We begin our mission of reestablishing a young adult ministry at our church in January 2008. Our first step was to assemble a staff of young leaders who could provide insight into the cultures and backgrounds of our target audience to help with the formation and direction of this ministry.

Our new staff determined this group needed an opportunity to connect with one another and we set out to build personal relationships using small group meetings.  We begin meeting once a month, usually in a member’s home for a short devotion, bible study and fellowship.  Each meeting gave attendees opportunities to discuss scripture, pray together, and even share their own spiritual inspirations at times.  Simultaneously, we also begin having one social event each month that focused on meeting the social needs of this group.  For example, we would enjoy a theatre performance, ballgame, bowling or even a cookout.
After 6 months of small group meetings once a month, we then transitioned into meeting twice a month in someone’s home for our group bible studies while continuing our social events as well.  This carried us through our first year.  We saw our small group attendance grow from 4 to over 25 consistently.

In 2009, we started the year off having a small group meeting once a week.  Unsure of the effect a weekly meeting would have on our attendance, we quickly discovered that while not increasing our weekly numbers it did bring in more new faces. The end result was that while our numbers were very similar to before, we had a different group of people attending each week.
In April 2009, we replaced our weekly small groups with a LifeGroup class that meets every Sunday morning before our Worship Service for bible study. This class has grown by over 50% since it began.  Even so, our staff has decided to start the bimonthly bible study again this Fall because of its effectiveness in reaching our group through personal “connections”.
Our group has also taken on service opportunities to give back to our community.  We organize local food drives, grocery assistance, volunteerism at a local shelter, and beginning this year we are starting a yearly “special” project to help someone in need.

However, realizing a need and hunger for more worship and bible study opportunity, we have decided to launch monthly worship services beginning August 29.  Our objective is to bring the entire group together once a month for worship and spiritual growth.  This will also help members within the group connect with new friends and possibly reconnect with old friends.  We want this time together to build a group identity.  We want our service to create a relaxed yet exciting atmosphere with a genuine hunger for more of God.

Young adult ministry has become a huge demographic open for evangelism and revival in our country. This is a place in life that warrants God’s guidance to develop spiritual independence and steadfastness.

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— Paul Moore

Pastor James Kilgore II | Life Tabernacle | Houson, Texas