Young Life
Young Life was founded in 1941 by Jim Rayburn, a Presbyterian youth pastor in Texas. He was asked by a minister to use a local high school as a missionary field and to see what he could do to reach out to kids who otherwise would have no interest in church. The results were phenomenal.
How It All Began
The Christian church really did need a way to show young people that following a faith in Christ was not only rewarding and meaningful but fun at the same time. Through their campus ministry, they drew the attention of students by the truckload. For its first 20 years of ministry, Young Life focused almost exclusively on suburban high school students. Today, they reach more than 170 urban communities and work with minorities and underprivileged youth.
Besides the rapid growth of their ministry in general, Young Life also started two other divisions to their program. Wyldfire was founded for middle school students, and the Capernaum Project was inspired by and started for disabled youth. They also have outreaches specifically designed to reach small, rural communities, as well as one that targets the needs and wants of pregnant teens. Lastly, their college program meets older youth where they are, right on their college campuses.
This church-based organization isn't just about helping Americans either. Their international ministries currently have presences in France, Canada, Germany, Brazil, and they also have conducted short term outreaches to over 50 countries.
The Doctrinal Beliefs of the Ministry
Young Life is a Bible-based missionary program, and the foundation of everything that they do comes straight from what they believe to be the word of God. All staff and volunteers believe in the conception, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the church believes that salvation and eternal life are found only through Him. So what exactly does this mean? In short, their ministers are spending their lives showing young people how to help and hang onto their faith - by letting go!
While almost everything in a teen's life seems confusing and complicated, the church believes that of the gospel message doesn't have to be. They believe in the simple ease in which many can come to accept Christ as their Savior and that through Him, and His teachings, the rest will just naturally fall into place and grow within a person over time.
How Students Get Involved with Young Life
Since the organization focuses the bulk of its energies on students, it is a welcoming presence on campus that often takes the first step when it comes to reaching young people. With outgoing, dynamic campus pastors, students are invited throughout the school year to a myriad of Christ-focused activities, all of which give them the opportunity to become a Christian if they so desire.
Recognizing that teenagers tend to have plenty of energy to burn, whether that fire is burning for academics, sports, friendships, dating relationships, or a variety of other things, YL ministers know how to reach these "burning hearts" and direct them toward the positive, God-directed role in their lives. While many Young Life students have been raised in Christian homes, many others become Christian only after they begin involvement.
This Christian organization also works hard to make sure that once students get involved, they have a reason to stay there. With an embracing attitude and fun activities that go beyond simple weekly meetings, many students who get to know the world of Young Life not only stay throughout their school years but go on to take part in a wide spectrum of ministry activities from becoming pastors to serving as overseas missionaries.
Once a year, the organization hosts approximately 75,000 middle and high schoolers throughout the nation, and these camps offer advanced multimedia presentations, comfortable accommodations, and a week away from it all. With a complete focus on the teens and God, the camp can lead to an extraordinary career paths and future.
Financing Such an Endeavor
Like most evangelical Christian groups, Young Life is a non-profit organization. Therefore, their ministry is 100% supported by donations. Financed primarily by people and organizations that hope to focus on the future of their community's young people, they also receive donations for their nationwide programs such as summer camps and scholarships. For more information, you can visit the Young Life home page.
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