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
Children and Youth Programing and Resources
Love of Children Program
Outdoor Ministries
Additional Links and Resources
What’s Happening
Regional Youth Events (RYE)
Multiple US locations – Summer of 2024 – One theme and registration site for ease and convenience – more info to come this fall!
- Western RYE – June 23rd-27th, 2024
- Great Lakes and West Central RYE – July 17th-20th, 2024
- Southern RYE – July 23rd-26th, 2024
- New England / Eastern RYE – July 28th-31st, 2024
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.
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
There is no shortage of children and youth in the world, just in the church! Our children are working toward justice and wholeness in small steps wherever they can find their beloved community.
Questions?
Please contact Rev. Trayce Potter (pottert@ucc.org), Minister for Children and Youth Engagement, for more information.
