On a Saturday in February, nine Christian Reformed churches from Huron County, Ont., convened a ministry workshop focused on youth engagement and intergenerational mentorship. This collaborative event, organized by Michelle Kaptein of Clinton CRC and facilitated by Thrive’s youth and emerging adult ministry consultant, Ron deVries, drew 34 participants from congregations in Clinton, Vanastra, Exeter, Blyth, Goderich, Stratford, Listowel, Drayton, and Wingham.
The workshop emerged from a series of conversations initiated in the summer of 2024, when Kaptein was seeking guidance on questions related to youth and emerging adult ministry. Recognizing the shared interest among neighboring churches to engage younger members, the idea of holding a collective training event took root. For the past three years, churches in Huron County have gathered for similar joint training sessions to address other common needs across their congregations. They decided to focus on youth ministry in 2025.
DeVries, who has more than three decades of experience in youth ministry and a passion for fostering intergenerational connections, led the evening’s discussions. He emphasized the critical importance of relational connections within congregations and highlighted initiatives such as Generation Spark, a joint program of the CRC and the Reformed Church in America designed to bridge generational gaps by pairing young adults ages 16-24 with mentors aged 45 and above. This strategy addresses the exodus of young Christians from worshiping communities but also integrates them into the church’s fabric, encouraging their active participation beyond high school.
DeVries also discussed ThereforeGo Ministries, formerly known as Youth Unlimited, which offers service opportunities to young people with the aim of deepening their faith and fostering community. By engaging in service projects, youth can experience firsthand the transformative power of faith in action and reinforce their commitment to their faith.
A large portion of the workshop centered on adopting intergenerational postures within congregations. DeVries underscored that mentorship should not be offered only by pastors or spiritual directors; it is a collective responsibility. By intentionally investing in the next generation, whether by attending their events or engaging in meaningful conversations, church members can cultivate authentic relationships that transcend age barriers.
The discussion provided a platform for attendees to share their experiences, challenges, and successes in youth ministry. This open dialogue fostered a sense of unity and collective purpose, reinforcing that while individual churches might face unique challenges, they are not alone in their endeavors.
The following evening, Clinton CRC hosted a youth service where deVries delivered a compelling message. The service saw a large turnout of parents, students, and congregants, reflecting the community’s commitment to nurturing its youth and the congregation’s intention to implement the discussed strategies and cultivate a more inclusive environment.
As the challenges of the modern world continue to evolve, the church’s approach to youth ministry must also adapt. The insights and strategies shared through the work of GenerationSpark and ThereforeGo ministries offer options for congregations aiming to bridge generational divides and cultivate lasting relationships.
For churches seeking to revitalize their youth ministries and strengthen intergenerational bonds, consider getting involved with mentoring through GenerationSpark, listening to the Spark Dialogue podcast, or using Thrive’s youth ministry resources, such as The Spiritual Characteristics of Children, Teens, and Young Adults.
About the Author
Kristyn DeNooyer is a communications specialist at Thrive, the congregational support agency of the CRCNA. She lives in Grand Rapids, Mich., with her husband and daughter.
