youngadults.today 8 Things That Actually Work in Young Adult Ministry (2026 Edition)
How do you reach young adults in 2026—beyond hype, events, and algorithms? In this episode, Josiah & Micah Kennealy unpack 8 things that are actually working in young adult ministry right now, drawn from real-life ministry, Scripture, and stories of leaders across the country.
Whether you’re a pastor, volunteer, or just passionate about discipling the next generation, this conversation will give you practical, transferable ideas you can start using this week.
In This Episode, We Talk About:-
Prayer as the engine of ministry
- Why prayer must fuel everything you do
- Practical ideas: prayer walks, pre-service prayer, intercession nights
- Being a praying leader, not just a leader who prays
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Access to homes & tables
- Why opening your home changes how people experience “pastor” and “church”
- Acts 2 as a model for house-to-house ministry and shared meals
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Authenticity over just more content
- Why young adults are exhausted by noise but hungry for honest, biblical teaching
- Creating dialogue spaces where questions and doubts are welcomed, not shamed
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Serving the community
- Stories like 30 for Freedom and Venture
- Helping young adults live out the Gospel in tangible, justice-oriented ways
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Spiritual and practical mentorship
- How to DTR a mentoring relationship (twice a month for three months, clear expectations)
- Why everyone who can pray and listen has something to offer
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Community and friendships that last
- Teaching young adults how to build and be godly friends
- Why content is everywhere, but true community is rare
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Encounters in God’s presence
- Unhurried altar times, worship, prayer gatherings
- The power of living-room sized spaces for life-marking moments with God
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More than just a service
- After-parties, retreats, camps, and unstructured hangouts
- Creating shared experiences where young adults find “my people”
“Young adults don’t need just another event. They need a place where they’re known.” – Josiah
“Truth that isn’t watered down but isn’t weaponized is powerful.” – Micah
- Lead with Prayer by Ryan Scoog
- 30 for Freedom – anti-trafficking movement: https://30forfreedom.org
- Venture – justice and missions initiatives: https://venture.org
Kick off the year with us at our free digital conference for young adult ministry leaders on Wednesday, January 21 at 11:00am Central (on Zoom).
👉 Register here: https://youngadults.today/digital-conference (link as mentioned in the episode)