If you’re looking for a young adult ministry jumpstart—especially one that includes college ministry—you have to begin by unlearning some common assumptions. Too often, young adults are labeled as disconnected, hyper-progressive, or impossible to please. But what I’ve discovered, both through personal ministry experience and through the research, 12+. years in higher educaiton and stories behind our latest book, No Youth No Church, tells a very different story.
Young adults are not looking for perfection. Many are far more conservative than we assume. To be clear, this isn’t political conservatism—it’s a desire for theological clarity, moral direction, and stable community. And mission—not programming—remains the true starting point for any healthy young adult ministry.
Who Are Young Adults?
A successful young adult ministry jumpstart begins with clarity about who you are actually serving. Young adults are not a single, one-size-fits-all group. Generally, they fall into three broad categories.
The first group is ages 18–22, often referred to as college-age or emerging adults. These are college students and early workforce entrants who are navigating identity, belief, and belonging. I interact wiith this group almost everyday.
The second group, ages 23–29, includes early young adults—young professionals who are beginning to establish faith ownership, vocational direction, and long-term life rhythms. The third group, ages 30–35, consists of established young adults who are often married, parenting, or settled into careers and are seeking depth, leadership opportunities, and discipleship. I know this is random but I can't believe I'm outside of the 30-35 group. When did this happen? SMH I digress lol
College ministry is not optional within this framework—it is foundational. What we do consistently with college students today determines the future health of young adult ministry tomorrow.
The First Step in Any Young Adult Ministry Jumpstart: Mission
When leaders ask what should come first—building a team, building connections, or establishing the mission—the answer remains the same: mission comes first.
Mission provides direction for leadership and creates a clear sense of belonging. It establishes a safe space where young adults can ask real questions without fear and creates the kind of consistency that builds trust over time. Young adults don’t commit to chaos. They commit to clarity and consistency, especially in a world that already feels unstable.
Young Adults Are Not Looking for Perfection
One of the biggest misconceptions in ministry today is that young adults demand flawless leadership and perfectly curated churches. In reality, they don’t. From my own experience, I’ve been surprised by how often young adults say they want honest leaders, clear convictions, and a safe space to wrestle with faith. They are looking for consistent leadership they can trust.
They are not asking leaders to have it all together. They are asking leaders to show up consistently and lead with integrity and the word of God.
“Culturized but Conservative”: A Surprising Reality
I’ve started describing many young adults as “culturized but conservative.” Yes, they are shaped by culture—social media, technology, global awareness, and rapid change all influence how they see the world. But many are also biblically curious, morally grounded, and drawn to structure and boundaries. They are often looking for faith communities that feel safe and stable rather than constantly shifting.
In an unpredictable world, consistency becomes a form of care.
The 5 Cs from
In No Youth No Church, we identify what actually helps college students and young adults move from attendance to ownership. As the book states, “If we want to attract college students, it's crucial to understand how to effectively engage and support them. To truly integrate college students into our teams and harness their energy and enthusiasm, we must provide them with five essential elements.”
The first is cash. College students live under real financial pressure, and a ministry that respects their time and economic reality builds trust. The second is community. Young adults need more than events; they need a safe community where relationships grow through consistency. The third is cause. A clear mission gives young adults a reason to stay, serve, and sacrifice. The fourth is care, which is experienced through presence, follow-up, and consistent shepherding—not occasional check-ins. The fifth is compensation , intentionally repeated, because financial stress shapes decisions more than we often admit. Acknowledging that reality communicates empathy and understanding.
Why Mission, Safety, and Consistency Go Together
Mission provides purpose. Consistency builds trust. A safe space allows growth. When all three are present, young adult ministry becomes a place where people don’t just attend—they belong.
Final Thought
A true young adult ministry jumpstart doesn’t come from chasing trends or striving for perfection. It comes from a clear mission, a safe space for honest faith, consistent leadership, a deep understanding of college students, and the recognition that young adults are often culturized—but more conservative than we expect.
When mission comes first and consistency follows, young adults don’t just show up. They stay, grow, and lead.
Consider this awesome eyeopening College Students: Gen Z Special Report and Resource Guide. Click Here to download.