December 29, 2025
Youth For Christ casts a big, bold vision to see a new generation wholly devoted to Jesus
Pete Kirchhoff, YFC Director of Campus Ministry: ‘We’re convinced that this is a defining moment for the next generation’
DENVER — Today’s youth are growing up in a culture where religious affiliation has been steadily declining for decades. Yet new research indicates that personal spirituality is growing increasingly common among Generation Alpha, or those born between 2010 and 2024. Insights reveal that a majority of 13-year-olds claim a religious or spiritual identity, identify as Christian and profess personal belief in a higher power. Additionally, according to recent Barna research, younger generations are the biggest drivers of why belief in Jesus is on the rise. Young people are now incorporating Jesus into every aspect of their lives, including music, as Christian and gospel music are among the fastest-growing genres in the U.S.
For 81 years, Youth For Christ (YFC, www.yfc.net) has reached young people with God’s love by walking alongside teens through pivotal circumstances in their lives. YFC believes that this moment offers a unique opportunity to share the Gospel with a generation in search of spiritual purpose and meaning.
According to Pete Kirchhoff, YFC Director of Campus Ministry, “For decades we’ve been hearing a consistent message: People are falling away from faith. But when you spend time with teenagers, and as you start listening, it appears that God is moving among these young people.
“I’ve been working in youth ministry for 20 years and, more so than ever before, I’m seeing teenagers open to talking about deeper things. Springtide Research Institute’s study showed that 66% of 13-year-olds identify with a Christian worldview; 74% are at least slightly open to religion; and 82% consider themselves at least slightly spiritual. So while these young people may not be familiar with Christianity or the church, they show an encouraging level of openness and a real searching.
“Generation Alpha is deeply passionate about the causes they believe in. They are uniquely positioned to shape culture as influential voices. And they are primed to rise as the leaders of the next spiritual awakening in our world. We see tremendous potential in these young people to impact the world for Christ.
“At YFC, we’re convinced that this is a defining moment for the next generation. So we’re committed to expanding our ministry sites to reach more teens in more places. We’re focused on recruiting and equipping thousands of caring leaders to walk alongside and disciple these young people. And we will continue to innovate new ministry models to meet students wherever they’re at in life.
“As we look to the future, YFC is filled with anticipation for what lies ahead: a generation of young people who once seemed lost, now leading the way with faith, compassion and courage.”
Youth For Christ (YFC) has been a leader in missional youth outreach for 81 years and is dedicated to uncovering God’s story of hope in the next generation that desperately needs it. YFC reaches young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who then lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the Word of God and prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ, and commitment to social involvement.
YFC chapters impact thousands of communities across the nation, seeking out and serving youth from all walks of life. Young people are silently struggling through a wide variety of challenging issues — and through the YFC ministry, God empowers them and they see the living power of a loving God. YFC trains its leaders in a proven, relational ministry model called 3Story®, which encourages staff and volunteers to be good news while also sharing the stories of the Good News of Jesus. It involves building relationships through the ups and downs of everyday life to lead people to Christ.
YFC has been a pillar of missional ministry since 1944, when Dr. Billy Graham served as YFC’s first full-time staff member. Since then, Youth For Christ has continued to be both a rural and urban ministry on mission, and it is always about the message of Jesus. Youth For Christ USA has over 113 chapters that impact communities across America and is one of over 100 nations within Youth For Christ International.
Learn more about Youth For Christ at its website, www.yfc.net, Facebook and Instagram pages or on Vimeo.
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To interview a Youth For Christ representative, contact Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, Dawn Foglein, ext. 100, or Daniel Moyer, ext. 104.
