Children and Youth Engagement Ministries

Today, children and youth ministries are comprised of Gen Z/iGen and the youngest, Gen Alpha. Each of these groups have lived through different domestic and global events that have shaped the way they see the world. While some will never understand it, technology, social media, social justice movements and sustainability are of utmost importance to these generations and are important mediums to exercise and express their faith.

As Minister for Children & Youth Engagement, I believe it is our mission to equip these emerging young people to lead boldly and prophetically using every tool at their disposal. Their faith is the same as that of our parents, but the ways they will communicate it will look radically different. By building faithful communities, we can empower the next generation and build a more just world for those to come.

-Rev. Trayce L. Potter

What’s Happening

Regional Youth Events (RYE)

Re-imagining Youth Ministry

• In 2022, the United Church of Christ gathered nearly 200 people engaged in youth ministry in various settings to discuss innovating approaches and conversations in youth ministry, brainstorm around national and regional youth events, share best practices and discern what our collective vision is for youth ministry in the United Church of Christ. You can see the videos and reports below.
  • Youth Ministry Survey (2022)
  • State of Youth/Re-imagining Youth Ministry (2022)
  • Reset for Renewal (2020)
  • Reset for Renewal (2023)

Outdoor Ministries

• The Outdoor Ministries Association
• A listing of current each current UCC camp site can be found here

Additional Links and Resources

• Abuse Prevention Resources
• Association of United Church Educators
• UCC Youth Ministers Facebook Group