Written by Ellie Hill
Searcy continues to serve as a central hub for ministry, fostering a loving community and building enduring relationships within the church. This week, Searcy Young Life is being highlighted as a ministry dedicated to serving youth from diverse backgrounds, providing a space for teenagers to become part of something larger than themselves. While Young Life shares similarities with a church youth group, it distinguishes itself with its unique approach to reaching kids and teens. Whether or not they are members of the church or have been introduced to Jesus, Young Life’s mission is to ensure that every individual feels “fully known.”
Young Life offers programs that serve young people, including Wyld Life, which serves middle school students in grades 6-8; Young Life for high school students in grades 9-12; and College Young Life for university students. Additionally, the organization provides specialized programs for individuals with unique needs, such as Capernaum, which serves young people with special needs; Deaf Young Life for the deaf community; and Young Lives, a ministry for teen mothers.
In Searcy, the primary program offered is the high school chapter of Young Life. However, if necessary resources become available, there are aspirations to expand and include other branches such as Wyld Life and Young Lives.
Hazel Jackson, Harding University student and team leader for Young Life, emphasizes that the ministry’s overarching purpose has remained consistent since its founding in 1941: “to reach every young person, regardless of their background or life circumstances, by meeting them where they are.” Jackson, who has personal experience with the ministry, shared that Young Life provided her with a strong foundation to understand Jesus’ love, leading her to decide to be baptized at 14. This connection has also helped many other young teens build relationships, become part of a community, and learn how to apply God’s word to their lives. Savannah Cooke, a Harding student and former volunteer, said how her role in volunteering with Young Life positively impacted her life.
“Working alongside youth and teaching them to grow closer to Christ is something I often do not feel prepared for, but God provides consistently,” Cooke said.
Cooke said she encourages others to get involved with Young Life.
“If you are looking for an organization to plug into that makes a difference, Young Life is the place to look,” Cooke said.
Kaylie Stephenson said Young Life has helped show her how she can lead other people to Christ.
“Through the club, campaigners, camp, and just living life together, we have the opportunity to point them toward Jesus and watch them realize that following him can be both joyful and meaningful,” Cooke said. “In the process, they not only discover a personal relationship with Jesus but also find a community where they belong.”
Young Life’s approach to teaching the gospel is centered on relational ministry. Programs such as the weekly Young Life Club engage students in games while teaching the gospel.
The ministry organizes fundraising events throughout the year to support young people’s participation in the best week of their lives — Young Life summer camps. These camps offer activities such as go-karting in Colorado, horseback riding in Texas and participating in group activities that promote community and personal growth. These experiences, often unavailable to many young people, provide them with the opportunity to bond with others, create lasting memories and experience a sense of belonging and purpose.
