i100

I can honestly say I’ve never walked into a meeting of international missionaries to cheering and dancing, but that is how the i100 started and the energy did not dissipate over the course of the weekend.

Growing up in the 1990’s meant experiencing the world of missions through slideshow presentations at church to the musical stylings of Steve Green’s “People Need the Lord.” I always enjoyed these stories of God’s work throughout his kingdom, but had only ever met a few missionaries in person.

When my friend, Christy Sneed, asked me at the last minute to be her plus one at the i100 event in the Dominican Republic, I said “yes,” not knowing what to expect. In fact, I wasn’t even completely clear on how the i100 was a part of the ministry. After an immersive weekend, I came away with a clear understanding of what Young Life leaders are doing around the world, and a better understanding of how I can partner with them.

My weekend with i100 changed so much…

What is i100? 

i100 is a group of Young Life International staff coming together and committing to learning together for a five year timeframe. It's an intentional program with a global focus to build up leadership locally. i100 is also a rich opportunity to learn from other leaders similar to you, but from other culturally contexts. For example, Tanzanian staff are talking and learning together with European staff, Asian staff, and Latin American staff. We're learning from each other and casting vision as Young Life becomes a much more diverse ministry. 

Watch this video to hear even more about this program: 

In fall of 2024, i100 met together in Dominican Republic with international staff from all over the world. This was more than a standard missions retreat or conference, it was a learning experience for 100 (actually closer to 125) Young Life leaders from around the world.

No Bystanders at i100

As a partner in ministry, I wasn’t a bystander to this event for ministry leaders, I was included in the conversation. This year’s meeting was focused on fundraising. As a small business owner, I actually had something to contribute. I did not expect to put some of my skills to use. I was able to demystify some of the international leader’s questions surrounding fundraising with US donors. There were questions about emails, expected response times, rejection, and how best to follow-up with donors.

They weren’t the only ones who were educated; I learned so much from them. I came away with a better understanding of how ministry works around the world. What works in Kenya, doesn’t necessarily translate to Albania and vice versa. Hearing how they build community and connection within their culture was fascinating—and a good reminder that while the core of Young Life’s ministry is the same everywhere, yet the path to those connections varies.

God’s kingdom is the one that matters.

Inclusive Ministry on a Global Scale

I was once again exposed to one of Young Life’s biggest strengths: they make everyone feel included in the ministry. I have never attended a Young Life event where I did not leave feeling welcomed and loved.

Sitting from the comfort of my desk is a far cry from the work the i100 leaders and international staff are doing in their communities, but now I know better how I can be a part of their ministry.  I’m left considering how I can partner with those I met in specific ways to assist in their needs. What my American mind thinks is the best help isn’t necessarily what is best for someone a world away. 

There is so much we learn by engaging together, breaking bread together, and listening to each other. While I’m sure there is extensive programming and strategy that goes into i100 and how it’s fueling international ministry growth, the best part was truly simple: being together with others who we can learn from. 

Learn more about i100

Written by Keri Lumm, Friend of YL, Writer, Speaker, Mom, & more 

Coming Home

Coming Home: A Guide for Christians Seeking a Church

Young Life has historically been part of the Church with a big “C” but not affiliated with any specific denomination. While we have more church partnerships than we could ever count, we operate separate from specific denominations. 

In fact, at Young Life, we talk about reaching the furthest out kid - the ones who may have never stepped foot in a church building ever before. So, as adolescents experience God (many times for the first time) in our Young Life Clubs, our Campaigner groups, or at summer camp, we know an important step for our students is to find a church home to grow in as well. As much as we disciple our students, and pour into their faith, we know we can’t support our students alone. 

We actually partner well with churches because so many Young Life students meet Christ through our Clubs or at Camp where the gospel is shared, but we need local partners who can help them grow more fully in their faith. We can’t do it alone, which makes relationships with our local pastors and churches so important. We want church to be a natural part of our Young Life friends’ lives, especially after they start a relationship with Christ. 

So, when we’re looking for a church, what should we be considering? 

Let’s bring up a big white elephant in the room to start: there’s simply no perfect church. When you’re looking for a church, an important thing to realize is that each church is full of very broken people, even some who may seem like they have it all figured out. And with all of those broken people comes a lot of baggage and complexities. So, try as we might, we’ll never find a perfect church. 

BUT, what we can do is seek out a church that will support us in our faith in a healthy way. That’s what our Young Life staff and leaders will do with a club kid who has become a christian, or expresses interest. That’s what our staff and leaders do for themselves too. 

As we seek out what to look for in a healthy church, here are a few key considerations we should all be considering: 

Biblical Foundation and Teaching

The cornerstone of a healthy church should be its commitment to Scripture's authority. Look for:

- Clear affirmation of the Bible as God's inspired, inerrant Word

- Regular, systematic Bible teaching that goes beyond surface-level interpretation

- Sermons that balance theological depth with practical application

- Teaching that addresses both Old and New Testament texts

- Evidence that church leadership studies and respects biblical context

- Regular opportunities for Bible study beyond Sunday services

Sound Doctrine and Theology

Evaluate the church's theological positions on:

- The gospel message of salvation through faith in Christ alone

- The Trinity and the deity of Christ

- The necessity of spiritual regeneration and personal conversion

- The authority and sufficiency of Scripture

- The importance of evangelism and discipleship

- The role of baptism and communion

- The second coming of Christ and eschatology

Worship and Music

While worship styles will vary from church to church, so while many of these considerations may start with personal preference, there are also a few things to consider that are important for any style: 

- Lyrics that are theologically sound and Scripture-based

- Congregation's active participation in worship

- Whether the music facilitates genuine worship rather than entertainment

Leadership Structure and Accountability

Leadership makes a big difference and sets the tone for how the church operates. That’s why it really matters what and how the leadership in a church is set up, and we’re not just talking about the main pastor. Take a look at any one in leadership within the church and how they treat others as well as how they are treated. 

- Clear biblical qualifications for leaders 

- Transparent decision-making processes

- Multiple eldership model with shared responsibility

- Clear financial accountability and stewardship

- Regular communication between leadership and congregation

- Evidence of servant leadership rather than authoritarian control

Discipleship and Spiritual Growth

Look for opportunities for spiritual development where you can grow in your own faith. 

- Structured discipleship programs

- Small group ministries

- Mentoring relationships

- Bible study classes for different age groups and spiritual maturity levels

- Emphasis on personal spiritual disciplines

Community and Fellowship

Evaluate the church's approach to community:

- Genuine welcome and integration of new members

- Active small group ministry

- Regular fellowship opportunities

- Support systems for members in need and neighbors in need

- Multigenerational interaction

- Involvement in the broader local community

Outreach & Service

Consider the church's commitment to loving others the way Christ loves His people. This includes looking at how a church is involved in: 

- Local outreach programs

- Support for missions

- Training in personal evangelism

- Balance between social action and gospel proclamation

- Partnership with other evangelical organizations

Prayer Culture

Prayer is central and should be at the heart of a healthy church. Look for a church that incorporates: 

- Regular corporate prayer meetings

- Integration of prayer in church activities

- Prayer ministry teams

- Teaching on personal prayer life

- Emergency prayer chains or networks

- Leadership that prioritizes prayer

Practical Considerations

We often start here with some of these practical considerations, but many of these things can be subjective. 

- Location and accessibility (At Young Life, we’re always looking for church partners right in our own towns. We know we need many partners because one church is probably not the perfect fit for every student we know.)

- Service times that work for you 

- Clear communication channels

- Appropriate facilities for various ministries (For example, many of our Capernaum staff and volunteers pay close attention to accessibility of the buildings for wheelchairs. Many churches also have ministries specifically for families with developmental needs.) 

- Financial stability and transparency

- Size that allows for meaningful participation


Red Flags to Watch For

You may have your own additional red flags to consider, but here are a few general ones we’ve seen that cause us to take a double-take:

- Excessive focus on money or prosperity gospel teaching

- Authoritarian leadership that discourages questions and conversation

- Lack of accountability in leadership

- Emphasis on extra-biblical revelation over Scripture

- Neglect of essential Christian doctrines

- Divisive or judgmental attitudes toward other believers

How do you decide on a church? 

Remember when we said how there’s no perfect church out there? At some point you’ll need to go out and visit a church to see if it’s right for you. Here’s what we recommend: 

- Attend multiple services

- Participate in different activities

- Meet with church leadership

- Review the church's statement of faith

- Pray, pray, pray!

- Evaluate the church's vision and direction

We know in Young Life that we need the local Church, and the Church needs us too. We see this regularly in the work we are doing to partner with churches. Below are a few resources from Young Life, and some external that focus on how Young Life and the Church work beneficially together: 



Serving Those Who Serve: 

An Interview with Rob Starr on Volunteering at Young Life Military Family Camp

We caught up with Rob Starr, a longtime member of the Young Life family who recently reconnected with the ministry in a very practical way. Rob, whose uncle was former Young Life president Bill Starr and father is long-time YL staffer Chet Starr, grew up around Young Life and spent seven summers working at YL Malibu Club in British Columbia early in his career. Today, he’s the CEO and owner of St. Joseph Plastics, a 100-employee company based in St. Joseph, Missouri. This past summer, Rob felt called back to Young Life to volunteer at YL Military Family Camp at Lone Hollow Ranch in Vanderpool, Texas. Here’s what he shared about his experience serving those who serve.


Why did you decide to volunteer at Young Life Military Family Camp?

Rob: Honestly, my friend Jeff Pulver pitched the idea, and I thought it would be good to support him and what he does for YL Military. I thought it would be a good way to give back and serve with others who have said so many good things about this week dedicated to Military Families. I’ve always admired the work Young Life does, and having grown up around it, I knew it would be a meaningful experience. It ended up going way beyond what I expected. Spending a week with Military Families—people who are used to giving so much of themselves, often without much support—completely shifted my perspective. It felt like a privilege to be there and to be able to give a little something back to these families who serve our country.


Can you tell us about the heart behind Military Family Camp?

Rob: Young Life Military Family Camps are really all about creating a place where Military Families can just be—where they can relax, connect, and have fun as a family. For many Military Families, life is in constant motion, with deployments, relocations, financial pressures, and endless adjustments. This camp offers a rare chance for them to pause, breathe, and just enjoy each other without the usual pressures of military life. To be together as a family and not have to worry about how much dinner or other fun activities cost. 

One thing that stuck with me was hearing from campers how this week was unlike any “vacation” they’d ever had. One mom mentioned that being at camp felt like stepping into a picture-perfect world where she could actually unwind. Young Life wants these families to be loved in lavish ways to help create a space where they can feel genuinely seen and appreciated. And to be in an amazing setting where they can hear about the God of the universe that loves them right where they are. 


What was the reaction from families when they found out the camp was staffed by volunteers?

Rob: That was one of the most humbling parts of the week. Many of the parents were surprised to learn that we were all volunteers. I had several of them ask, “Wait, you’re doing this for free?” They’re used to being the ones who serve, so to have people giving their time for them was a really powerful experience. I could see it meant a lot to them that someone cared enough to show up. Initially, these dads and moms were reluctant to receive from us, but as the week progressed, they realized it was also a gift to us. God wants to teach us to serve and to receive gifts from others.

For me, my motivation was simple: I wanted to show my gratitude for their sacrifices and, in a small way, reflect the love of Christ. Every meal served, every activity planned, and every scoop of ice cream given was an interaction that made them feel valued. That’s what being there was all about.


How did your faith influence the way you approached serving these families?

Rob: It’s one thing to say thank you for someone’s service; it’s another to show that gratitude through action. Volunteering at Military Family Camp was a way of saying, “We see you, we appreciate you, and you are loved.” Throughout the week, we reminded each other that servanthood was modeled so well by Jesus and we needed to model this for these awesome families. Having a relationship with Christ means putting your faith into action and putting off some of our plans to serve others.

In the Gospels, we see Jesus reaching out to people society often ignored—the sick, the poor, the overlooked. Here at camp, we had the chance to do something similar, creating a safe, nurturing environment for these families who often face struggles most of us can’t imagine. Just as Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, we got to serve in practical ways—from watching the kids to cooking meals—building relationships rooted in genuine care and compassion.


Young Life camps are known for being fun and engaging. What was that like at Military Family Camp?

Rob: Young Life brings so much energy and joy to everything it does, and Military Family Camp was no exception. We had games, outdoor adventures, family bonding activities, and a ton of downtime so everyone could just relax. Watching parents kick back and seeing kids just be kids was a reminder of how powerful these simple moments can be. Seeing kids with other kids, and kids with parents fishing was one example of the unhurried time they had together.

One mom told me that for the first time, she didn’t have to worry about planning meals or managing schedules—she could actually relax and focus on spending time with her family. There was one evening when we held a big family game night. It ended in laughter, friendly competition, and pure joy. These moments of fun and connection reminded me that service isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s just about making space for joy and togetherness, and in those moments, you could really see God’s love shining through.


What was it like connecting with the other volunteers?

Rob: One of the best parts of the experience was the friendships we formed as a volunteer team. Spending a week together, focused on serving others, really brought us close. We weren’t just completing tasks; we were sharing our own faith journeys, laughing together, and finding plenty of reasons to keep things light and fun. Young Life always includes humor in everything it does, and that made the whole experience even more meaningful.

Between activities, we’d sit down and swap stories—about times when God felt close, moments when we struggled to see Him, and those unexpected ways He showed up in our lives. There were plenty of laughs, funny camp stories, and even a few harmless pranks. Sharing those moments of humor helped keep our spirits high and made us feel like family.

There’s something special about doing Kingdom work together. By the end of the week, we weren’t just a team; we were a close-knit community—a family of believers who had shared laughter, tears, and countless moments of gratitude. The friendships I built with my fellow volunteers reminded me that God often uses serving to bring people together. I left camp feeling grateful not only for the families we served but for the deep friendships we built along the way.


What impact did this experience have on you personally?

Rob: Volunteering at Military Family Camp has stayed with me in ways I didn’t expect. Saying “yes” to a new type of Work Crew experience (hey, I’m in my sixties) was somewhat scary, but the experience was so rich. What we saw as the families were going through the week was special. It was humbling to see how grateful they were for the opportunity to be at Camp when they spend every day serving us in the military. This experience reminded me that when we serve, instead of just sitting on the sidelines, we are able to see, up close, God’s heart in action. Mark 10:45 says “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” In a very small way, we were able to serve during this amazing week.

This camp wasn’t just a week out of my summer—it was a chance to live out my faith and go out of my comfort zone. I’m grateful for the time I spent with the Work Crew and staff. I’m grateful for the opportunity to see these families experience true joy. Serving them was a privilege, and I hope to carry the lessons I learned into other parts of my life, finding ways to show gratitude, serve others, and love with the same selflessness Christ shows us.


What would you say to someone considering volunteering at a Young Life camp?

Rob: If you’re thinking about volunteering, go for it! There is a place for you no matter what age you are. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about stepping into a role where you can give freely and make a difference—whether it’s Young Life camp, your local Young Life, a youth group, or a community project. There are so many ways to serve and every act of service is an opportunity to show others the love of Christ and remind them that they’re valued and seen. And once you experience the beauty of serving others, it grows on you, and God will give you more opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life. 


Interested in opportunities to serve with Young Life? https://younglife.org/get-involved/

Interested in opportunities to serve with Young Life Military? https://military.younglife.org/get-involved/



THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO CHARLES DICKENS 

-The layered message in 1843’s, A Christmas Carol-

“‘There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,’ returned the nephew. ‘Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round—apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that—as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!‘”
—A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The holidays are a season of traditions. We experience them in the places we gather, the food we eat, and the conversations we have. The  rhythms we set are what make the season wonderful. They are familiar, comfortable, and nostalgic and serve as a milestone as we prepare for the coming year.  I am a person of traditions, collections, and praxis. Where words and actions are aligned.  I was 11 when I first read Charles Dickens’, “A Christmas Carol.” It was Christmas Eve and  I couldn’t sleep, so I was captivated by this beloved story until morning. From that moment, I was hooked. Now, it is a yearly tradition. I read Dickens' novella each Christmas. I have seen several theatrical interpretations, radio broadcasts, and countless film adaptations. Now, when given the opportunity, I share the message with friends because I have found that its timelessness spans cultures and creeds.



SYNOPSIS:  A Christmas Carol was adapted for the stage almost immediately after publication- a one-man reading/performance in London was recorded in 1844- it lent itself to drama because of the many vivid characters, its moral plotline, as well as its striking use of fantastic elements. 



A Christmas Carol begins on Christmas Eve when the miserly Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley, who died seven years earlier. Marley warns Scrooge that he is to be visited by three spirits. Without their insight, Scrooge will not be able to avoid the endless wandering that Marley now endures. The trio consists of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. Escorted by each in turn, Scrooge is first transported to the scenes of his youth, then to the present family life of his nephew and his loyal clerk Bob Cratchit (father of Tiny Tim), and finally to the ominous shape of things to come if he does not change his ways. Chastened by his experiences, Scrooge awakens on Christmas Day transformed and basking in the warm glow of his restored humanity. - Douglas Langworthy.



A Christmas Carol may be Charles Dickens's most well-known work. He released the ‘little ghost story’ 10 days before Christmas in 1843.   Though Dickens' focus at first was more secular and political than religious, Gospel themes are found throughout. In popular culture, “A Christmas Carol” has been reproduced in hundreds of adaptations from center stage to film. Whether you are fond of the 1951 dramatization of Scrooge or drawn to the  Mickey Mouse or Jim Carry portrayal, the central message is the same, redemption and salvation. The story has resonated so strongly with generations of readers that Charles Dickens is often described as “The Man who invented Christmas” because no individual has had more influence on how we celebrate Christmas except Jesus Christ. A few interesting facts about Dickens  and A Christmas Carol are below:  



  • Dickens' own life provided (autobiographical) source material for his writing.

  • The most central Dickensian theme in his writings is “the death of the heart.”

  • He wrote A Christmas Carol in 6 weeks and sold 6,000 copies in one day. It is considered his most mature writing as an author.   

  • Dickens self-published “A Christmas Carol” insisting on lavish designs, including hand-colored etchings and a gold-stamped cover.

  • He priced the book at 5 shillings so it was affordable to everyone. 

  • He is an important figure in Victorian literature, credited with inventing or popularizing countless words and phrases.

  • A Christmas Carol was written for several reasons, one being a direct protest to child labor laws in London. 

  • Since 1908 over 45 different actors have portrayed Scrooge in TV and Film. 



Biblically, A Christmas Carol is thick with themes.  A few are below:

  • Redemption and Salvation:  The draw to audiences over the years has been the change they witness with the character of Ebenezer Scrooge and how it resonates with them individually.  Scrooge is both unique and relatable simultaneously.  For a person of faith, his transformation is familiar. “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”- Scrooge



  • Charity: “Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone.  Scrooge! A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner, “ writes Dickens. In the words of his nephew Fred, “His wealth is of no use to him. He doesn't do any good with it. . . . I am sorry for him; I couldn’t be angry with him if I tried. Who suffers by his ill whims! Himself, always.” "Due to these contrasting depictions of greed and gift-giving, the concept of charity to those in need took hold. "A Christmas Carol" is a clear representation of a very formidable biblical theme. 



  • Faith and Work: The message to care for one another is prominent in “A Christmas Carol.”  Most poignantly spoken by Scrooge’s partner Jacob Marley. ″‘Business!’ cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. ‘Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!‘”- Marley’s ghost. 



  • Death to Life: The most powerful testimony to God’s existence is a transformed life, and Charles Dickens knew that.  From the outset, he referenced this tension. “Marley was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.” Dickens continues, “This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate.” This story is an observation of Scrooge's transformed perspective and heart, similar to when someone embraces faith. 



  • What’s in a Name: Dickens was a wordsmith with a love for unique and descriptive names. For instance, “Scrooge” means to grasp or squeeze, describing his miserly demeanor. “Cratchit” means creche or manger. Finally, “Ebenezer” is not just the main character, it is a stone set up as a reminding monument—making “A Christmas Carol” a cautionary tale.  



  • Resurrection: Tiny Tim’s illness and perceived dependency on Scrooge’s transformation, highlights one of the key moments in the play. His life and survival depend prominently on Scrooge changing his selfish ways. 



  • Parable: “A Christmas Carol” is a literary parable, highlighting moral and spiritual truths. Historically, there are countless anecdotes of people changing their lives after reading this story.



  • Miracles: In "A Christmas Carol," Tiny Tim says, "He hoped the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see," explaining his desire to be noticed as a reminder of the Christmas miracle of the birth of Christ. 



  • Truth: The three ghostly visits force Ebenezer Scrooge to confront the painful truths about his life. The ghosts mock him with their words, dazzle with light, and hint at the result of a misspent life. Ultimately, they provide a path for reclamation.  



  • Social Commentary: Dickens provides social criticism as he challenges poverty and child labor laws through the allegory of twins- Ignorance and Want introduced by the Ghost of Christmas Present. 

The role of artists, writers, and ministers is to ask profound questions. Dickens' question? “Can people change?”  Scrooge is initially the symbol of the pursuit of material gain and indifference to human welfare. During the time that Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” (1843),  the observance of the Christmas holiday was in decline. The singing of carols had dwindled, and the Industrial Revolution was in full force. Culturally, Victorian society was dealing with the growing plight of the poor. Scrooge's conversion is a symbol of the change of heart in society on which Dickens had set his own heart.

It is easy to move quickly to the Christmas morning scene in “A Christmas Carol.” “I am as light as a feather,” he exclaimed. “I am as happy as an angel. I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A Merry Christmas to everybody! Happy New Year to all the world!” For most, “A Christmas Carol” is a positive and uplifting parable, although Dickens hoped it would disrupt as much as it comforted. The genius in the story is that it prevents you from being callous and indifferent, and forces the reader to embrace the disruption. “Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset; …His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.”

The Gospel is big. Bigger than a season, bigger than a 5-stave novella written over 180 years ago, and big enough to still be transforming lives. If we are open, “A Christmas Carol” will leave you convicted, touched, humbled, and inspired. Like Scrooge you may be motivated to  laugh, cry, dance, and give too! If kept well, it can’t help but change your life and change others.  



″And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us.  And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!” Merry Christmas! 











MAXIMIZING OUR MAXIMS

Maxims—short, memorable phrases that capture deep truths—are more than just words. They’re guiding principles, a compass for staying true to what matters most. For 83 years, they’ve driven Young Life’s mission to introduce kids to Jesus and build meaningful connections.

In my new role, these maxims are at the heart of what I do. I lead a team charged with rallying the largest possible network of people—alumni, donors, and friends of Young Life—who either have firsthand experience with our mission or are passionate fans of it. Together, we’re working to reconnect these individuals to the movement and the life-changing mission that continues to reach kids around the world.

What Are Maxims?

Merriam-Webster defines a maxim as “a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct.” Maxims are short, powerful, and easy to remember, but their impact is profound.

They shape our personal decisions, cultural values, and even how we live out our faith. For example:

  • Personal Maxims: When my kids face challenges, I remind them, “be settled, but don’t settle.”

  • Biblical Maxims: Timeless truths like “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) ground us in faith.

  • Cultural Maxims: Sayings like “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” remind us of the importance of collaboration.

Maxims That Drive Young Life

Young Life is built on timeless principles that guide how we live out our mission. These maxims are more than catchy phrases—they’re commitments to who we are and what we believe:

  • “It is a sin to bore a kid with the gospel.”
    The message of Jesus is life-changing, exciting, and full of hope. We believe it should be shared with energy, creativity, and joy—not dullness.

  • “Life on life.”
    Discipleship happens in the context of real relationships. We aim to live as “Jesus with skin on,” modeling His love, grace, and kindness as we walk alongside young people in their daily lives.

  • “Put Christ and kids together.”
    At the heart of everything we do is a desire to introduce young people to Jesus and help them grow as His disciples.

  • “Simple but not easy.”
    The gospel message is straightforward, but reaching kids in a complex and chaotic world requires perseverance, creativity, and deep commitment.

These maxims keep us anchored in our mission to share the gospel with creativity and care while building meaningful relationships that mirror Jesus’ love.

What My Role Is All About

In my work with the Young Life Community Network, I’m focused on one central goal: building and rallying a vast network of people who have been touched by Young Life.

Whether it’s a former camper, a college leader, a donor, or a long-time supporter, we want to reconnect these individuals to the mission and to one another. Why? Because we believe the work God started in them through Young Life doesn’t end when their direct involvement does.

Here’s how we live out that goal:

  • “Collect and connect.” We’re bringing people together—alumni, fans, and supporters—and linking them to local staff, communities, and opportunities.

  • “Friends for life.” We’re building a global network of alumni and supporters who remain part of the mission long after their first encounter with it.

  • “Find a way.” Creativity and determination are key as we work to engage and empower people across generations and geographies.

This work is about more than maintaining relationships—it’s about reigniting passion for the mission and ensuring that everyone who’s been part of Young Life’s story continues to write the next chapter with us.

As we live out this mission together, I’m grateful for the maxims that inspire us and the community of people—alumni, donors, and friends—who make it possible. Together, we’re telling a generation of kids: You are known.

(By Ken Tankersley)

THE BIG GIVEBACK

Who doesn’t love YL swag? 

Tell me if you’ve ever been wearing a Young Life t-shirt through an airport or large public gathering and have had strangers stop you and tell you how much they love Young Life, or where they went to camp as a teenager. I’ll venture to guess that most of us reading this have had something similar happen. There’s something so simple and yet so powerful about a little YL swag! 

For the last two decades the Young Life Store has had the privilege to stand side by side with Young Life to serve the mission through gifts and gear. BUT, the Young Life Store is so much more than just gear. Since the genesis of the store, 20 years ago our heartbeat has been for our giveback. 

The giveback strategy is the core of who we are as a business. It’s goal is to support the mission each year with a gift so the story of Jesus Christ can be shared with as many kids around the world as possible. Our other core values are:

  • QUALITY- We want to provide products that the entire YL community would be proud of wearing.

  • CONSISTENCY- To be available, responsive and consistent.   

  • EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE-  Simply, we want to be there when you need us.

  • TRUST-  We want to be a ‘go to’ resource for promotional gear for the entire for the  mission of Young Life. 

The Young Life Store is blessed with a board of field and service center staff. This group of people have various roles in the mission that bring insight and fresh ideas to our business. This group gets to meet twice a year to brainstorm, strategize and pray for the ministry that is the Young Life Store.

We are very proud of each giveback the Young Life Store has been able to facilitate. Although there are several, here are a few  that stand out- 

  • WORK STAFF DEVOTIONAL:  $30,000 to the work crew and summer staff devotional, which was special to us because we were gifting a group of people a book to carry their spiritual journey while they gave their lives away for a month to make our camping operations possible.  

  • GLOBAL CAMPERSHIP:  $80,000 to the mission for its 80th birthday gifted to campership funds around the world. 

  • BOOK OF PRAYER:  The liturgy book each of our staff received at 1YL written by Crystal Kirgiss. Having the privilege to gift our staff the beautiful written liturgy book’ Prayers for the People of Young Life’ was meaningful to us because without the amazing staff of the mission we wouldn’t be what we are today! 

The Young Life Store is truly an extension of the mission of Young Life. Our main goal and purpose is to give back to continue the good work of Young Life staff and leaders around the world sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We are dedicated to offering the best pricing, quality, and consistency to the staff and volunteers of the mission. The more the mission supports the Young Life Store, the more we can give back. 

Thank you for believing in our vision and for helping us build something truly meaningful. Your support allows us to dream big and to keep making an eternal impact in the lives of kids around the world. 

We are The Young Life Store, your go-to experts who create and curate the coolest gifts and gear for your community, and together, give back to the mission of Young Life so more kids can be introduced to Jesus Christ.

 Written by: Jon Sittko 


Can Social Media Be a Good Thing?

Social media has rightly received a bad rap in the past few years. For all that it promised, I think most of us would say that it has had a negative effect on our world, in particular on kids and young adults, who are more likely to see the negative effects in their lives.

While the “digital world” can be a scary and often dark place, our call in Young Life is to go to where kids are and build intentional relationships with them that lead toward a life lived for Christ. Social media is the new “place” kids are and I believe it imperative to move into this place to continue to do effective ministry. If we don’t, we are potentially ceding ground to the enemy’s schemes and leaving kids in a scary and dark place on their own.

Below are common misconceptions about utilizing social media as a tool for Young Life (and could probably be used for any ministry). I hope they help push some of us into a new mindset about what it means to do Young Life in a new place.

1. “This is not Young Life”

Misconception: Social media is not a real place, and we should focus solely on in-person contact work rather than anything online.

Reality: If we recognize platforms like Instagram as places where kids are present, we should move toward them there, employing Young Life’s time-tested principles of contact work. Social media is an extension of the environments where relationships can form and grow. By engaging with kids online, we meet them where they are, just as we do in schools, sports events, or local places.

2. “We are going to be a part of the problem”

Misconception: Engaging with social media will contribute to its negative aspects, so it’s better to avoid it altogether.

Reality: Just because social media can be a dark place doesn’t mean we should avoid it. In fact, that’s precisely why Young Life leaders should be present there. By engaging thoughtfully and intentionally, we get to bring the light of Christ into what we perceive as a dark place. It’s crucial to ensure we do this safely, for both kids and ourselves, with the goal of guiding them toward in-person relationships.


3. “It’s a great place for a club poster”

Misconception: Social media is just another bulletin board for advertising events and sharing information.

Reality: While it’s easy to use social media for broadcasting information, that’s actually not how kids use social media. They are relationship-first users as opposed to older generations who use social media for information. If we aren’t leading with relationships (something we are particularly good at in Young Life) at best our kids aren’t going to engage with our informative poster and at worst they will “unfollow” us making our posts and the time it took to make them obsolete. The other hidden downside of using social media as a bulletin board is that our leaders (and some staff) are now relying on the post to make sure kids know what’s happening instead of hearing it first hand from their leaders.


4. “The more followers you have, the better”

Misconception: Success on social media is measured by the number of followers; more followers mean more impact.

Reality: In hyper-local ministry, quality trumps quantity. Our goal is to reach the specific kids God has called us to serve, not to amass large numbers of followers who we can’t do effective ministry with due to their location or age. Having a follower count that mirrors or exceeds the student body population isn’t necessary—and may even be counterproductive. Focused engagement with our local kids leads to more meaningful interactions.

5. “I need to be an expert in social media marketing”

Misconception: Only those with professional expertise in social media can effectively manage our accounts.

Reality: Just as we don’t need to be experts in football to reach out to football players, we don’t need to be social media experts to connect with kids online. What matters is that we show up authentically, intentionally, and with prayerful consideration of how kids interact in this space. Understanding the basics and being genuine is more impactful than a branded grid or marketing expertise.

6. “The best person to run your social media is your youngest staff/volunteer with a big ‘following’”

Misconception: A young person with a large following is best suited to manage our social media because they understand the platform.

Reality: Relying solely on a young “influencer” without proper leadership can be risky—it can be like putting an alcoholic in a bar ministry. Without guidance, there’s a danger of the content veering off mission or making Young Life a bigger focus than necessary. It’s important to maintain a hyper-local approach, ensuring the content aligns with our values and mission.

7. “The Area Director should be the only one in charge of the account”

Misconception: Centralizing control of the social media account with the Area Director ensures safety and consistency.

Reality: Having multiple eyes on the account enhances safety and allows for more dynamic engagement. When many leaders can respond to messages or DMs, it fosters stronger relationships. This accessibility helps move kids toward meaningful connections with leaders, as they can interact with someone they know and trust.

___________________
By Adam Silverness

For more information or training follow us on Instagram @younglifedigital or email me at asilverness@gmail.com


YL Store

Who doesn’t love YL swag? 

Tell me if you’ve ever been wearing a Young Life t-shirt through an airport or large public gathering and have had strangers stop you and tell you how much they love Young Life, or where they went to camp as a teenager. I’ll venture to guess that most of us reading this have had something similar happen. There’s something so simple and yet so powerful about a little YL swag!

For the last two decades the Young Life Store has had the privilege to stand side by side with Young Life to serve the mission through gifts and gear. BUT, the Young Life Store is so much more than just gear. Since the genesis of the store, 20 years ago our heartbeat has been for our giveback. 

The giveback strategy is the core of who we are as a business. It’s goal is to support the mission each year with a gift so the story of Jesus Christ can be shared with as many kids around the world as possible. Our other core values are quality, consistency in product and customer service and a trustworthy source for any promotional gear needed to advertise the mission.

The Young Life Store is blessed with a board of field and service center staff. This group of people have various roles in the mission that bring insight and fresh ideas to our business. This group gets to meet twice a year to brainstorm, strategize and pray for the ministry that is the Young Life Store.

We are very proud of each giveback the Young Life Store has been able to facilitate. A few that stand out are our gift of $30,000 to the work crew and summer staff devotional, which was special to us because we were gifting a group of people a book to carry their spiritual journey while they gave their lives away for a month to make our camping operations possible.  We were also able to give a gift of $80,000 to the mission for its 80th birthday gifted to campership funds around the world. Another fun gift was our recent gift to the mission of the liturgy book each of our staff received at 1YL written by Crystal Kirgiss. Having the privilege to gift our staff the beautiful written liturgy book’ Prayers for the People of Young Life’ was meaningful to us because without the amazing staff of the mission we wouldn’t be what we are today! 

The Young Life Store is truly an extension of the mission of Young Life. Our main goal and purpose is to give back to continue the good work of Young Life staff and leaders around the world sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We are dedicated to offering the best pricing, quality, and consistency to the staff and volunteers of the mission. The more the mission supports the Young Life Store, the more we can give back. 

Thank you for believing in our vision and for helping us build something truly meaningful. Your support allows us to dream big and to keep making an eternal impact in the lives of kids around the world.

We are The Young Life Store, your go-to experts who create and curate the coolest gifts and gear for your community, and together, give back to the mission of Young Life so more kids can be introduced to Jesus Christ.

 Written by: Jon Sittko 





What We’ve Gained

What We’ve Gained 
(Besides An 83rd Candle on the Cake)

When it comes to being born in 1941, we’re in good company. Did you know Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Cheerios (its birth name was CheeriOats), Wonder Woman, and Captain America are also celebrating their 83rd birthdays this year? Each began in humble origins, and over time their influence has grown to global proportions. 
 

Young Life, too, began in a quiet way, and today, because of the Father’s kindness, we’re also global in scope and influence. We thank God for how he has sought fit to use this mission for his glory and honor, lovingly teaching us important lessons along the way. As with many octogenarians, we’ve gained some valuable attributes over time. Here’s just three to consider …  

 

1. Wisdom and Perspective


While most staff and volunteers themselves are not 83(!), the mission itself has gathered collective wisdom and perspective over the past eight-plus decades. Like any person, Young Life wasn’t completely formed at birth (and we’re still not by the way!). In our formative years, it took time to understand the importance of the hows and whys of contact work, club talk progressions, and intentionality in our camping program. Similarly, it took discernment and courage to tweak these and other methods when they weren’t best serving our gospel message to kids. (Of course, some of these changes should have been obvious — did you know in the early days of camp we had mandatory afternoon nap times for campers?!?)

Collectively or individually, we’ll never “arrive” when it comes to having complete wisdom. Knowing this should humble us and drive us to our knees, seeking the face of the One who delights in answering our prayers for direction.

Lord, thank you for all you have taught us. May we seek to be teachable in the years to come.


2. Generational Legacy
 

How many kids today can trace their spiritual lineage back to their “grandparents” (or further) through this life-on-life mission? How many conversations over the years have gone something like this: my Young Life leader “Jenny” introduced me to Christ, and Jenny’s Young Life leader “Betsy” introduced her to Christ, and Betsy’s Young Life leader …? Undoubtedly, there are some in Young Life who can trace their “line” all the way back to our founder, Jim Rayburn!

It’s awe inspiring to see how our Lord uses one caring generation of men and women to reach the next. Consider the evangelism/discipleship tool we call The Leadership Tree. It’s a beautiful picture of God working from one generation to the next generation to the next generation, and so on, as we take the message we’ve learned from our spiritual elders and pass it along to those the Lord has entrusted to us. What a privilege to be part of this great spiritual chain!

Lord, thank you for the countless souls You’ve touched through this mission. May we further the legacy of introducing new generations to you.


3. Adaptability
 

Young Life was incorporated on October 16, 1941, in the midst of World War II, just 52 days before the attack upon Pearl Harbor. We were immediately thrust into ministering to teenagers preparing to go off and serve their country. Pivoting and being nimble — two of today’s hottest buzzwords — have always been a part of our DNA.

Wars are just one of many developments we’ve witnessed. Like all 83-year-olds we’ve seen some things — social revolutions, technological breakthroughs, and yes, even pandemics.

Through all this and so much more, our calling has always been clear: Christ and kids. In those times when we’ve veered off into peripheral issues, God has graciously recalibrated us back to his Son, and the fact that so many kids need to hear about him.

Happy Birthday, Young Life. Here’s to the next, God willing, 83 years!

Lord, thank you for guiding us through the twists and turns of our history. May you alone be our focus, as we continue taking your love to kids around the world.


By Jeff Chesemore, Managing Editor

Looking Back on 15 Years of Developing Global Leaders (DGL) and 1000+ Graduates

As we look back after 15 years on the 1000+ graduates that Young Life’s Developing Global Leaders (DGL) Program has produced, we have to pause for a moment to think about the lessons we’ve learned over that time so that we can charge forward on the next 15 years.  We are a part of something that is so much bigger than we could have imagined back in 2009. But it indeed started by imagining….

Imagine for a moment that the Young Life club that you lead has an energetic group of kids in it. Not hard, right? Now imagine that none of those kids, headed into adulthood, have the opportunity to attend a university - not because they wouldn’t want to, but because it’s not even a thought in their minds. As the saying goes: “There’s not a shortage of talent, only a shortage of opportunity.” Generally, only the rich and or connected end up going to a university in developing countries.

Now imagine that you, as a Young Life leader, or area or regional director, were able to hand pick the most gifted, most talented kid from your club and offer them a full ride scholarship to a university within the country, a part-time job working with teenagers through Young Life and entrance into a leadership & mentoring program, all while investing their time in the country they know and love. In essence, that is DGL in a capsule, but it doesn’t stop there. 

As a senior staff person, you would be able to choose from the top 30% of those in the program to be a staff person within your region or division. It’s one thing to have some goals around a program, but in the beginning, it was a guess that stemmed from imagination, prayer, and hope to change the fabric of a country for Christ.

DGL is the perhaps the perfect pipeline for future staff. In essence, the DGL program has become the perfect pipeline for our international staff in 80% of the countries that Young Life is operating within.  The list of senior staff, Regional & Area Directors, staff associates, and functional staff who have been raised up is long and powerful. They stood out in club, they stood out as a DGL student and they were recruited on to staff.  Names like Nkosi Sampindi, VP of International Operations, Class of 2014, or Sharon Intauno, Regional VP- Africa South, Class of 2019, have risen to top leadership, been on stage at 1YL and are making decisions that impact the mission of Young Life. 

Modeled after a program in the Dominican Republic called Milagros (‘miracles’ in Spanish), the DGL program has indeed been miraculous in expected and unexpected ways. When a university education opportunity is offered and then seen through by the student, it changes the trajectory of their life as well as their family’s life for generations after them. Breaking the cycle of poverty and infusing Biblically-based leadership into a culture has immeasurable results for decades and beyond. 

A Volunteer Movement doesn’t happen on accident, nor does it happen through wishful thinking. It happens because from the top YL staffer all the way down to a volunteer in a YL club in Argentina values it. It happens because those who are the front lines with kids are reaching out to their friends and saying, “You know, you’d make a good Young Life leader, come with me to check it out.” When we look back in 30 years, this may indeed be the most fruitful part of the DGL program. 

Each DGL is challenged to recruit at least five volunteer leaders per year. It is a lofty goal, and not everyone is able to attain it - partly because it is a high bar, and partly because of cultural obstacles. It’s harder to recruit volunteer leaders in certain cultures vs. others. What we didn’t expect was the cumulative effect of having and reinforcing this goal for all students across the globe. To date there have been more than 17,000 Young Life Volunteers who have said yes to going through training and working with teenagers or college students as a volunteer. You don’t go from a reach of 14,000 kids in the year 2000 (outside the US) to 2 Million known by name by the end of 2023 and then to a projected 8 million by 2030 by accident. 

The power of MAP, TREE, and LIST can’t be understated. All staff, every DGL, and most volunteers in an international context are able to pull out the map of their school, town, city, and or country and talk about a plan to get to the next kid. Each leader has a Leadership Tree that is based on 2 Timothy 2:2; invest in others who will invest in others. They can show you not only those they are discipling, but the ones who are being discipled by those they are investing in most.

We need DGL Students as much as they need us. We, as donors/program supporters need DGL students just as badly as they need support from us to get through school. It’s been said more than once that this (DGL) is the most strategic and effective program that Young Life has ever initiated. But it gets deeper and more personal when you hear from a donor that reading a student’s blog about the hardship happening within a country, or reading a prayer request from a Haitian whose top prayer request is that God would increase their capacity to endure. When a donor calls and says that they’ve learned more about God’s will for his life than decades of sitting in church, that’s powerful.

As we look toward the next 15 years, we have no delusions of grandeur that the program is perfect. After all, we are teenagers; we as a DGL program are just 15 years old, still growing up, with adulthood in sight. There is a long list of program improvements, including a more efficient process in bringing DGL alumni on staff through our DGL Next initiative, making it easier for divisions to hire DGL Alumni. We are looking at not just the 30% who come on Young Life staff, but also creating possible pathways to employment for the other 70% through internships, professional collaboration with corporations / NGO’s / Non-profits in the places where steady employment is hardest to find.

As good as DGL has been, it is just getting started and the best is yet to come. We are not resting, we are not satisfied, but we are motivated to make sure that as many kids can be known by name as possible, all for the purpose that they would know the Name about all names. 

To learn more about Young Life’s Developing Global Leaders Program, go to DGL.YoungLife.org, or to get in touch with Kevin Edelbrock, email him at KEdelbrock@intl.younglife.org

__________________________________________________________________

“Going through the DGL program played a pivotal role in shaping my life holistically. Through the leadership training and mentorship sessions, I not only acquired a university degree but also became a pillar of hope to youths in my community. I now have the privilege of giving back by supporting new students on their journeys as I continue to spread the light of Christ to high school teenagers in my community. My every day prayer is to continue to foster opportunities for others and ensure that they have the same transformative experience as I did.”          - Jamila Wangui | Sr. DGL Administrator | Nairobi, Kenya

“In my hopelessness and helplessness, DGL program came to my rescue. Picked me up, dusted me and processed me like smithing gold through leadership training and mentoring, soft and hard skills training. I'm humbled to pick up and dust as many hopeless and helpless young teens in high school and college, refining them like gold to be ambassadors of the Gospel.”    – Cathy Okunia | DGL Administrator- Africa East | Arua, Uganda

“The DGL program became a great blessing for me in one of the most difficult periods of my life. Looking back, I understand that I didn't even realize how much it would affect my life. I was able to focus on the most important things, I had the opportunity to study, to actively serve, but most of all to be shaped by the Lord's design. We do the best and most valuable work in the world, and thanks to DGL, I know how to do it and can do it despite all the circumstances.”  – Alisa Magas | DGL Administrator- Middle Euro-Asia | Chernivtsi, Ukraine

By Kevin Edelbrock- DGL Director

A Generation-Changing Pilot Program

Young Life is committed to reaching every kid, but in order to do that we have to get a little creative. We’ve seen the need with teen parents, and YoungLives has grown from just an idea to a movement that is literally impacting generations in an exponential way. YoungLives boasts 17k teen parents served worldwide in 590 ministries (33 counties). 

But, the need is great. And so, we’ve gotten creative yet again in how we are scaling up ministry. One creative idea started with partnerships with strategic churches and the rest is literally history still being written! 

Inspiring a Volunteer Movement through YoungLives

In the fall of 2023, YoungLives was awarded a grant to launch the Church Collaboration Pilot in three divisions at three camp properties. This initiative funded 70 childcare volunteers from six strategically selected churches, inspiring new ministry after the camp experience, and significantly increasing volunteer diversity. Volunteers who served returned to their communities eager to contribute time, talent, and resources to start new ministry. 

Pastor Marshall Benbow, who attended with fifteen childcare volunteers from his church, reflected on the experience, “This was a great fit for us because we are called to make disciples who live from the gospel crossing ethnic and economic lines and YoungLives camp gives us a chance to do all that in one shot.” 

“That’s Generation Changing”

The volunteers served hundreds of moms and children with a holy payoff at the end of the week-long mission’s trip, getting to see moms come to know Christ, changing their families forever. Volunteers allowed camp to happen for moms to participate in fun activities, Club, and time with their leaders. 


On the last day of camp, everyone gets together from babies to moms to volunteers and staff. Everyone got to experience generation-changing decisions in the say-so. It’s a beautiful week for everyone - including all of the volunteers! 

This pilot is proving to be an onramp for churches that previously knew little about the ministry and to inspire communities to launch new YoungLives AND Young Life areas. In just one year, this pilot has quadrupled the number of childcare volunteers and as a result, three new ministries have started. We believe this pilot is a scalable model that will continue to inspire a volunteer movement across the entire mission. 

Watch five minutes of Pastor Benbow’s sermon on camp here: 

If you are interested to learn more of the innovative ways we’re scaling YoungLives ministry, the team would love to share more! Contact the YoungLives team to learn more! 

Club 37

“Club 37” – Young Life’s First Club and Our Lasting Legacy

When we think about legacy, what better place to start than at the very beginning of Young Life?

Over 80 years ago, Jim Rayburn had a vision: to build meaningful relationships with young people and share the life-changing message of God’s love.

Among Jim’s many skills was his ability to understand his audience.  He recognized that to engage young people, he needed to create an inviting and familiar space. That’s why he named the first club “Club 37,” giving it an air of established community and continuity.  What started as a simple gathering has blossomed into a movement that has touched millions of lives!

For many who began their journey with Club 37—or joined along the way—they have chosen to invest in this mission through their wills, trusts, and end-of-life plans. These remarkable individuals form what we now proudly call “Club 37” — a community of friends committed to ensuring the work of Young Life continues long after they’ve been “promoted.”

The Young Life Foundation is here to foster connections with those who have chosen to include Young Life in their will or trust. There’s no secret handshake or hidden code to join—just a shared passion for continuing our mission. We want to ensure that those who plan to give have a way to stay connected with the incredible work happening in Young Life today, and with others who share that love.

Here’s how you can get involved:

  1.  Have you included Young Life in your end-of-life plans through a will or trust? Let us know! Your commitment means the world to us.

  2. Curious about the impact of Young Life and our vision for the future? Reach out to our team! We’d love to share the exciting developments happening in local ministries and explore creative opportunities for growth.

  3. Want to experience Young Life in action? Join us at camp as an adult guest, volunteer, travel with Young Life, or visit a local club. Let’s get you connected!

If you’re interested in being part of this inspiring community or have questions about how to ensure Young Life continues to thrive, please reach out. You can contact us at 800-813-1945, email YLFoundation@sc.younglife.org, or visit us online at www.younglifefoundation.org.

We can’t wait to connect with you and hear your story of how Young Life has impacted your life!



Coming Home

School starts today in California, which is something I can hardly remember. I remember the smell of crayons and the feeling of stiff new shoes – I remember air conditioning, the creaking of lockers, and the beveled edge of a flip-top desk. It was laid out clothes the night before, anticipation, and nerves—the first day of school. I saw a Delta commercial about coming home the other day. Coming home. I'm always so focused on the exit, the adventure, the emancipation. Sometimes, it's good to remember the other direction. The reentry, the homecoming, and the first day of school instead of the last are important contexts. We don't leave unless we are home first. We don't get summer vacation unless we go to school in August first. 

When I was twenty years old, I was sitting on a beach in Santa Cruz, California, on the last night of summer. We were sitting around a fire, and the sun was going down – bright Pacific Coast Orange across the dark blue toward Monterey. I wasn't listening to the conversation anymore because there was one person surfing on 26th Street. He was lying with his arms out; he had his feet up on his surfboard. I could see his toes sticking up into the sunset. I think about that guy all the time. I bet he doesn't even remember that day. It's funny what sticks into us.

I spent my summer doing a tour of my past. I bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle. My dad said it wasn't practical. My neighbor Jeff didn't say so, but he thought it wasn't practical, too, and I could tell by his face. The motorcycle broke down in Bend, Oregon. Something called a "BCM" melted. I hitchhiked to Washington State and saw my family, and then I went to my 20th High School reunion. A lot of other things happened, but I'll save those things for later.

At my high school reunion, I walked to the place we were supposed to meet for dinner. There were 50 of us that said we were coming, via a Facebook event page. Nobody was there yet. I got scared and left again. I walked to my hotel room and looked at myself in the mirror. It was the first day of school all over again. I could feel it in my stomach and across the back of my shoulders. I've played my guitar and sang for thousands of people many times. It isn't scary anymore. But going back home again, facing all those years of my own compiled expectations and childhood projections – that was about as scary as it gets.

One guy cuts trails in Montana now. He has an army of children. One guy works for the airlines. Some dentists. One guy was terrible in High School, and as it turns out, he is still terrible. It's nice when some things don't change.

One of the single moms told me that she just wished she could have made more of her life. She wants more for her kids, she said. You're not not dead, is what I was thinking, but I guess twenty years is plenty of time to make some irreversible decisions. Maybe the only thing worse is not making any decisions at all. There were some people like that at my high school reunion, too.

I loved them again. I loved some of them for the first time. Our lives go so quickly, and eventually, there are only a few left who were there at the beginning. I don't remember the first day of school anymore. I don't know if I remember anything about myself, at least not objectively. I couldn't escape the feeling that maybe these guys did. Maybe they remember me. Maybe they remember me like I can't remember me anymore. It felt like that Delta commercial. I've spent a lot of time leaving. I haven't spent enough time coming home.

Written by Tyson Motsenbocker

MEASURING THE DISTANCE FROM 8TH GRADE TO HIGH SCHOOL

By the time the highly anticipated fall rolls around and you reach high school, you have journeyed through the US education system for quite a while. By age 14, you have survived preschool and kindergarten, risen through elementary school, and transitioned to junior high! Naturally, you might ask “How much different could high school be?” Well, the answer is simple, VERY! While it may only be the next grade up, the distance can seem much further. 

What’s so different?  

The shift to high school is disruptive. Social scientists frequently cite concerning trends that reference an increase in anxiety, dropout rates, peer pressure, and loss of sleep in this development period. Any one of these issues can send the most well-meaning parent into a tailspin. Fortunately, it doesn’t always have to, there is hope! As with any new journey, you need to be aware of what the road ahead has in store. The challenges, the pitfalls, and the unknown.  Secondly, you have to know what to pack and who to bring along for the adventure. Maybe pick a travel companion or two to join you along the way. The list below was curated from simple conversations with some experts; former high school students and Young Life leaders.

  • EXACTLY THE SAME, JUST BIGGER!: It’s true, high school is different. It’s exciting and scary. The size and rigor of your school has increased. Your new school may be so big that you can get lost in the hallways. The “bubble” of junior high or middle school is gone. Despite a national graduation rate of 88% in the US, data suggests that 9th-grade students struggle most to pass classes. High school classes can sometimes be 4 times the size of their junior high counterparts, and teacher-to-student ratios reveal the shift (JH 15:1, HS 20:1). While the teaching style moves from "hands-on" to "herding", school administrators have responded by utilizing "buddy programs" and mentorship opportunities to ease the transition.  As you begin, take the opportunity to meet teachers, visit the school beforehand, and set yourself up for success! 

  • BACK TO SQUARE ONE:  An 8th grader is the King/Queen of middle school. Their ascension to the throne has taken time and, unfortunately, the reign will be brief. High school social structure dictates that 9th graders are at the bottom of the heap again. This transition can be brutal and while statistics show that bullying behavior drops in high school, it still can be rough. Some key “pressure points” during this season include identity, friendships, and community, and as with any new beginning, this allows for conversations around those lifelong themes. What do I want to be?  Who do I want to be with? Who are “my people?” Take the opportunity to slow down and seek deeper conversations while you make your way through the hallways. 

  • YOUR PERMANENT RECORD: High school is harder and will stretch you in many ways. The temptation is to believe that everything counts because the course load is greater, and the workload is more. Study skills are a must, and the time management needed to balance your school, work, and social life takes skill as well. It's not fair, but the evaluation you start to feel from day one of 9th grade will remain until you hold your diploma in your hand at graduation. Where early education provides support and guidance, 9th grade provides the opportunity to grow and request help for what is perhaps the first time. It takes significant maturity to ask for help, but the benefits of developing this life skill can allow for others to come alongside you. It can change everything and ease the pressure of this daunting transition. 

  • LIVING WITH UNICORNS:  The high school years are incredibly unique! In life, there are no other “unicorn” moments like it. Adolescents are peaking in 4 key areas- spiritually, physically, emotionally and relationally. Sports, peers, academics, and even decisions about faith take on a much greater importance in high school. These new-found freedoms, accompanied by various influences, can lead you to be confused and exhausted, but it’s important to remember the community around you that can assist. Coaches, teachers, ministers, Young Life leaders, close friends, and parents are a great resource to help navigate these key decisions. 

  • TOMORROW NEVER COMES: The #1 question that high school students have for God is “What is your plan for me?” With so much happening at this stage of life, that response makes sense. Most of our prayers focus on the future. 9th grade in many ways marks the beginning of “adulting.” the friendly confines of junior high disappear in high school. There are more teachers, more classes, and more options. The focus shifts from figuring out how to spend recess and pivots to how will spend the rest of your life and what will you do with it. Grades, varsity sports, extracurricular activities, and resume-building experiences tend to all compete for your attention and come to the surface. While these things and your plans demand attention,  make sure you don’t miss the present. The moment is now, and if you practice presence at the moment, you will benefit from it for the rest of your life.  

  • IT’S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, BUT WHO YOU KNOW: In a culture of “influencers,” it shouldn’t be a surprise that your “tribe” determines much of your behavior. “What am I going to do?” “What am I going to believe?” Your values start to get defined and owned at this age. Peer pressure makes its way into decisions like drinking, smoking, choices about our sexual health and even what we wear. By choosing to affect others you change the rules, so surround yourself with people who pull you up and don’t pull you down. What about parents? They matter now more than ever. Their roles may look different from a year ago, but good parenting is an art form. The recommended solution is never to hover over your child, but being present and available is crucial for their confidence and success. 

SO WHAT, NOW WHAT?

With an ever-growing list of the challenges of high school and all that encompasses freshman year, what can you do?  That very question may have the answer; YOU don’t do anything alone! God has created us to be in community and to do life together. Within each challenge is an opportunity to reach out to a person(s) and to experience what it is like to be cared for, mentored, and guided. There are many people in high school, so choose YOUR people. With any new surroundings, you need someone who has been there before and can give you advice and show you the way.  A mentor is by definition someone who has gone ahead of you. That can be any of the people referenced in this list. They are there, they care, and they can’t wait to help you find your way! The road in high school can be rocky and long, so bring a friend! (Or several!!) 

-Ken B Tank, SVP, YL Community Networks.

Leading a Volunteer Movement 

Leading a Volunteer Movement 

A few months ago a group of Young Life staff were together to discuss a pillar of the KNOWN campaign:  “Leading a Volunteer Movement.” We started the conversation prayerfully considering questions like: 

What kind of culture or soil do we need to become so that volunteers could grow?  

How do we cultivate organizational and area culture that inspires volunteers toward mission? 

What new behaviors do we need to organizationally and perhaps personally consider?

As a group we tended to spend most of the time discussing “technical” solutions to these questions. Tod Bolsinger, author of “How Not to Waste a Crisis, Quit Trying Harder,” recently met with our team and he described technical challenges as challenges that exist that current knowledge skills and tools can resolve. Those technical solutions in our organization are our existing Mission Vision Values and Methods (MVVM) and the YL C’s (Contact Work, Campaigners, Club, Camp, Committee, Church) that are based on Jesus’ model of incarnational witness and missional community.  

What was much more difficult for us to discuss were “adaptive” solutions, which Bolsinger described as systemic problems with no clear answer or challenges that cannot be solved with existing knowledge skills and tools. 

Often “adaptive” solutions require a shift in behavior. Attempting to ask, “what new behaviors do we need organizationally and personally to consider, in order to become a place volunteers could grow?” is a much more difficult question to answer because it requires something new of us.

The true reality is that the world our volunteers and kids live in is an accelerated world. The needs of kids and volunteers globally is changing at a rapid pace. However, the love of God and the gift of his Son Jesus is relevant and does not change. God may be needing our behavior to change to better represent him in this changing world.

God is definitely up to something when it comes to adaptable change. We can all relate to the changes in kids, communities and church since 2020. One systemic challenge globally is loneliness. You have heard the research: Gallup polls show that one in five adults globally identifies as feeling lonely, with the loneliest age group being 18-24. YL’s RELATE research further adds data and affirms this challenge. What is causing global loneliness to increase, therefore demanding us to adapt? What is an adaptable behavior for the challenge of loneliness?

Jesus’ model has given us the technical solutions to the systemic problem of loneliness; The relational posture of ministry and the building of missional community. 

Jesus also offers some adaptive solutions. He experienced humanity; the knowledge, skills and tools of his time in the church.  Also, in those 30 years, he grew painfully aware of the systemic challenges of the time. Jesus then began cultivating a new culture that people were inspired by and drawn to. 

He started by recruiting 12 volunteers and then He took these volunteers to places and to people that were not typical. He modeled behavior through posture and pace: by stopping to listen and ask questions. He moved at a pace that was approachable, he adapted his pace to accommodate others needs, and he took the time to deeply listen, enjoy an impromptu meal, ask questions, and tell stories. All the while his 12 volunteers were watching and learning how to cultivate health and missional community.

Healthy Culture is one that is aligned in its values and nimble enough to adjust the behaviors that support those values. In our organization's case we have the values but could inspiring a volunteer movement be requiring some new behaviors of us?  

  • What new behaviors do we need to organizationally, and perhaps personally, consider?

  • What THREE behaviors does your organization, or team need to identify to become a place in which your staff, volunteers, or customers can grow?

  • What behaviors are you committed to “becoming” that contributes to the cultural soil in which volunteers and relationships can grow?



Written by Lyn Ten Brink

‘How Up Your Fundraiser Game!’- My Top Ten List

‘How Up Your Fundraiser Game!’- My Top Ten List

By Jonah Werner

I originally wrote this list in 2019 and wanted to share it with you all again!  Since then I’ve spoken/performed at over 100 more Young Life fundraisers, so I’ve learned even more.  Here’s my updated list.  Hopefully it’s a helpful tool for you!

Putting on a Fundraiser can be daunting, frustrating and overwhelming.  Or… It can be awesome.  After speaking and singing at 500+ Young Life fundraisers I’ve seen it all.

Here’s my top 10 list, ranking what things are most important to focus on when you are striving to ‘up your fundraiser game’ (ranked from least important to most important).   Drum roll, please!!!

10.  PROGRAM.  Good program characters can add the YL flavor to a fundraiser, but be careful because skits and games can end up being huge ‘time suckers’ which can be counter to a tight event.  If you are going to do program, make sure it’s rehearsed,  timed and excellent.

9.  FOOD.  It’s important to make your fundraiser feel inviting, but don’t spend a cajillion dollars on food.! Most people just want to have something good and simple.  Go for elegance over extravagance.

8.  A/V.   Invest in a sound system that suits the needs of the venue and hire a pro to run it.  It is worth it, I promise!!  If you are using videos, make sure you have the A/V person practice showing them several times over before the event.  How many times have you been to a banquet where the video failed?  My answer… WAY too many. 

7.  VENUE.  Choose a place that facilitates great communication with your guests. Outdoor venues can be great, but they also come with the biggest risks- Uncertain weather, sound issues, etc.  That is stressful!!  Choose a place that is right for the size and ‘feel’ for your audience.  Also, it’s often overlooked, but lighting matters! Ambiance matters! People will focus and enjoy themselves much more when you have a cozy, dim lit room with a spot lit stage. 

6.  CONNECTION TIME.   YL fundraisers can be one of the greatest ways to bring a community together.  Make sure you carve out time for people to mingle, laugh and connect as a community!

5. SPEAKER.  I’ve been the ‘key note speaker’ for most of my 500 plus fundraisers, but I’ve also attended plenty of YL banquets as a guest, and I can tell you this for sure…. Who you choose to speak and ask for involvement and financial support matters!  A great speaker will not only engage your guests, but they will also take the opportunity to share the gospel and inspire them to get involved and give- in the form of invitation, not obligation.  When you hire a ‘professional’ to cast the YL vision and ask for involvement and funding, it almost always translates into more engagement and more money pledged.  

4.  STAFF Presentation.  Other than the kids you are ministering to, who do guests want to hear from the most?  YOU!  They want to hear where you’ve been, where you are and where you are going so they can get a vision for what you are building in your area.  ‘Area updates’ can either be a boring numbers ‘blah, blah, blah’, or an opportunity to inspire your guests with ‘God stories’ and amazing accounts of Him moving in your area!!  Mentioning your goals, financially and otherwise is crucial.

3.  TIMING of the Night.  You may be surprised this is #3, but Timing. Is. Essential!  I’ve been a part of too many fundraisers that go way too long.  If your guests run out of the room when your banquet is over (or even before it ends), you probably went too long and lost out on a big opportunity.  You’ll know you’ve timed it right when your guests linger after the final ‘thank you’ has been said. 1.5 hours -2 hours is the ‘sweet spot’ (leaning closer to 1.5 and never going over 2:)

2. KIDS!  When people are deciding to support a ministry, they want to see who they are supporting.  If you are able, do whatever you can to get kids involved.  i.e.  Kids welcoming guests, serving dinner, sharing individual stories at dinner tables, cardboard testimonies, etc.  Also, individual kid testimonies can be the most powerful and compelling part of a fundraiser, so invest time and work into training kids on how to share their stories effectively.  Kids are key!! They are only 2nd to #1 and that is….

1. JESUS . Of course I was going to say this! He is the reason you give your life to serving in this mission.  Fundraisers are a unique opportunity to share Jesus with so many who may not have otherwise heard about His transforming love.  You have already ‘earned the right to be heard’ with many parents and supporters because you have spent your life giving to their kiddos.  Invite Jesus into every detail and the rest will follow.  

In conclusion, my biggest advice is this...  Keep. It. Simple.

Go for ‘sleek’, avoid ‘clunky’ and make sure Jesus is the lens through which all is  communicated.  If you do that, you will have successfully ‘upped your fundraiser game’.  


Jonah Werner is an award winning musician and speaker who has played music for YL all around the world.  He’s done 35 month-long YL assignments and has a deep passion for the mission. You can bring Jonah to your area fundraiser! He speaks, entertains with music and story and is a professional at asking for involvement and funding.  His hope is to ‘take the work out of the fundraiser for you!  Contact him at jonahwerner@gmail.com or http://www.jonahwerner.com  You won’t be disappointed!!  


Also, see what other staff are saying about Jonah as a YL banquet speaker here…  YOUNG LIFE STAFF TESTIMONIALS (make this clickable with the testimonials I sent).


The Anxious Generation

Every once in a while a there’s a new cultural phenomenon that gets everyone talking. I’m sure that you can recall at least one with some fondness from when you were a teen. Maybe it was a movie that all of your friends rushed to go see the midnight release [that was Lord of the Rings for me]. Or maybe it was an album that dropped and everyone was playing it on repeat [50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Trying]. There are some things in pop culture that seem to be universally praised. Yet there are other phenomena that generate so much buzz because they are so controversial.

Jonathan Haidt’s latest book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, is one of those controversial pieces of pop culture. This is a book, that to be honest, I’ve been waiting for since I heard he was working on it. It’s controversial for good reasons. In this book he makes some pretty bold claims—that will either seem spot on or alarmist depending on who you are—that have some huge implications for how we understand GenZ. To cut to the chase, he argues, using a ton of data and studies, that technology has not only rewired GenZ’s cognitive functions but that it’s also rewired GenZ’s outlook on life. He talks about the difference between a “play-based childhood” and a “phone-based childhood.” 

 BIG IDEA: A “Play-Based Childhood (and adolescence)” is crucial for developing into people who flourish socially. The “Phone-Based Childhood (and adolescence)” has had severe negative effects on GenZ.

The play-based childhood is embodied, synchronous, involves one to one or one to several communication, and encourages a high bar for entry and exit in communities. The phone-based childhood encourages an outlook that is disembodied, asynchronous, one to many communication, and a low bar for entry and exit. His findings are based on his area of expertise—he’s a psychologist teaching at NYU's school of business. Childhood, cognitively speaking, is extremely formative. Play-based childhood is essential for developing social skills and conflict resolution. These crucial life skills and how to carry them out get engrained into our brains within the first 15 years of our life. Moving away from a play-based childhood to a phone based childhood undercut the process of human socialization that has developed over millennial. Kids have moved from what he calls “Discover Mode” where the attitude puts an emphasis on socialization, looking for opportunities, and a growth mindset to “Defend Mode” where  the attitude puts an emphasis on scanning for dangers, a scarcity mindset, clinging to safety, and anxiety. You pair this “great rewiring” with the additional harms of social media for adolescents, e.g. sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, and addiction, not to mention the multitude of ways social media has been show to be especially harmful for girl’s self-images and you get the crisis of the anxious generation. 

 

Although Haidt is an atheist he recognizes the severe spiritual implications of his findings. “The phone-based life produces spiritual degradation, not just in adolescents, but in all of us” (199). It blocks or counteracts six practices (202) that are crucial for growing in our faith:

  • Shared sacredness

  • Embodiment

  • Stillness, silence, and focus

  • Self-transcendence

  • Being slow to anger, quick to forgive

  • Finding awe in nature

 

We were designed by God to worship in community, community actually strengthens and grows our understanding of God. Rituals help us to understand the sacredness and holiness of God. We are designed to need moments of stillness and silence. But we live in a perpetually distracted state. Being slow to anger and quick to forgive is a command but social media trains us to do the opposite, it conditions us to be reactive and make rapid judgements on others who we barely know. We were made to encounter God in the grandeur of nature, the beauty of music, works of art, etc. But noticing God requires slowing down…. These building blocks of the spiritual life become harder and harder to experience when phones become more than an instrument and they become a way of life. 

How do we undo the effects on the “anxious generation?” Haidt is more optimistic than I am about “undoing” the effects. I’m more optimistic about our ability to mitigate the effects. By increasing certain embodied practices, we can lessen the gravity of the effects of a phone-based childhood (and adolescence).

Put it into Practice!

1. Invite adolescents to participate in “tasks” with you. That might be a project, an errand, going shopping with you, etc. This doesn’t sound like “play” but it helps them feel useful and connected to the real-world communities they are part of. Plus it’s great contact work!


2. Find ways for them to lead. Kids need caring adults in their life. But learning to be a caring teen in the life of another teen can help them to develop the mindset needed to undo the disembodied isolated tendencies so prevalent in culture.


3. Get them outside! Backpacking, hiking, fishing trips. Time out in nature helps cultivate a sense of awe and curiosity which we know is crucial for human flourishing. 

 

4. Carefully consider your own use of social media around students. Are you on your phone as much as your Young Life friends? Be the one to engage in an embodied way even though everyone around you might be staring at their phone.

 

5. Encourage activities – games that get them to interact and socialize. Social interactions can be anxiety producing for many GenZers. Consider how you might ease them into smaller social interactions that will serve them in the long run. Some teens need to be re-socialized after the isolation of Covid + the “safety” of the digital life.

Bonus: Dig into Young Life’s Relate study to learn even more about Gen Z and how they operate!

Written by: Chris Woznicki

 

The Divine in the Disruption

What is our reaction when our plans get disrupted? We have one picture in our mind of how things will go, but that’s not even close to what ends up happening. That happened for us as we set out on our Young Life Expedition trip to Machu Picchu. This epic, once-in-a-lifetime trip was something we’d looked forward to for years, but it was quickly met with disruption at every turn, and reminded us our plans are not our own. 

The trip was full of disruption from the start. Our car was all packed up, kids off to grandparents, house all straightened up for the house sitter, and the out-of-office setting was already on our inboxes. We were about 20 minutes from walking out the door to head to the airport, only to get a nonchalant text from the airline that they had canceled our first of three flights to get us to Cusco, Peru. That set off a chain reaction of travel communication to try to rebook, but not without stealing a day of our trip. 

This could have ruined our whole mood, but then we realized we were gifted the gift of time! It’s a little strange to suddenly have no where to go, nothing to do, and everyone thinks you’re gone. We walked around town feeling anonymous in our own town! We also snuck in a fun bonus hike with our dogs and relived the days before kids! It ended up being a huge blessing of a day. 

Once on our way 24 hours later, we thought we were smooth sailing. However, once we landed in Lima, we met another moment of disruption! The domestic customs line was much quicker than all of us tourists going through customs. So, by the time we reached the baggage carousel, we quickly discovered that only two of our three suitcases had made it to Peru! Maybe you’re like me and you’ve stood by those baggage claim conveyor belts and thought “anyone could just walk off with any bag they wanted right now.” If you’ve ever had that thought, I’m here to tell you that’s what happened to our bag. 

A local Peruvian woman took our suitcase, thinking it was her own, and it had its own adventure somewhere in Peru while we went and trekked through the Andes, saw Machu Picchu, and arrived back into town. All week we figured the bag was gone forever, only to have it arrive less than 24 hours before we flew back home to the United States. 

As we got to know our team on the trip, and learn about ministry in the Amazon Region from the local staff, the travel disruptions quickly became living metaphors of what we all experience day in and day out. These minor travel inconveniences were in-your-face reminders that things happen regularly that are out of our control and these often turn us in completely new directions… often beautiful directions! 

We have expectations of what our ministry will look like. 

We have expectations of what our family life will look like. 

We have a picture of how our career will pan out. 

We have dreams and ideas that we make. 


But these aren’t always God’s plan. Sometimes we experience moments of disruption that turn us in a different direction. And when we experience these, they give us the opportunity to experience things we never even considered. 

Proverbs 19:21-23 New International Version (NIV)

Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.


Jesus often taught in moments of interruption. In today’s world that often feels like disruption. 

Wherever we are today, whether in direct ministry or otherwise, may we be reminded to notice the disruptions and where those are pointing us instead. Are there opportunities to experience something greater in our faith than we originally thought possible? Where is God working within the moments of disruption? And will we be faithful to trust that He has a bigger plan for us than we ever imagined possible? 

  • What’s been a time where you were disrupted? 

  • How did you see God working in that disruption? 

  • How did you experience God in a space of being out of your comfort zone? 

____

Wanting to join us on a trip like Machu Picchu? Check out our trips for the upcoming year! 

Written by Valerie Morris


FAITHFUL PRESENCE

Two-term governor of Tennessee Bill Haslam, and devoted friend of Young Life, reveals how faith--too often divisive and contentious--can be a redemptive and unifying presence in the public square.

As a former mayor and governor, Bill Haslam has long been at the center of politics and policy on local, state, and federal levels. And he has consistently been guided by his faith, which influenced his actions on issues ranging from capital punishment to pardons, health care to abortion, welfare to free college tuition. Yet the place of faith in public life has been hotly debated since our nation's founding, and the relationship of church and state remains contentious to this day--and for good reason. Too often, Bill Haslam argues, Christians end up shaping their faith to fit their politics rather than forming their politics to their faith. They seem to forget their calling is to be used by God in service of others rather than to use God to reach their own desires and ends.

Faithful Presence calls for a different way. Drawing upon his years of public service, Haslam casts a remarkable vision for the redemptive role of faith in politics while examining some of the most complex issues of our time, including:

  • partisanship in our divided era;

  • the most essential character trait for a public servant;

  • how we cannot escape "legislating morality";

  • the answer to perpetual outrage; and

  • how to think about the separation of church and state.

For Christians ready to be salt and light, as well as for those of a different faith or no faith at all, Faithful Presenceargues that faith can be a redemptive, healing presence in the public square--as it must be, if our nation is to flourish.


Read a short excerpt here:

The images are as jarring in hindsight as they were on that day. The US Capitol under siege by protesters. Windows smashed. A woman fatally shot. Demonstrators climbing on statues in the rotunda. Members of Congress huddled under their desks. A protester dangling from the balcony above the Senate floor across the inscription Annuit Coeptis (meaning “[God] has favored our undertakings”).

On that same day, the country set a new record for deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic. This followed a summer of racial unrest, social justice protests, and a bitterly contested presidential election.

The entire country seems to be at each other’s throats. Republicans are convinced that Democrats are socialists and them winning elections will mean the end of our country. Democrats are convinced that Republicans are racist with no concern for those the Bible calls “the least of these.” Activists on the left and the right are convinced that only they represent “We the people” and vow to take back their government from the politicians.

The words of Isaiah ring true almost three thousand years later: “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter” (59:14).

How did we get here? And, more importantly, where do we go from here? If “truth has stumbled in the public squares,” do we just give up on the public square as a place to solve problems? Having served as a mayor and a governor, I know the limitations of government and the wisdom of the psalmist’s advice to “put not your trust in princes” (Psalm 146:3). But I also know that it matters who we elect, and it matters even more what they do and how they act after they are elected. Like we teach our children: decisions have consequences. Who we put in office and how we support those people make even more of a difference than I thought before I was in office.

Politics is the way that groups make decisions on how they will govern themselves so they can live together, whether it be your neighborhood association, a middle school student council, or a country. Like every other noble calling, politics can easily be twisted into a passionate pursuit of our own political success instead of a desire to serve. At its best, politics can be about wise, selfless decisions that mean better lives for people.

Unfortunately, it is far too common for politicians on both sides to play to the frustration and outrage of the voters they seek. Real leadership, however, is about connecting the legitimate problems facing those voters with the difficult reality of governing—and actually working to solve those problems.

While there is hope for solving a pandemic with a vaccine, there is no vaccine for the contemptuous polarization that grips us today. As the American experiment faces its greatest test since the Civil War, what can we, elected officials and concerned citizens, do to be faithful in such a time as this?