3 Reasons Every Church Needs a Young Adult Ministry

Photo by Shane Dawson on Unsplash

Every Church Needs a Young Adult Ministry —

This week on the youngadultstoday podcast, I asked John Eldredge “why is young adult ministry vital in 2025?” and his answer was astounding… he said: “they will die without it, you know the suicide rate...”

In light of everything happening in our culture both positive (from church attendance rising among Gen Z and Millennials, Bible Sales being up 22% over last year) and negatively (like violence on college campuses, the murder of Charlie Kirk, school shootings and so many challenges in our world)… there’s never been such a greater opportunity to invest strategically into the faith of the next generation!

Graphic: https://www.instagram.com/hunter.lee.perry/ @hunter.lee.perry

Think about it this way… name another ministry where 100% brought themselves and choose to be there. For some, this means discovering Christ and church on their own for the very first time. For others, it’s the first time in their life where no one is making them come. Young adults walk through the doors because they choose to. That makes this ministry unique, it’s a room full of people who are already spiritually curious and searching for community. If the church doesn’t have a place for them… they’ll look elsewhere.

Graphic: https://www.instagram.com/hunter.lee.perry/ @hunter.lee.perry

18-30 year olds are in their defining decade, Dr. Meg Jay calls it… it’s the season of life where 85% of important life decisions are made. This is when most people make the biggest decisions of their life: college, career, marriage, friendships, faith. Every choice made in these years shapes the next forty. The church has a chance to step in, not just to inspire young adults, but to guide them into making better decisions and living with fewer regrets. A strong young adult ministry can literally rewrite someone's future story.

Graphic: https://www.instagram.com/hunter.lee.perry/ @hunter.lee.perry

ROI (Return on Investment) is HUGE! When you pour into young adults, you're notjust discipling individuals, you're shaping future leaders, parents, teachers, business owners, and world changers. What they catch now will carry into every room they walk into for the rest of their lives.

  • What other reasons would you add? Comment below!

  • Share this with a pastor/leader who is passionate about the faith of the next generation!

As you start or look to strengthen an existing young adult ministry - we are here with resources and events to come alongside churches and leaders to create next generation discipleship pathways. Check out a few of these resources:

The work you’re doing investing in the lives of young adults is vital and you’re not alone!

Josiah Kennealy