A movement where Christ is named
Young Life
Campus & students · Founded 1941 · by Jim Rayburn · Colorado Springs, Colorado
Young Life is a Christian ministry to adolescents that began in 1941, founded by Jim Rayburn. It focuses on meeting young people where they are, building genuine relationships, and introducing them to Jesus Christ. Through club gatherings, small groups, camps, and caring adult leaders, Young Life reaches middle school, high school, and college students, along with specialized ministries for a wide range of young people.
What they do
Young Life builds relationships with adolescents through caring adult and volunteer leaders who spend time in young people's everyday world, earning trust and friendship.
It gathers students for club meetings that mix fun, music, and a clear message about Jesus, along with smaller groups called Campaigners for those who want to explore faith and the Bible more deeply.
Young Life is also well known for its camps and retreats, and it includes ministries reaching middle school, college, and diverse groups of young people.
The Scripture behind the work
Where the door leads
Young Life points young people to Jesus through friendship first, meeting them where they are and sharing the message of Christ in ways they can understand. A curious teen might come to a club, join a small group, or go to a camp, taking an honest next step toward knowing Jesus.
Connect to the real thing
The Living Bread is a door, not the destination. The life is with Christ and his people.
People also ask
Who is Young Life for?
Young Life focuses on adolescents, including middle school, high school, and college students, and has developed specialized ministries for a wide range of young people, including those with disabilities and teen parents.
Do you have to be religious to go to Young Life?
No. Young Life is designed to welcome young people wherever they are with faith, building relationships first and inviting them to explore the message of Jesus without pressure.