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Youth Sunday at State Street

Led by the State Street Student Ministry

Key Thoughts from Director Michelle Minich

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WHY YOUTH SUNDAY?

• Youth are not just the future—they are the church today!
• Youth belong in every part of our church family.
• Today, look for students serving everywhere: worship, tech, coffee, kids’ ministry, greeting, and more!

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THE HEART OF YOUTH MINISTRY

Youth gravitate to the oldest person who will take them seriously.
(Dr. Chap Clark, Fuller Seminary)

• Youth ministry isn’t an add-on or a “mini church”—students need to be fully included in the life of our whole congregation.
• “The Mickey Mouse Ear” (Chap Clark): Don’t let the youth group be a side circle—bring students into the center!
• Assimilating students in church life develops faith, identity, and community.

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THE JOURNEY OF ADOLESCENCE

3 Big Adolescent Questions:
1. Identity: Who am I?
2. Autonomy: Do I matter?
3. Belonging: Where do I fit?

• Our hope: Each youth knows they are God’s child and that they belong here at State Street.
• “Tightrope of Adolescence”: Young people need at least 4–5 caring adults as a “safety net” besides their parents—coaches, teachers, relatives, volunteers, etc.
• Healthy teens are part of an interdependent community and know God as their loving Father.

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HOW TO MEET YOUTH (AND OTHERS) WHERE THEY ARE

• Listen first—show up with no agenda but care.
• Empathize—honor their story and struggles.
• Be flexible—every journey is unique.
• Ask questions—seek to understand before making assumptions.
• Encourage honestly—affirm the effort to share and be vulnerable.
• Sometimes, presence matters more than perfect words.

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JESUS’ EXAMPLE

• Jesus meets us where we are, every time—even behind our “locked doors” (see John 20:19–29).
• Jesus says “Peace be with you” before demands or judgment.
• We’re called to show up for others in the same way:
  
  • “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2)
  • Feed His sheep—care for those in need (John 21:15–17)

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FINAL ENCOURAGEMENTS

• Thank you, State Street adults, for being a welcoming and supportive “safety net”!
• The work you do to unlock doors and create belonging—big or small—matters deeply.
• Get out of your comfort zone to walk alongside youth or anyone God sends your way.

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“Maybe instead of praying, ‘God help me get through this,’ try, ‘God, help me see You in this.’”

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Questions? Want to mentor? Interested in volunteering with youth?

Contact Michelle Minich at michelle@statestreet.church

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Let’s keep meeting one another where we are—just as Jesus does for each of us!