“People often say that youth are the future of the Church,” says the Rev. George Swenson, Youth Formation Coordinator (pictured above, right). “I see it differently. Youth are the Church right now. They’re already seeking, serving, and showing us what faith looks like in action.”

Our job, then, is to support them.

That’s exactly what we’re doing. Since 2024, we’ve been reimagining youth ministry across the diocese, creating safe, meaningful, and engaging opportunities for young people exploring their faith. By partnering with congregations and community organizations, we meet youth where they are and help them build lasting connections with God and one another.

Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve done/plan to do in 2025-2026:

• A Faith in Action retreat with the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, where teens explored how to live out their faith every day.

• A Collaboration Day with the Barbara C. Harris Camp and the Contemplative Action Network focused on building community through love and service.

• A Creation Care Hike during the Season of Creation, combining faith, fellowship, and care for God’s creation.

• A Pilgrimage Honoring Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama — Coming August 2026!

“Youth ministry is at its best,” the Rev. George Swenson. “When it moves beyond classrooms and into lived experiences of faith.”

We’re also dreaming big about the future. Our vision for diocesan youth ministry is to ensure that every young person has a place to grow, deepen their faith, ask honest questions, and discover a community where they belong.

And we’re just getting started.

Got a great youth ministry story, idea, or question? We’d love to hear it! Reach out to the Rev. George Swenson.