Young Adult Leadership Lab GAEDE INSTITUTE
Reimagining Young Adult Ministry Together
For many, young adulthood is a time of growing awareness of their own identities and gifts, the real needs of the world, and the ways they might be called to serve God’s kingdom. But this is also a time of life when people are less likely to participate in a church community. That's a loss to young adults, but it's also a loss to congregations, who miss the chance to be challenged and refreshed by the experiences of young adults.
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½'s Young Adult Leadership Lab (YALL) brings together young adults (ages 23-29)
and California churches to imagine new possibilities for ministry together. Through
a supportive learning community, we equip congregations to listen well, experiment
courageously, and create sustainable ministries where young adults belong, lead, and
offer their unique gifts to the life and mission of the church.
Applications for our 2026-2027 cohort are now closed. Please contact us at yall@westmont.edu with any questions.
When?
Our first annual 2026-2027 YALL gathering will be held November 13-15, 2026.
Where?
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, Santa Barbara
Who's Eligible?
Christian churches in California are eligible to participate in the Young Adult Leadership Lab
Congregational Grants
Thanks to the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc., participating congregations are invited to apply for funding for up to $30,000 to design and launch innovative ministries in partnership with young adults.
All Young Adult Leadership Lab activities are offered free of charge to participating church teams, including travel costs to and from Santa Barbara for our cohort gatherings.
What to Expect
- Participate as a team in an in-person Young Adult Leadership Lab gathering in late fall 2026 and summer/fall 2027.
- Meet at least monthly as a congregational team.
- Participate in a monthly conversation with the YALL directors. This conversation typically includes the pastoral representative and one of the YALL directors.
- Participate in a quarterly virtual YALL community gathering.
- Maintain regular communication with the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Young Adult Leadership Lab directors.
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Share insights, learnings, and plans with the YALL learning community and your congregation.
Learn in Community
- Listen to the voices of young adults as they reflect on their stories of faith and lives in the church.
- Enhance your congregational understanding of the spiritual and social lives of young adults.
Reimagine Ministry
- Explore your congregational context as you consider new opportunities for ministry with young adults.
- Design, test, and refine innovative ministries with young adults.
- Receive funding for your ministries.
Reflect and Refine your Work
- Share your learnings and insights with the YALL community and your congregation.
- Celebrate progress and keep experimenting!
Contact Us
Christen Foell
Director, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Young Adult Leadership Labcfoell@westmont.edu
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Sarah Garland
Associate Director, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Young Adult Leadership Labsgarland@westmont.edu
