The Youth Room…Still Giving Homey Vibes 10 Years Later
By Jeff Grosskopf | Youth Pastor
It’s hard to believe it’s been over 10 years since we remodeled our youth room from a cluttered space into the warm, inviting place we now call “The House.” From the start, our goal was to create a space where students feel like they truly belong. A decade later, I believe that fostering a sense of home is more important than ever…not just in terms of the physical space, but in the relationships that take root within it.
Home is where life unfolds.
It’s where relationships are built, tested, and strengthened.
It’s where identities form and evolve.
It’s a safe haven amid life’s chaos.
For our students, life moves at lightning speed—between school, sports, jobs, friendships, family, and screens. It can be overwhelming. They need a place to slow down, to rest, to reflect, and to recharge before heading back out into the world.
We don’t aim to replace anyone’s home; that’s irreplaceable. But we do want to create an additional space that feels safe and welcoming…a place where students are known, loved, served, and celebrated. Here, friendships can deepen, faith can take root, and honest conversations about real life and faith can happen.
Time spent in The House gives students the opportunity to focus on what truly matters, surrounded by peers who are also growing in their relationship with Christ. This can only happen when trusted adults step in and remain present. Students need more than a great room; they need adults who know their names, remember their stories, ask meaningful questions, and model a steady life with Christ. While programs are helpful, it’s that consistent presence that really shapes their experiences, often in ways we don’t fully see.
Next year, we’re expecting a big influx of 6th graders, and we’re excited to welcome more adults to join us on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. If you feel even a small nudge to learn more about our space and our students, I’d love to chat about how you can serve alongside us.
Thank you, BCC, for trusting us with your students. Your prayers and your presence mean the world.
Peace, Jeff
P.S. If you’re a parent or grandparent and want to understand why family and home are so crucial for today’s kids (especially Gen Alpha) check out the research from the Fuller Youth Institute. Their recent findings show that young people born in 2010 and later often feel safest and most secure at home, and in-person connections with family and trusted adults are vital for shaping their sense of identity, belonging, and purpose. This insight highlights the importance of your presence, encouragement, and engagement with our students here at BCC Youth.
Gen Alpha and Faith | Part 1: Insights on an Emerging Generation