Young Adult Ministry Strategy
A Research-Based Framework for Brookville Road Community Church
Executive Summary
Two trends are relevant to this conversation: rapid suburban growth bringing thousands of young adults to Hancock County, and a national stabilization (and in some measures, increase) in church attendance among Millennials and Gen Z. Within a 10-mile radius of the church, approximately 5,000 young adults ages 22-32 live, work, and form families — and the 25-32 age range is essentially unserved by any church in the area. An estimated 750-1,000 of these young adults once attended church but stopped, and research shows over half are willing to return with the right invitation and community.
BRCC has several relevant strengths: 40+ years of credibility, strong expository teaching, genuine community, flexible facilities, budget capacity, and an existing informal network of young adults already connected through athletics and small groups. What is currently absent is intentional leadership and structured programming to turn organic connection into sustained ministry.
This document provides three options for moving forward but recommends hiring a dedicated young adult leader and building programming in phases — starting with small groups and monthly gatherings, scaling to weekly programming based on response. This approach addresses the research consensus that a dedicated champion is the single most important factor in young adult ministry success, while respecting the instinct toward organic growth by letting programming develop in response to the community rather than from assumptions.
Part 1: The Demographic Context
Local Growth Trends
Hancock County is the second-fastest-growing county in Indiana, adding residents at 3.1% annually. McCordsville — just five miles from BRCC — is growing at 4.17% per year, with the youngest median age in the area (35.3) and the highest median household income ($113,495). The town has housing approved for 20,000 residents in the next decade and is projected to reach 40,000 by 2045. This growth is not speculative; it is already happening, driven by a well-documented urban-to-suburban migration pattern as young professionals in Indianapolis marry, buy homes, and start families in Hancock County’s suburbs.
Timing context: Sixty percent of projected population growth through 2050 will occur by 2030. The next five years represent the period of fastest growth in the area. New residents are often actively seeking churches and social connections during this transition. A ministry established during this growth period would develop alongside the community rather than entering a more established landscape later.
Within a 10-mile radius of BRCC, an estimated 4,300-5,800 young adults ages 22-32 currently reside, concentrated in McCordsville, Cumberland, New Palestine, and Fortville. By 2030, that number is projected to reach 5,500-7,500.
The De-Churched Population
Not all 5,000 young adults in the area are reachable by a church ministry. Roughly 30-35% are already actively committed to a church home, and 20-28% have no interest. Between those groups are an estimated 750-1,000 de-churched young adults who once attended church but stopped, plus 500-650 who are unchurched but open to attending if invited.
Research from The Great Dechurching (Davis & Graham, 2023) reveals that 75% of the 40 million Americans who have left church did so casually — they moved, got busy, or simply drifted. The number-one reason former evangelicals stop attending is moving to a new city and never connecting with a new church. In a high-growth area like Hancock County, where new residents arrive constantly, this means there is a steady flow of people who are predisposed to church but have not yet connected with a local congregation. Over half of the de-churched say they are willing to return. They want to be treated well, to have genuine relationships, and to find a community that is real.
National Attendance Trends
National data adds context to the local picture. Barna Group’s 2025 research shows that Gen Z churchgoers now attend 1.9 weekends per month — the highest frequency of any generation — and Millennials attend 1.8. These rates have nearly doubled since 2020. Men are driving the trend: 43% of men attended church in the past week compared to 36% of women, the largest gender gap Barna has ever recorded in this direction.
A note of honest context: Pew Research Center’s analysis suggests this “resurgence” reflects increased frequency among the already committed, not a dramatic increase in the total number of young adults attending. The overall percentage of young adults in church has stabilized, not surged. The practical implication is that young adults who do attend church are likely to be more committed and engaged than in previous decades.
What are they seeking? The research is consistent: authentic community, spiritual depth, structure and stability, mentorship, and active participation — not entertainment, celebrity pastors, or shallow programming. Eight out of ten young adult churchgoers say “growing closer to God” and “learning about God” are their top reasons for attending. Early survey responses from BRCC young adults echo these themes, with respondents citing BRCC’s “genuine” community, biblical teaching, and willingness to address difficult topics as reasons they attend.
Part 2: The Competitive Landscape
Who Is Serving Young Adults in the Area?
Research of approximately 30-40 churches across New Palestine, McCordsville, Cumberland, Fortville, and Greenfield reveals a striking finding: dedicated young adult ministry for ages 25-32 is essentially nonexistent in the local area.
The most significant local competitor is Realife Church (2,000+ weekly attendance, Assemblies of God), which offers a Wednesday night young adults gathering — but it targets ages 18-24, leaving the older portion of BRCC’s target demographic unserved. Brandywine Community Church in Greenfield has an informal young adults small group for ages 18-30. Harvest Church and MC2 Church in McCordsville both mention young adults but are small and still developing. No church in McCordsville — the fastest-growing, youngest town in the area — offers robust young adult programming.
The real competition comes from regional megachurches with established young adult ministries: ITOWN Church in Fishers (high threat due to proximity and production quality), Traders Point Christian Church (moderate-high threat, massive reach), and Northview Church (moderate threat, has a “Young(ish) Adults” group for 25+). College Park Church’s “Fireside” program (ages 18-29) was mentioned by multiple survey respondents as a model, despite being 45+ minutes from New Palestine — a telling indicator that young adults will drive significant distances for programming that meets their needs.
Where BRCC-Area Young Adults Go and Why
Early BRCC survey responses corroborate the landscape analysis. When asked where their peers attend church, respondents most frequently mentioned College Park (3 mentions), Realife (3), Northview (2), Traders Point (2), and Harvest (2). The reasons are consistent: dedicated young adult programming, a critical mass of people in their 20s and 30s, engaging worship, and topics that resonate with their life stage.
The key observation: BRCC’s competition for young adults is not primarily local suburban churches — it is regional churches with established young adult ministries that draw from across central Indiana. BRCC cannot and should not try to replicate the production quality of a megachurch. Where BRCC may be able to differentiate is in intimate, authentic community — something survey respondents already identify as a strength.
Realistic Reach Estimates
Of the approximately 5,000 young adults in the service area, analysis estimates 700-1,200 are realistically reachable by a new ministry over time. This accounts for those already committed elsewhere, those with no interest, and realistic response rates within reachable segments. This population is growing as Hancock County grows, and other churches also serve this demographic — which means realistic attendance projections are modest, reflecting the time it takes to build trust and community.
Part 3: BRCC Today — What We’re Building On
Existing Young Adult Engagement
BRCC already has meaningful young adult activity happening, primarily through athletics and one small group:
| Activity | Format | Estimated Participation |
|---|---|---|
| Softball | 2 teams, summer season | 20-30 |
| Basketball | Open gym, Tuesday nights | 10-15 weekly (37 in GroupMe) |
| Volleyball | Open gym, Friday nights | 15-30 weekly |
| Young men’s Bible study | Weekly small group | ~10 |
These activities are largely self-organized by young adults rather than church-led. There is no formal young adult ministry, no dedicated gatherings, and no structured pathway connecting these activities to spiritual formation. But the informal networks represent a foundation: dozens of young adults are already showing up regularly for BRCC-connected activities. The open question is whether to build intentionally on what is already happening organically.
Organizational Readiness
Several organizational factors are relevant to this discussion:
- Budget flexibility: Leadership believes an annual investment is feasible without reallocating from existing ministries
- Facilities: Large gym, several gathering rooms, multiple classrooms, with schedule flexibility beyond Sunday nights (which conflict with youth ministry)
- Leadership support: Senior pastor is supportive; elder board is generally supportive, though at least one elder has wondered about a more organic approach
- Cultural fit: Survey respondents consistently validated BRCC’s culture — valuing the expository preaching, genuine community, casual atmosphere, and willingness to engage difficult topics
Honest Gaps
- No current staff capacity: No one on staff has bandwidth to fully lead this. The youth pastor or small groups pastor may be the closest fit but are probably not available. Any meaningful initiative requires a hire.
- Digital presence is weak: Young adults discover and evaluate churches online before visiting. Eighty percent check a church’s website before their first visit, and Instagram is the primary platform for the 18-29 demographic. BRCC’s current digital presence does not meet this standard.
- Historical context is unknown: We do not know why young adults have left BRCC in the past, what feedback they provided, or whether there are patterns in who stays versus who leaves. Previous attempts at young adult ministry (if any) are undocumented.
- Communication channels aren’t reaching young adults: One BRCC survey respondent noted that young adults “are not going to the welcome center, downloading the app, signed up for the newsletter” — current communication infrastructure was not designed with this demographic in mind.
Part 4: What Works — Lessons from Research and Successful Churches
The Non-Negotiable: A Dedicated Champion
Across every source — external research, church case studies, ministry best practices, and early feedback from BRCC young adults — one finding is more consistent than any other: young adult ministries without a dedicated champion tend to stall or fail.
The champion does not need to be a full-time pastor on day one. But someone must own this ministry — casting vision, building relationships, organizing programming, and sustaining momentum through the inevitable early challenges. Research from Fuller Youth Institute, Lifeway, and multiple case studies confirms that volunteer-only models can launch small groups, but they rarely sustain the broader programming and culture change required for a thriving ministry.
One BRCC survey respondent put it directly: “Too often, the responsibility of organizing events and connection falls solely on the young adults themselves, but with a full-time leader, this age group could be better shepherded and prioritized.”
Small Groups as Foundation
Every successful young adult ministry studied is built on small groups. Lifeway Research states plainly: “Effective young adult ministry depends on small groups.” Small groups provide what large gatherings cannot — authentic relationships, accountability, spiritual depth in a discussion format, and a remedy for the loneliness epidemic that 44% of young adults report experiencing. Best practices include groups of 6-12 people meeting weekly, combining Bible study with life sharing, eating together, and serving together.
BRCC survey respondents confirmed this: the most consistent request across all responses was for small groups and Bible studies — gender-specific options, co-ed groups, shorter-term studies, groups for non-married young adults, and intergenerational mentorship.
The Programming Mix
Thriving young adult ministries share a common programming pattern:
- Spiritual formation: Weekly small groups, worship nights, prayer gatherings, Scripture study
- Social connection: Game nights, meals together, outdoor activities, casual hangouts
- Service and mission: Quarterly local service projects, annual mission engagement
- Life stage support: Teaching on finances, relationships, career, parenting, mental health
The most common structural model among successful mid-size churches is monthly large gatherings combined with weekly small groups — allowing community-wide connection alongside intimate discipleship. Multiple respondents specifically mentioned wanting a gathering that combines worship, a short message, and small group discussion, with monthly community nights for broader connection.
Culture, Not Just Programming
The Growing Young framework from Fuller Youth Institute studied 250+ churches that successfully engage young people. Its central finding is that churches growing young don’t just add programs — they transform their culture. The six core commitments provide a useful lens:
- Unlock keychain leadership — Give young adults real authority, not token roles
- Empathize with today’s young people — Understand their world without dismissing their struggles
- Take Jesus’ message seriously — Biblical depth over shallow entertainment
- Fuel a warm community — Authentic belonging, clear pathways for connection
- Prioritize young people everywhere — Budget, staffing, visibility, decision-making
- Be the best neighbors — Faith expressed through service and justice
This framework addresses a tension present in many churh leadership conversations: the instinct toward organic growth versus the case for formal programming. Growing Young’s research shows that intentional culture cultivation is necessary even for organic growth. Connection does not scale without structure. The informal athletics networks at BRCC demonstrate this — they create connection but have no pathway to spiritual formation. Intentional leadership does not replace organic community; it channels and sustains it.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Research and case studies consistently identify the same failure patterns:
- Under-resourcing: Launching without adequate staff or budget sets the ministry up to fail
- Creating a silo: A separate “church within a church” that is disconnected from the broader congregation
- Treating it like youth group: Young adults are adults; they want to be challenged, not entertained
- Copying without contextualizing: What works at a 10,000-member Dallas megachurch will not translate directly to a 1,000-member Indiana church
- Evaluating too early: Culture change takes 3-5 years; judging a new ministry after 6-12 months guarantees disappointment
Available Resources and Models
Mid-size churches do not have to build a young adult ministry from scratch. Two resources with direct relevance to BRCC are worth noting.
Northview Church and the Center for Congregations / Lilly Endowment. Northview Church in Indianapolis — a mid-size evangelical church in the same metro area as BRCC — partnered with the Center for Congregations, an Indiana-based organization, and received Lilly Endowment funding to develop their “Engaging Young Adults Initiative.” With that support, they flew the Watermark Church team (home of The Porch, the largest young adult ministry in the country) to Indianapolis for training and sent their own staff to Dallas to observe The Porch firsthand. The result was a young adult ministry adapted from a proven model rather than invented from nothing. This is a directly applicable example: a church of comparable size and context used external resources to accelerate what would otherwise be a long learning curve.
Awaken Young Adult Ministry. Awaken is a parachurch ministry based in Indianapolis that partners with local churches to help them launch and sustain young adult ministries. Their model is collaborative — Awaken provides young adult ministry leadership, programming, and expertise while partner churches provide location, support, and integration into the broader congregation. Their vision is to see people transformed by God, connected to the church, and sent into the world. For a church like BRCC that would be starting a young adult ministry for the first time, a partnership conversation with Awaken could provide access to existing expertise and connection to a broader young adult network in the Indianapolis area.
Both of these resources could reduce startup time, provide proven frameworks, and offer the kind of outside perspective that helps a church avoid common early mistakes. They are available options worth exploring as leadership considers next steps.
Part 5: Recommended Strategy — Three Options
The following options are informed by the full body of research. Each has trade-offs. The recommendation is clearly stated, but the choice should emerge from leadership discussion.
Option A: Grassroots — Small Groups First
Description: Launch 2-3 small groups (gender-specific plus co-ed) building on existing networks. Add a monthly social gathering to create broader community. Existing staff sponsors the initiative; remaining leadership is volunteer.
Pros: Low cost, low risk, tests demand before major investment, builds organically from what already exists.
Cons: Research consistently shows that ministries without a dedicated champion tend to plateau. Depends on volunteer consistency in a demographic with high schedule variability. Slow to reach critical mass. Research indicates young adults interpret volunteer-only models as lower institutional commitment.
Investment: $2-5K/year for materials and events.
Honest assessment: This is the lowest-risk option but also the lowest-ceiling option. It is appropriate if leadership is uncertain about the opportunity and wants to test before investing. However, it does not address the champion gap that research identifies as the primary predictor of ministry success or failure.
Option B: Full Launch — Hire and Build
Description: Hire a full-time young adult pastor/director. Launch with a weekly gathering (worship + teaching + small group discussion) plus social programming and service projects. Model after successful programs scaled for BRCC’s context.
Pros: Fastest path to critical mass. Dedicated leadership from day one. Signals to young adults — and to the congregation — that this is a genuine priority. Aligns with the current period of demographic growth in the area.
Cons: Highest upfront cost. Timeline depends entirely on finding the right hire. Risk of significant investment if the hire does not work out. May feel like overcommitment before demand is proven.
Investment: $50-80K/year (staff salary and benefits + programming budget).
Honest assessment: This is the highest-ceiling option and would move fastest. But it carries the most risk and requires confidence both in the opportunity and in the ability to find the right leader.
Option C: Dedicated Leader + Phased Programming (Recommended)
Description: Hire a part-time or full-time young adult leader as the first and most critical step. Build programming in phases based on actual response rather than assumptions.
- Phase 1 (Months 1-6): Leader builds relationships with existing young adults. Launches 2-3 small groups. Establishes a monthly gathering. Connects with athletics community. Begins digital presence.
- Phase 2 (Months 6-12): Based on response, scales to bi-weekly or weekly gatherings. Adds service projects and social programming. Identifies and develops young adult volunteer leaders.
- Phase 3 (Year 2+): Full programming mix — regular gatherings, multiple small groups, worship nights, service projects, mentorship connections. Young adults leading and inviting.
Pros: Addresses the champion need immediately — the single most important factor identified by research. Builds organically, adapting programming to actual response rather than assumptions. Balances the instinct toward organic growth with the intentional leadership that research shows is essential. Lower initial risk than Option B while having a higher ceiling than Option A.
Cons: Moderate investment. Still depends on finding the right hire. Slower to full programming than Option B.
Investment: $30-60K/year initially, scaling with growth.
Why Option C
Every source — external research, case studies, Growing Young framework, and early feedback from BRCC young adults — converges on two essentials: (1) you need a dedicated champion, and (2) small groups are the foundation. Option C addresses both from day one while allowing programming to scale based on what actually works in BRCC’s specific context.
Option A skips the champion. Option B assumes we know exactly what programming to build before we have a leader in place listening to the community. Option C gets the right person in the room first and lets the ministry grow from relationship rather than from a blueprint.
Honest Risks and Open Questions
These should be given real weight, not treated as footnotes:
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The hire is everything. Options B and C depend on finding the right person — someone who can build relationships with young adults, cast vision, and lead with both theological depth and relational warmth. A wrong hire could set the ministry back years. The hiring process should be thorough, not rushed.
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Senior leadership buy-in may need to deepen. The senior pastor is supportive but not yet actively championing this initiative (from the pulpit). Growing Young research identifies senior leadership buy-in as a critical success factor. “Supportive” and “championing” are different postures, and the latter is what the research says is needed.
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The organic vs. formal tension is real. At least one elder has wondered about an organic approach rather than formal programming. This instinct deserves respect — forced programming without authentic community fails. But research shows that organic connection without intentional leadership tends to plateau. The answer is not either/or: it is intentional leadership that cultivates organic community.
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We do not know why young adults have left BRCC. Historical patterns could reveal barriers that no amount of new programming will overcome. Before or alongside a hire, conversations with former young adult attendees would be valuable.
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Digital presence is a gap, not a nice-to-have. Young adults evaluate churches online before visiting. BRCC’s current digital presence may be invisible to the target demographic. This needs attention regardless of which option is chosen.
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The survey sample is small. The responses provide directional signal, not representative data. Expanding the survey — or better yet, conducting listening sessions with a broader group of young adults — should happen early in any implementation.
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Realistic growth is slow. Year 1 is about foundation, not numbers. Leadership should expect 20-40 regular participants by the end of Year 1, growing to 40-80 by Year 2 and 50-120 by Year 3. These are not small numbers relative to the reachable population — they represent meaningful engagement. But they will feel small compared to BRCC’s overall attendance, and patience is required.
Part 6: Measuring Success
Quantitative Benchmarks
Based on the addressable population analysis and comparable church trajectories:
| Timeframe | Attendance Range | Small Group Participation | What This Represents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 20-40 regular | 10-25 in groups | Foundation-building; 3-5% of reachable population |
| Year 2 | 40-80 regular | 25-50 in groups | Growing momentum; young adults inviting peers |
| Year 3 | 50-120 regular | 30-60 in groups | Approaching sustainability; volunteer leaders emerging |
| Year 5+ | 70-150 regular | 40-80 in groups | Mature ministry integrated into church life |
Qualitative Indicators (More Important Than Numbers)
The right metrics for Years 1-3 are not primarily about attendance:
- Are young adults growing spiritually? Self-reported and observed movement toward Christ.
- Are authentic relationships forming? Small group participation, organic social connections outside of programming.
- Are young adults leading? Not just attending, but serving on teams, facilitating groups, planning events.
- Are young adults inviting friends? The strongest indicator of organic health — people bring others to communities they value.
- Are young adults integrating into the broader church? Serving in kids’ ministry, on the safety team, in worship, across the congregation — not siloed.
- Are life transformations happening? Baptisms, faith renewed, marriages strengthened, purpose discovered.
Timeline Expectations
A 3-5 year horizon before major evaluation. Year 1 is about building the foundation — relationships, trust, small group rhythms, a leader who knows the community. Evaluating a new ministry after 12 months is like judging a tree by its first-year growth; the roots are more important than the visible fruit.
Warning signs to watch for: Declining volunteer engagement, leader burnout without support, young adults not inviting peers, programming that feels like an obligation rather than a community.
Part 7: Next Steps and Discussion Questions
Decisions for Leadership
These are not decisions the research can make — they require BRCC-specific discernment:
- Which option (or hybrid) fits BRCC’s vision and capacity? This document recommends Option C based on the research, but leadership knows the church’s culture, finances, and appetite for new initiative.
- What is the timeline for a hiring decision? If a hire is pursued, timeline matters — but a rushed hire is worse than a delayed one.
- Who champions this at the leadership level? Research indicates that “general support” and active championing produce different outcomes. If this moves forward, who on the elder board or senior staff owns it?
Questions the Research Cannot Answer
- What is BRCC’s unique value proposition for young adults? The research identifies BRCC’s strengths (expository teaching, genuine community, intergenerational culture). But the specific answer to “Why BRCC instead of Northview or College Park?” must come from BRCC’s own identity and vision.
- How does this integrate with the church’s broader vision and priorities? A young adult ministry should extend BRCC’s mission, not compete with it.
- What does success look like in BRCC’s own terms? The metrics above are research-informed, but BRCC leadership should define what faithfulness looks like in this context.
Possible Next Steps (Applicable Regardless of Which Option)
- Expand the survey and conduct listening sessions with a broader group of BRCC young adults to deepen understanding beyond the initial responses.
- Identify a staff sponsor or interim champion — someone who owns this conversation if leadership decides to pursue it further.
- Discuss hiring timeline and budget — if a hire is on the table, clarify scope, timeline, and financial parameters.
- Consider taking the Growing Young Assessment (fulleryouthinstitute.org/growingyoung) to baseline BRCC’s current culture against the six commitments and identify starting points for culture change.
- Strengthen digital presence — at minimum, ensure BRCC is discoverable and appealing to young adults searching for churches online.
- Talk to young adults who have left BRCC — understanding departure patterns could reveal barriers that new programming alone will not address.
- Explore available external resources — connect with the Center for Congregations about potential Lilly Endowment funding for young adult ministry development (as Northview Church did), and consider an introductory conversation with Awaken Young Adult Ministry about their church partnership model. Neither requires commitment; both could inform the approach.
Hancock County’s growth means the young adult population in the area is increasing year over year. The demographic data and current trends provide context for the timing of this conversation, but the decision about whether and how to act belongs to BRCC’s leadership.
Appendix
Research Document Index
| Doc | Title | Key Content |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | BRCC Church Profile | Church context: founding, size, location, mission, current ministries |
| 02 | Local Demographics | Population data by community, geographic tiers, young adult estimates |
| 03 | Demographic Trends Analysis | Growth projections 2025-2050, migration patterns, generational trends |
| 04 | Growing Young Framework | Fuller Youth Institute’s 6 core commitments, culture vs. programming |
| 05 | National Young Adult Research | What young adults want, attendance trends, challenges they face |
| 06 | Church Case Studies | Profiles of thriving YA ministries across church sizes |
| 07 | Ministry Models & Programming | Structural models, programming ideas, budgets, pitfalls |
| 08 | Comprehensive Best Practices | Implementation guidance: attraction, programming, discipleship, community |
| 09 | Integrated Ministry Analysis | Case for serving singles and young marrieds together (ages 22-32) |
| 10 | Suburban Strategy Analysis | Suburban-specific challenges and phased launch strategy |
| 11 | Church Landscape Analysis | 30+ churches surveyed, competitive positioning, gap identification |
| 12 | Market Share Analysis | Addressable population segments, realistic projections, de-churched opportunity |
| 13 | BRCC Internal Assessment | Survey data, organizational readiness, current engagement, competitive intel |
Survey Themes Summary
Early survey responses (collected February 2026) provide directional signal. Sample is too small for definitive conclusions; themes carry more weight where they align with external research.
Why respondents attend BRCC: Genuine community, biblical teaching, existing relationships, athletics as connector.
What respondents want: Small groups and Bible studies (most consistent request), church-supported programming with regular rhythm, dedicated young adult leadership, expanded athletics ministry, direct communication from leadership about opportunities.
Where respondents’ peers attend: College Park, Realife, Northview, Traders Point, Harvest — primarily for young adult-specific programming and critical mass of similarly-aged people.
Competitive advantages respondents identified: Expository teaching, genuine community, intergenerational culture, existing informal networks.
Churches Studied as Models
The following churches were profiled during the research phase as examples of thriving young adult ministries across a range of sizes and contexts.
| Church | Location | Size | Young Adult Model | Key Lesson for BRCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Porch at Watermark Community Church | Dallas, TX | 10,000+ weekly (church); 3,500+ weekly YA | Tuesday night gathering (ages 22-35): worship + 30-40 min message on YA life issues | Weekly consistency and integration into the broader church, not a separate entity |
| Mariners Church | Irvine, CA | 15,000+ weekly | Doubled YA to 1,000+ by switching from monthly separate gatherings to single weekly Thursday service | Weekly integrated gatherings beat monthly segmented events; don’t over-separate singles and marrieds |
| Elevation Church | Charlotte, NC | 17,000+ weekly, 20+ locations | Thursday night YA gatherings at multiple campuses with worship, teaching, and small groups | Multi-campus approach can localize young adult ministry while sharing resources |
| Northview Church | Indianapolis, IN | Mid-size, multi-campus | ”Young(ish) Adults” group for ages 25+; partnered with Center for Congregations / Lilly Endowment; learned from Watermark | Mid-size churches can accelerate by learning from proven models and leveraging external funding |
| Crossroads Christian Church | Indianapolis area | Mid-size, multiple teaching sites | College-age Thursday gatherings; young women’s group (20s-early 30s); emphasis on safe space for questions | Authentic relationships and safe space for questions matter more than production quality |
| Community Life Church | Multi-campus | Mid-size per campus | 1,200 students across 5 campuses on Wednesday nights; 1,500 at monthly combined events | Mix of regular local gatherings + occasional large combined events builds both intimacy and energy |
| Elevate Life Church | Frisco, TX (suburbs) | Mid-size | Restarted YA ministry post-COVID due to surge of young people returning | Suburban context can support young adult ministry; post-pandemic timing is favorable |
| Ada Bible Church | Ada, MI (Grand Rapids suburbs) | Mid-size to large, multi-campus | Campus-based monthly post-service gatherings in casual social environment for singles | Post-service timing is low-barrier; singles ministry works without becoming a dating service |
| Liquid Church | New Jersey | Not specified | Monthly large gathering + social events + proactive small group connection | Personal face-to-face introductions to small groups beat website sign-ups |
| NPHX Church | Phoenix, AZ | Not specified | Peer-led “galvanizer” model: identify natural connectors and empower them to build community | Empowered young adult volunteers can lead effectively; multiplication through natural leaders |
| 3Circle Church | Not specified | Not specified | Integration model connecting YA to whole church rather than separate ministry | Young adult ministry does not have to be a separate silo; integration can be the model |
| Passion City Church | Atlanta, GA | Large | Monthly live gatherings + interest-based “Crews” (hiking, coffee, sports) | Interest-based small groups can work better than geography-based for mobile young adults |
| North Coast Church | San Diego, CA | Large | ”Union2535” ministry targeting ages 25-35 specifically | A narrower age range (25-35) can be more effective than a broad 18-35 target |
| Awaken Young Adult Ministry | Indianapolis, IN | Parachurch organization | Partners with local churches to provide YA leadership, programming, and expertise | Partnership model could reduce BRCC’s startup time and connect to a broader YA network |
Local Churches Researched
The following churches were researched as part of the competitive landscape analysis covering approximately 30-40 congregations across New Palestine, McCordsville, Cumberland, Fortville, and Greenfield.
| Church | Location | Size | Young Adult Ministry? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookville Road Community Church | New Palestine | 1,000+ weekly | In development (this project) |
| Realife Church | New Palestine / Greenfield | 2,000+ weekly (all campuses) | Yes — Wed nights, ages 18-24 |
| New Palestine United Methodist Church | New Palestine | ~225 attendance | No |
| Zion Lutheran Church & School | New Palestine | ~300 weekly | No |
| New Faith Community Church | New Palestine | Small | No |
| Community Christian Church | New Palestine | Small | No |
| Harvest Church | McCordsville | Small (developing) | Yes — ages 18 to early 30s |
| MC2 Church | McCordsville | Small (~175 at launch) | Unclear — 38 salvations among ages 18-26 but no formal program |
| Outlook Christian Church | McCordsville | Mid-size | No |
| Geist Community Church | McCordsville | Small | No |
| McCordsville United Methodist Church | McCordsville | ~125-150 attendance | No |
| Living Streams Christian Church | McCordsville | Small-mid | No |
| Woodbury Community Church | McCordsville | Small | No |
| Cumberland First Baptist Church | Cumberland | Mid-size | No |
| Cumberland United Methodist Church | Cumberland | ~140 attendance | No |
| Cumberland Christian Church | Cumberland | Small to mid-size | No |
| New Life Church | Cumberland | Small | No |
| Buck Creek Baptist Church | Cumberland | Small | No |
| Mercy Road Church — Northeast | Fortville | Small to mid-size | Unclear — teen ministry exists, YA coverage unknown |
| Fortville Christian Church | Fortville | 200-500 members | No (attracts YA organically but no dedicated program) |
| Fortville Church of the Nazarene | Fortville | Small to mid-size | Unclear — mentions “age and life stage gatherings” |
| Fortville Baptist Church | Fortville | Small | No |
| Brandywine Community Church | Greenfield | ~1,000 weekly | Yes — ages 18-30, Thu small group |
| Park Chapel Christian Church | Greenfield | 800+ attendance | No |
| City Church Greenfield | Greenfield | Small to mid-size | No |
| Trinity Park Church | Greenfield | Small to mid-size | No |
| Calvary Baptist Church | Greenfield | 101-250 members | No |
| ITOWN Church | Fishers | 3,000+ weekly (all campuses) | Unclear — small groups only, no branded YA ministry |
| Traders Point Christian Church | Multiple campuses (Fishers nearest) | 10,000+ weekly (all campuses) | Unclear — small groups only, no branded YA ministry |
| Northview Church | Indianapolis / Fishers | Large, multi-campus | Yes — “Young(ish) Adults” for ages 25+ |
| College Park Church | Indianapolis (NW) | Large | Yes — “Fireside” for ages 18-29, Wed nights |
| East 91st Street Christian Church | Indianapolis (NE) | Large | Yes — Life Groups including “Adults & Young Adults” |
| Awaken Young Adult Ministry | Indianapolis | Parachurch organization | Partners with churches to launch and sustain YA ministries |
Sources
Key sources informing this strategy document. Full citations for all research are available in the individual research documents (Docs 01-13).
National Church Research
- Barna Group. “Young Adults Lead a Resurgence in Church Attendance.” 2025. barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance
- Barna Group. “Church Attendance: Women vs Men.” 2025. barna.com/trends/church-attendance-women-men
- Barna Group. “Six Reasons Young Christians Leave Church.” barna.com/research/six-reasons-young-christians-leave-church
- Barna Group. “10 Facts About America’s Churchless.” barna.com/research/10-facts-about-americas-churchless
- Pew Research Center. “Religion Holds Steady in America.” December 2025. pewresearch.org/religion/2025/12/08/religion-holds-steady-in-america
- Pew Research Center. 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study. pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/religious-landscape-study-executive-summary
- Lifeway Research. “Effective Young Adult Ministry Depends on Small Groups.” 2024. research.lifeway.com/2024/09/24/effective-young-adult-ministry-depends-on-small-groups
- Lifeway Research. “What Young Adults Look For in a Church.” 2024. research.lifeway.com/2024/09/30/what-young-adults-look-for-in-a-church
- Gallup. “Church Attendance Has Declined in Most U.S. Religious Groups.” news.gallup.com/poll/642548/church-attendance-declined-religious-groups.aspx
- PRRI. “2024 Census of American Religion.” prri.org/spotlight/2024-prri-census-of-american-religion
Books
- Davis, Jim and Michael Graham. The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? Zondervan, 2023.
- Powell, Kara, Jake Mulder, and Brad Griffin. Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church. Baker Books, 2016.
Demographic Data
- U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts for Hancock County, Marion County, and area communities. census.gov/quickfacts
- Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC). Indiana Population Projections to 2060. ibrc.indiana.edu/ibr/2024/summer/article1.html
- IBRC. “Indiana’s Prime-Age Population Projections.” ibrc.indiana.edu/ibr/2024/fall/article2.html
- Greenfield Reporter. “McCordsville Town Center Takes Shape as Community’s Population, Housing Needs Grow.” July 2024. greenfieldreporter.com
- Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA). U.S. Religion Census 2020 — Congregational Membership Reports. thearda.com/us-religion/census/congregational-membership
- Axios Indianapolis. “Religious Affiliation Is Shifting in Indiana.” March 2025. axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/03/26/religious-affiliation-christians-indiana
Organizations and Resources
- Fuller Youth Institute. Growing Young Assessment and research. fulleryouthinstitute.org/growingyoung
- Center for Congregations (Indiana). “Engaging Young Adults Through a New Form of Ministry.” centerforcongregations.org
- Lilly Endowment. Funding partner for Indiana church young adult ministry initiatives.
- Awaken Young Adult Ministry (Indianapolis). Church partnership model for launching young adult ministries. awakenyoungadults.com