Growing Young: Key Research Findings
Fuller Youth Institute Study on Churches Engaging 15-29 Year-Olds
Research Source: “Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church” Authors: Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Brad Griffin Organization: Fuller Youth Institute Research Base: 250+ leading congregations studied over multiple years
Date: February 2026
Note on Age Range: Growing Young focuses on ages 15-29, which includes high school students. BRCC’s young adult ministry targets post-high school through early 30s (approximately 22-32). The six core commitments and principles in this framework are fully applicable to BRCC’s target demographic, as the research addresses the broader challenge of engaging young people in church life regardless of specific age boundaries.
Executive Summary
“Growing Young” represents groundbreaking research identifying why some churches successfully engage 15-29 year-olds while others struggle. The Fuller Youth Institute studied over 250 churches that are bucking the trend of youth exodus, discovering 6 core commitments that distinguish thriving young adult ministries.
Key Finding: Churches growing young don’t just add youth programs—they transform their entire church culture to value, empower, and integrate young people at every level.
The Six Core Commitments
1. UNLOCK KEYCHAIN LEADERSHIP
What It Means:
- Empowering others, especially young people, instead of centralizing authority
- Keychain leaders intentionally entrust all generations with their own “keys”
- Giving young people leadership opportunities NOW, not when “they’re ready”
- Natural leadership development through real responsibility
Why It Matters:
- Young adults don’t want to be “ministered to”—they want to contribute
- Leadership experience creates ownership and long-term commitment
- Waiting “until they’re ready” communicates they’re not valued
- Empowerment attracts and retains young leaders
Practical Application:
- Include young adults in decision-making committees and boards
- Give young adults “project ownership” with real authority
- Create leadership apprenticeships and mentoring relationships
- Let young adults teach, lead worship, plan events
- Don’t just ask young adults to serve; ask them to lead
Critical Quote: “When young adults see staff in their 20s, they recognize this is a place where young people contribute, not just attend.”
2. EMPATHIZE WITH TODAY’S YOUNG PEOPLE
What It Means:
- Understanding their world, challenges, and lived experiences
- Listening without judgment or dismissiveness
- Recognizing legitimate struggles: mental health, financial instability, delayed adulthood markers
- Partnering WITH young adults to develop ministry approaches
Why It Matters:
- Young adults face challenges previous generations didn’t experience to same degree
- Student debt, housing costs, delayed marriage, career instability are real stressors
- Mental health struggles (anxiety, depression) are epidemic
- Churches that dismiss these struggles lose credibility
Key Challenges Young Adults Face:
- Financial: Student loans averaging $30K+, housing costs, underemployment
- Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, loneliness epidemic (1/3 of 18-34 year-olds isolated)
- Identity: Questions about purpose, calling, sexuality, gender, belonging
- Relationships: Dating complexity, delayed marriage, navigating singleness
- Faith: Deconstruction, doubt, questions about church’s stance on social issues
- Career: Job instability, gig economy, work-life balance struggles
Practical Application:
- Create safe spaces to discuss doubts and hard questions
- Address topics that matter: mental health, justice, identity, relationships
- Don’t minimize struggles or offer trite answers
- Train leaders to listen empathetically, not fix immediately
- Survey young adults about their actual needs, not assumptions
3. TAKE JESUS’ MESSAGE SERIOUSLY
What It Means:
- Ground ministry in robust gospel of personal AND social transformation
- Biblical teaching that addresses real-world issues
- Challenge young people with Jesus’ message in ways that inspire them
- Avoid shallow theology or entertainment-focused approach
Why It Matters:
- Young adults are hungry for depth, not dumbed-down Christianity
- Gen Z and Millennials value authenticity over production
- They want faith that makes real impact in the world
- Entertainment wears off; transformation lasts
What This Looks Like:
- Biblical literacy and theological depth in teaching
- Connect Scripture to daily life: work, relationships, justice, purpose
- Don’t avoid difficult topics—engage them biblically
- Challenge young adults to live countercultural faith
- Discipleship over entertainment
Balance Needed:
- Personal transformation (individual salvation, sanctification)
- Social transformation (justice, mercy, creation care, advocacy)
- Both matter to young adults; either/or approaches fail
Practical Application:
- Expository preaching that’s relevant to daily life
- Small groups studying Scripture deeply, not just sharing feelings
- Address “hot topics” from biblical perspective: politics, justice, sexuality, environment
- Equip young adults to defend and articulate their faith
- Model costly discipleship, not comfortable Christianity
4. FUEL A WARM COMMUNITY
What It Means:
- Create atmosphere where everyone feels welcome
- Belonging cues communicate “you fit here”
- Clear pathways for connection and growth
- Authentic relationships, not manufactured community
Why It Matters:
- Loneliness epidemic among young adults
- They’re spiritually open but institutionally skeptical
- Warm welcome can overcome initial hesitation
- Community keeps people connected when inspiration fades
Key Elements:
Belonging Cues:
- Visual signals: diverse representation in photos, leadership
- Verbal signals: “We’re glad you’re here” language, acknowledging first-timers
- Physical signals: comfortable spaces, natural light, welcoming greeters
- Digital signals: responsive social media, clear website information
Clear Pathways:
- Simple, obvious “next steps” from first visit to full involvement
- Not just “come to small group”—clarity on how to find one, join one, start one
- Eliminate insider language and confusing processes
- Personal follow-up and connection, not just announcements
Consistency:
- Regular rhythms build trust (weekly gatherings, reliable schedules)
- Follow through on commitments
- Clarity beats cleverness in communication
Practical Application:
- Train greeters to spot and welcome new people (not chat with friends)
- Designated first-time guest area reduces nervous tension
- Background music eliminates awkward silence before services
- Quick response to digital inquiries (within 24 hours)
- Simple check-in systems for those with children
- Multiple connection points: large gatherings, small groups, service opportunities, social events
5. PRIORITIZE YOUNG PEOPLE (AND FAMILIES) EVERYWHERE
What It Means:
- Integrate young adults throughout church life, not just separate ministry
- Show they’re valued in budgets, staffing, decision-making
- Include young adults in leadership at every level
- This is whole-church commitment, not just one ministry
Why It Matters:
- Young adults can tell when they’re afterthought vs. priority
- Under-resourced ministries rarely succeed
- Integration prevents “church within a church” problem
- Models intergenerational community for whole congregation
What Prioritization Looks Like:
Budget:
- Adequate funding for young adult ministry ($1,500/person/year guideline)
- Staff compensation (at least part-time dedicated staff)
- Resources for programming, events, outreach
Staffing:
- Hire young staff—representation matters
- Dedicated young adult ministry leader (volunteer or paid)
- “Index down in age” in hiring decisions
Decision-Making:
- Young adults on elder boards, leadership teams, committees
- Ask their input on church-wide decisions, not just young adult ministry
- Give them real voice, not token representation
Visibility:
- Young adults in worship leadership, teaching, testifying
- Stories of young adults highlighted in communications
- Church calendar reflects young adult priorities
Practical Application:
- Audit your budget: What percentage goes to young adult ministry?
- Review your leadership: Are young adults (20s-30s) represented in key roles?
- Examine your communication: Do young adults see themselves in your marketing?
- Assess your calendar: Are events scheduled with young adult schedules in mind?
6. BE THE BEST NEIGHBORS
What It Means:
- Honor what is good in community
- Make the world better through service
- Embrace ethnic diversity
- Assist young people in discovering their calling in life
- Faith that makes real impact
Why It Matters:
- Young adults are drawn to churches that serve, not just consume
- Gen Z and Millennials value social justice and environmental stewardship
- They want to see faith lived out, not just talked about
- Service creates bonds while serving others
Key Components:
Local Service:
- Volunteer opportunities addressing community needs
- Partnerships with local nonprofits and organizations
- Regular service projects, not just annual mission trips
- Young adults leading service initiatives
Global Mission:
- Support for global missionaries and organizations
- Short-term mission trips with long-term partnerships
- Focus on sustainable impact, not “savior complex”
Justice and Advocacy:
- Addressing systemic issues: poverty, racism, inequality
- Biblically-grounded approach to justice
- Action-oriented, not just awareness
Calling Discovery:
- Help young adults discern God’s calling for their lives
- Connect faith to vocation (not just “ministry” jobs)
- Support young adults pursuing impact careers
Environmental Stewardship:
- Creation care as biblical mandate
- Practical steps toward sustainability
- Engaging young adults’ concern for environment
Practical Application:
- Monthly service projects young adults can participate in
- Partner with 1-2 local organizations for sustained impact
- Integrate service into small groups and gatherings
- Highlight stories of young adults serving in community
- Teach biblical framework for justice and mercy
- Create pathways for young adults to discover calling (assessments, counseling, mentoring)
How These Commitments Work Together
Not a Checklist: Growing Young isn’t a program to implement—it’s a culture to cultivate. Churches can’t just “add” these commitments; they must weave them into church DNA.
Interconnection:
- Keychain leadership requires empathy (understanding what young adults need)
- Jesus’ message fuels community (gospel creates authentic connection)
- Prioritizing young people unlocks their leadership
- Being best neighbors connects all commitments to real-world impact
Culture Shift: Churches growing young make fundamental shifts:
- From “ministry TO young people” → “ministry WITH young people”
- From “young adult program” → “young adults integrated throughout”
- From “entertainment” → “empowerment”
- From “waiting until ready” → “giving keys now”
- From “age segregation” → “intergenerational community”
Implementation Resources from Fuller Youth Institute
Growing Young Assessment
- Data-driven tool measuring church’s effectiveness in six core commitments
- Results broken down by demographics and ministry areas
- Identifies strengths and growth areas
- Provides benchmark comparison with other churches
- Available at: fulleryouthinstitute.org/growingyoung
Growing Young Workshop
- 2-day strategic planning intensive
- Led by Fuller Youth Institute staff
- Customized to church’s context and challenges
- Develops action plan for implementation
- Brings together church leadership for aligned vision
Video Curriculum
- 20-30 minute videos for each core commitment
- Real-life stories from churches growing young
- Practical next steps and discussion questions
- Can be used with staff, leadership teams, or whole congregation
- Helpful for getting church-wide buy-in
Additional Resources
- Growing Young book (primary resource)
- Fuller Youth Institute blog and research
- Podcast interviews with church leaders
- Case studies of successful implementations
Critical Success Factors
Based on Fuller’s research, churches successfully growing young share these characteristics:
1. Senior Leadership Buy-In
- Senior pastor and board champion the vision
- Young adult ministry aligned with church’s overall mission
- Resources allocated to support the work
- Leadership models valuing young adults
2. Long-Term Commitment
- 3-5 year horizon before evaluating success
- Patience through inevitable challenges and setbacks
- Sustained investment even when growth is slow
- Understanding that culture change takes time
3. Intergenerational Approach
- Not just young adults ministering to young adults
- Whole church embraces and supports young adults
- Mentoring relationships across generations
- Avoid over-siloing young adult ministry
4. Empowerment Over Programming
- Focus on giving young adults leadership, not just activities
- Real responsibility with appropriate support
- Permission to try, fail, and learn
- Leadership development as core strategy
5. Authentic Relationships
- Humble, vulnerable leaders young adults can trust
- Safe spaces for questions and doubts
- Life-on-life mentoring and discipleship
- Community over programs
Application to BRCC Context
BRCC’s Strengths Aligned with Growing Young:
-
Mission-Minded Culture → “Be the Best Neighbors”
- 20+ mission partners show commitment to service
- Can build on existing strength
-
Family-Like Atmosphere → “Fuel a Warm Community”
- Already creating welcoming environment
- Extend warmth specifically to young adults
-
40+ Year Foundation → Credibility for “Jesus’ Message”
- Established biblical teaching reputation
- Make relevant to young adult questions
BRCC’s Growth Areas:
-
Keychain Leadership → Give young adults real leadership NOW
- Include young adults in church leadership, not just young adult ministry
- Hire young staff if possible
-
Empathy → Listen to young adults’ actual needs
- Conduct listening tour before launching ministry
- Address topics that matter to them, not just what older adults think they need
-
Prioritization → Show young adults they matter
- Budget, staffing, visibility decisions
- Integrate throughout church, not just separate program
Strategic Questions for BRCC:
- Are we willing to give young adults “keys” to real leadership?
- Can we empathize with challenges we haven’t experienced?
- Will we integrate young adults throughout church or create separate silo?
- Are we prepared to invest 3-5 years before evaluating success?
- Will senior leadership champion this vision?
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
What Growing Young IS:
- Culture transformation involving whole church
- Long-term commitment to valuing and empowering young adults
- Integration of young adults throughout church life
- Biblical depth combined with authentic relationships
What Growing Young IS NOT:
- Youth group model extended to 20-somethings
- Separate program disconnected from church
- Entertainment-focused approach
- Quick fix or silver bullet
Warning Signs:
- Treating young adults as “project” to fix
- Implementing programs without culture change
- Senior leadership paying lip service without real buy-in
- Under-resourcing the ministry
- Evaluating success after 6-12 months
Measuring Success
Wrong Metrics:
- Attendance numbers alone
- How many showed up to events
- Social media followers or engagement
Right Metrics:
- Are young adults becoming lifelong followers of Jesus?
- Are young adults in leadership throughout church?
- Are young adults inviting friends (evangelism)?
- Are young adults serving in broader church ministries?
- Do young adults feel valued, empowered, and connected?
- Stories of life transformation and spiritual growth
Timeline for Results:
- Year 1: Establish vision, build core team, begin culture shifts
- Year 2-3: See initial fruit, young adults emerging as leaders
- Year 4-5: Self-sustaining ministry with strong volunteer base
- Year 5+: Young adults integrated throughout church, ongoing multiplication
Next Steps for Churches
- Read the Book: Get “Growing Young” for leadership team
- Take the Assessment: Understand current state
- Conduct Listening Tour: Interview 15-20 young adults
- Get Leadership Buy-In: Senior pastor and board must champion
- Identify Starting Point: Which of 6 commitments to focus on first?
- Start Small: Pick 1-2 core commitments to implement this year
- Measure Progress: Regular check-ins using Growing Young framework
- Stay Patient: 3-5 year commitment before major evaluation
Conclusion
“Growing Young” provides research-backed framework for churches serious about engaging 15-29 year-olds. The six core commitments aren’t quick fixes—they’re fundamental shifts in how churches value, empower, and integrate young people.
For BRCC: This framework can guide young adult ministry development, ensuring it’s not just another program but a church-wide commitment to seeing young adults as full participants in God’s mission, not just recipients of ministry.
The question isn’t “Can we add a young adult program?” but “Are we willing to transform our church culture to truly value and empower young adults?”
Sources
- Powell, Kara, Jake Mulder, and Brad Griffin. Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church. Baker Books, 2016.
- Fuller Youth Institute: fulleryouthinstitute.org/growingyoung
- Growing Young Assessment, Workshop, and Video Curriculum available through FYI
- Research articles and case studies at fulleryouthinstitute.org