Youth Ministry Matters: Growing Faith, and the Church in 2026

What does it mean to invest in the future of the church? For Mountain Laurel Presbytery, one answer can be found in the young people who gather together to worship, learn, serve, ask questions, build friendships, and discover what it means to be part of the body of Christ this past summer at Montreat.

In 2026, youth ministry continues to be an important part of the church’s mission. Young people are navigating a rapidly changing world while seeking meaningful relationships, a sense of belonging, and opportunities to explore their faith. The church has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to create spaces where young people know that they are not simply the future of the church, but valued members of the church today.

During the last week of July, nine youth and three adults from Mountain Laurel Presbytery traveled to the western mountains of North Carolina to participate in the Montreat youth conference. One additional youth joined the group later in the week, bringing the total to 13 participants from four Mountain Laurel Presbytery churches. Our fearless leader, Rev. Taylor Hall organized the trip. He works as the Pastor of Faith Formation at the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown. Additional leadership was Kristina Grum, a member of FPC Allentown and the office administrator from Mountain Laurel Presbytery, Hannah Johnson.

The week was centered around three simple but powerful ideas: nature, worship, and fellowship.

Each morning began with breakfast together. While breakfast might seem like a small part of the schedule, these moments became an important opportunity to check in, talk, laugh, and strengthen relationships within the group. In youth ministry, those everyday moments matter. Faith is not formed only during worship or Bible study; it is also nurtured through relationships and the experience of being known and welcomed.

Morning worship brought together young people and adults from throughout the conference. Rev. PJ Craig helped participants consider themes of belonging and encouraged them to reflect on what each day might bring.

Afternoons provided another opportunity for growth through small-group activities across the Montreat property. Youth met people from different communities and backgrounds who had gathered for many of the same reasons: to explore their faith, experience God through creation, and build relationships with others in the church.

Those experiences highlight one of the great strengths of presbytery-wide youth ministry. A local congregation can provide an important spiritual home for young people, but gathering across congregations allows youth to see the larger church. They discover that their faith community extends beyond the walls of their own church building.

Evening worship continued throughout the conference, with Rev. Kate Murphy preaching each night with passion and joy. Through Bible stories and reflections on faith and life, she encouraged participants to think not only about what they believe, but also about who they are becoming.

Joy and play are such important parts of youth ministry. During the week, participants enjoyed a foam party, prayer stations, and a talent show. Mountain Laurel Presbytery even had its own moment in the spotlight when Chris became the first performer of the talent show with a rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” These moments of laughter and celebration are not separate from ministry. They are part of it.

The week concluded with a candlelight service around the lake at the center of the Montreat conference grounds. After days of worship, conversation, recreation, and fellowship, the service provided a quiet reminder of the community that had formed throughout the week.

For Mountain Laurel Presbytery, experiences like this are an investment in the whole church.

Youth ministry requires time, resources, committed adults, supportive congregations, and opportunities for young people to gather beyond their individual church communities. But the investment reaches far beyond a single event or week. It helps young people develop relationships with one another and with adults who can accompany them on their faith journeys. It gives them opportunities to discover their gifts and their voices. It reminds them that they have a place in the church right now.

As the church looks toward the future, youth ministry should not be viewed as simply another program on the church calendar. It is part of the church's ministry of discipleship, community, and belonging.

The young people of Mountain Laurel Presbytery returned from Montreat with new friendships, new experiences, and memories that will stay with them. Most importantly, they returned knowing that they belong to a community of faith that loves them.

Their week at Montreat was unforgettable—but its greatest significance may be what it reminds all of us: when the church makes space for young people to worship, question, connect, lead, and belong, the entire church grows stronger.