Questions That Are Shaping My View of Youth Ministry
By Jeff Grosskopf, Youth Pastor
I’ve been sitting with new research from Fuller Youth Institute. I mentioned this research in a previous article back in February, and it is still impacting my thoughts. Over the years, Fuller has become a trusted voice for me because they take time to study Gen Alpha, faith, and what is shaping our next generation. Their findings have given me a lot to think about.
As I’ve been reflecting on it, a few questions have been rising to the surface:
How Can BCC Build a Youth Ministry That Feels Like Home?
This research reminds me that students are looking for something surprisingly simple: trusted adults, real relationships, and places where they feel safe, known, and valued.
That gives BCC a huge opportunity. We don’t need to compete with every trend or constantly entertain. We can offer something many students deeply need...a community that feels like home.
How Can We Shape Programs Differently?
What if we focused less on events and more on connection?
Small groups, shared meals, intergenerational Sundays, service projects, summer trip experiences, and honest conversations about faith and life may matter more than flashy programming. Students often come back, not because they were entertained, but because they felt known.
How Can Volunteering With Youth Look Different?
This research reminds me that we need to stop recruiting only for tasks and start recruiting for presence.
Sure, we need drivers and people who help behind the scenes. But even more, we need adults who know names, ask good questions, show up consistently, and genuinely care.
And I want to say this clearly: parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and older siblings may be a perfect fit for student ministry.
I see the proof of that every single week. Right now, we have a dad of a middle schooler who is leading our boys in significant ways. An older sister serves alongside us and has a natural way of making students feel welcomed, known, and loved. A high school mom makes it a priority to serve on Sundays with our middle schoolers. A mom of two middle schoolers has become one of our best gatherers, helping students feel seen and connected.
So families, give yourself permission to step in. You may be exactly the kind of presence our students need.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Our church has a real opportunity to meet this generation right where they are.
If we build ministries marked by warmth, consistency, and genuine relationships, students will notice.
The future of youth ministry for us looks less like programs and more like hospitality... and I think that’s a really good thing!
In Christ,
Jeff
*BCC Youth is growing, and we are looking for adults who are willing to journey alongside our students. If you feel a nudge to get involved, reach out to me for a conversation about what that might look like for you! jeffg@bellinghamcov.org