AT FYI, we turn research into resources, for churches and families. Creators of #GrowingYoung, #GrowingWith, & #StickyFaith.
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We believe in young people, and we believe in the church. We exist to help the church become the best place for young people to grow. We transform cutting-edge research into resources for leaders and parents to help unlock young people's potential and unleash them to change the world. The Fuller Youth Institute is a research center at Fuller Theological Seminary.
06/24/2026
Need a fresh take on mission trips for your youth group? Serving locally can help teens become aware of needs in their own community and ways they can help.
In Episode 2 of our Faith & Mission podcast season, we asked youth ministry pros Erik Cave, William Leung, and Abigail Olds to share tips and ideas for youth groups serving their community close to home.
Listen to Season 13 of The FYI on Youth Ministry wherever you get your podcasts.
06/23/2026
What young people are actually seeking from churches today may surprise you—and your church may already have it.
How is your ministry helping young people find quiet space to listen to God in today’s noisy world?
06/19/2026
Today’s Gen Alpha teens are seeking adults who are open to hearing their hearts, their hurts, and their concerns.
Which quality on their list surprises you most?
06/11/2026
During the summer months, just a little fall planning each week can help you and your team feel more balanced when the new school year arrives.
How do you organize your youth ministry to-do list?
06/09/2026
What makes an adult trustworthy in the eyes of Gen Alpha teens?
According to the young people in our latest research, trust grows when adults:
- listen without judging
- respect their views
- follow through
- live with integrity
- truly know them
For youth leaders, parents, and caring adults, this is both encouraging and challenging. Young people aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for consistency, authenticity, and presence.
These insights come from FYI’s latest research on Gen Alpha and faith. Download the report at the link in the comments.
Which one stands out to you most?
Youth ministry is somehow:
- deep theological conversations
- bulk snack runs
- weird Amazon searches
- mental health support
- camp planning
- Lego collections
…all before lunch. 😅
Huge thanks to members of our Youth Ministry Advisory Council for helping us capture the beautifully chaotic reality of youth ministry life. We’re grateful for leaders like these who keep showing up for young people every day.
Youth pastors, what would you add to the list?
06/03/2026
Many adults in church wonder, “Do today’s teenagers even want us in their lives anymore?”
Our latest research on Gen Alpha and faith suggests the resounding answer is YES!
But the qualities young people are looking for in a mentor may surprise you.
05/29/2026
Youth leader, in case no one else has said it yet: WAY TO GO. You made it through another ministry year, and that’s a big deal.
What do you do first when summer begins—take a break, or plan your fall launch?
05/26/2026
Mission trips and service projects can be deeply transformative experiences for young people, but only when we approach them with humility, preparation, and a posture of listening.
In episode one of The FYI on Youth Ministry podcast, Carlos Piñero, Dick Lee, and Jen Bradbury reflect on the purpose of mission and service trips, how to prepare students well, and why these experiences still matter for spiritual formation today.
Listen to Season 13, Episode 1 wherever you get your podcasts.
05/26/2026
As summer approaches, students lose structure and routine.
That shift can create space for growth or lead to disconnection.
Helping students take one intentional step can shape their entire summer.
What’s one thing you want your students to focus on this summer?