The future of the church is already being lived out in the lives of young people who are stepping into ministry, leadership, and service with fresh energy and vision. Across congregations, campuses, and mission fields, youth and young adults are reimagining what it means to be the church in today’s world. Their stories reveal a common thread: a desire for authentic community, a passion for service, and a willingness to bridge generational divides in pursuit of a more faithful, welcoming body of Christ.
Faith on Campus
For Abby Lobert, the journey to leadership began in familiar spaces in her youth: family, church, and Christian schools. In her early 20s, she was also deeply connected to Act Five, a partner of Resonate Global Mission in Hamilton, Ont. Lobert now serves as the CRC campus minister at Mohawk College (also in Hamilton), and sees firsthand how pivotal young adulthood can be in shaping faith.
“I know some of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with young adulthood, especially during school,” she explained. “It’s a critical time when young people wrestle with their identity and their faith. I was in their position not too long ago, so I want to give back and create space for students to encounter Jesus in the context of Christian community.”
Campus ministry happens at schools across the continent and is supported by local classes, churches, and Resonate Global Mission. Campus ministers are creatively supporting young people to be Christ's ambassadors in all fields of study and work. Campus ministry is uniquely positioned to keep the church outward-looking, Lobert said. “School campuses offer a fresh perspective on what is going on in the world, and paying attention to students in these environments can help to inform how the church uses its resources.”
Her vision for the church is drawn from the words of Ephesians 3: that believers would be “rooted and established in love” and grasp the fullness of Christ’s love. For Lobert, young people will be central in carrying that vision forward. "Young people have the creativity and passion to be part of this work of restoration," she said. "In order for these gifts to flourish, it is important for them to be part of small communities of meaning, where they can practice participating in the restoration of the land, neighborhoods, and places closest to them."
Building Relationships that Matter
While Lobert‘s ministry centers on campus discipleship, Sierra Kruisselbrink lives out her faith in her congregation, where she serves as youth director, host team coordinator for SERVE projects, and a member of the worship team. Recently, she also traveled to Europe on a leadership development trip to observe church plants with Generation Spark, a shared ministry of Thrive and the Reformed Church in America.
Generation Spark works to build authentic intergenerational relationships between 16- and 24-year-olds, such as Kruisselbrink, and spiritual mentors in their churches. For Kruisselbrink, the experience has been life changing. She said leadership has been less about titles and more about authenticity.
“Faith became more genuine when I started stepping into leadership roles and discovering how God was using me in ways I didn’t expect,” she reflected. “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about trusting God and being willing to embrace the uncomfortable challenges that come with being a Christian in today’s world.”
Her hope for the church echoes a theme that many young people return to: authentic relationships. “Genuine relationships are crucial before you can step into tough conversations and wrestle with hard questions about faith,” she said. She dreams of congregations that are safe and inviting, where people can come as they are and ask difficult questions without fear of judgment.
Young people, Kruisselbrink added, are especially equipped for this task. “They have the chance to invite friends, coworkers, and classmates into youth and young adult communities to have honest, grace-filled conversations. They can reflect Christ in the way they live out their faith and help shape the future of the church.”
Hope for the Future
Following a recent World Renew discovery trip to Nicaragua, young participants spoke about how service shaped their understanding of God’s kingdom and their hopes for the future of the church.
For Imani Richmond, from Grand Rapids, Mich., the trip was an extension of a spiritual legacy. She honors her late grandmother’s memory by sharing the Word with others her age, even outside church walls. She sees a uniquely impactful faith formation role for her peers in the digital space, noting that “social media gives young people a powerful platform to share their voices, express their faith, and show others why they believe.”
Sol Coupethwaite, a participant from Montreal, Que., recognized the significance of seemingly small acts of service. “I was struck by how small projects, when combined, can create a big impact,” Coupethwaite said. Coupethwaite hopes to see new members joining the church and believes young people will be vital in keeping the church alive by actively becoming part of it.
Cassidy Strangway, another trip participant from Ajax, Ont., discovered her gift for caring for children is a meaningful calling that allows her to invest in the next generation, and Jaimes Titterington, a participant based in Lake Stevens, Wash., expressed hope for more young people to join the church. “Young people will strengthen the church simply by being present in it,” he reflected.
Zhaniya Robinson, from Grand Rapids, Mich., also hopes the church will continue to grow in size and impact while remaining a welcoming place. She expressed a desire for young people to be given opportunities to grapple with real-life issues and challenges in a faith environment. “Youth can play a role in the church by being taught more about giving, stewardship, and difficult or ‘taboo’ topics,” she said. She appreciated when her pastors hosted a panel for young adults to discuss generational challenges and called it an important step for their congregation in bridging the gap between generations.
A Common Vision
Though their contexts vary, each of these young leaders shares a unifying vision for a church that is relational, inclusive, and rooted in authentic discipleship. They are shaping the church by showing up, serving faithfully, and envisioning what could be.
As Lobert reflected, the future of the church lies in communities fixing their eyes on Jesus and joining him in the work of restoration. Young people, she reiterates, are especially equipped to bring creativity and passion to that mission. And as Kruisselbrink noted, before you can wrestle with the hard questions about faith, you need genuine relationships.
The stories and insights of each of these young leaders remind us that God is not finished with his people. The church continues to be renewed day by day.
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.