Essentials > What Makes Good Young Adult Ministry

Summary

This Essential will give you a broad overview, help you understand the important elements that make up Young Adult Ministry, and show you the first steps in getting started...

Dream big and imagine a church where young adults are essential elements of the community. Imagine a church where there is equal representation from all demographics and generations. Imagine a church that’s young, vibrant, and renewed. Those dreams all have their core in a solid Young Adult Ministry. From coast to coast, a variety of things have been tried and tested in developing Young Adult Ministry...

Here are a few things to keep in mind – so that you don’t limit yourself before you begin:

• Young Adult Ministry doesn’t need to be all things to all people. With such a large demographic and such a diversity of sub-groups, Young Adult Ministry can seem daunting and overwhelming. Even though the boundaries of Young Adult Ministry are vast, we can be more specific in how we carry it out...

When starting a Young Adult Ministry initiative, the best first step is to take a good look at the population you’re trying to reach. Read Who Are Young Adults and Assessing the Situation to help you decide what your next steps will be.

• Consult the Church’s documents on evangelization, formation, and young adults, specifically Go and Make Disciples, Were Not Our Hearts Burning and Sons & Daughters of the Light (see a summary outline here)...

Biblical Reflections

• Matthew 11:28: Jesus’ invitation to the over-stressed and over-worked -- “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

• Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 7:18-23, or John 1:35-51: Jesus’ call of the young adults working on the shores of Galilee and followers of John the Baptist -- and building his social network...

Sons and Daughters of the Light: A Pastoral Plan for Ministry with Young Adults

A Summary of the USCCB’s 1996 document on Young Adult Ministry Goal 1: Connecting Young Adults with Jesus Christ To foster the personal and communal growth and education of young adults toward a relationship with Jesus Christ leading to Christian maturity. Objectives:

• Spiritual formation and direction: To help young adults develop their spiritual life rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as their redeemer and savior...