Date

2-13-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD)

Chair

Melody K. Smith

Keywords

Volunteer leaders, Young adult ministries, Discipleship, Spiritual growth, Millennials, Gen Z

Disciplines

Education | Religion

Abstract

Developing and retaining young adult ministry volunteers helps engage young adults and foster church growth. An article in Lifeway Research states that “Two-thirds (66%) of those who attended church regularly in high school dropped out for at least a year as a young adult” (Earls, 2019). Understanding the views and experiences of church ministry volunteers of this age group is essential as these young men and women are integral to reaching, discipling, and retaining them in the church. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of volunteer leaders of young adult ministries in Midwest Protestant churches, mainly in Nebraska and Illinois, which have existed for at least two years. For this study, young adult ministry was defined as Christian discipleship efforts geared toward young men and women aged 18 to 35. The theory that guided this qualitative research is hermeneutic phenomenology. The theory asserts that individuals are unique in their life experiences (Moustakas, 1994). The findings highlight the interwoven dimensions of spiritual calling, relational engagement, leadership formation, and organizational support. The study concludes that effective young adult ministry depends on volunteer leaders who are well-trained, spiritually grounded, and relationally supported.

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