provides a strategy any church can use to involve and retain young people. It profiles innovative churches engaging 15- to 29-year-olds that are growing–spiritually, emotionally, missionally, and numerically. Packed with ideas, Growing Young shows ministry leaders how to position their churches to reach younger generations in a way that breathes life into the whole church.
We believe in the power of young people.
Our heart’s cry is for teenagers and young adults across the country to follow Jesus toward a transformative faith that enriches all generations in their congregations and communities.
The Growing Young project began with the question of why certain churches succeed in their ministry with young people. From our research, we discovered that these “bright spot” congregations—diverse in region, size, denomination and culture—have these six core commitments in common.
Guide your church on its next steps to Growing Young
Growing Young Core Commitments
The six essential strategies to help young people discover and love your church
Unlock keychain leadership: Instead of centralizing authority, empower others—especially young people.
Empathize with today’s young people: Instead of judging or criticizing, step into the shoes of this generation.
Take Jesus’ message seriously: Instead of asserting formulaic gospel claims, welcome young people into a Jesus-centered way of life.
Fuel a warm community: Instead of focusing on cool worship or programs, aim for warm peer and intergenerational friendships.
Prioritize young people (and families) everywhere: Instead of giving lip service to how much young people matter, look for creative ways to tangibly support, resource, and involve them in all facets of your congregation.
Be the best neighbors: Instead of condemning the world outside your walls, enable young people to neighbor well locally and globally.
Want to learn more about the Growing Young Core Commitments?
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Growing With
Filled with brand-new research and real-life stories from remarkable families, Growing With shows you how to close the family gap, giving parents courage to take the next faithful step on a mutual journey of intentional growth that trusts God to transform you all.
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What is the connection between Growing Young and Growing With?
Top faith leaders are Growing Young.
Discover why leaders nationwide are rallying around young people.
Discover how effective your church is at engaging the next generation.
The Growing Young Assessment is an academically-validated survey tool that provides vital insights about your church’s effectiveness with young people.
Individual Assessment | Team Assessment | Church Assessment
Lead Growing Young conversations with your team.
You want to lead lasting change in your church, but how can you rally leaders behind a shared vision? We've created a new series that brings the Growing Young core commitments to life for your church. In each 20-30 minute video, your team can gain insight and teaching from a Growing Young author, hear stories from real-life leaders and churches, and talk about practical next steps. Discover the Growing Young Core Commitment Video Curriculum in our online store today.