Since Young Life of Canada began in 1954, staff and volunteers have been leaving their adult comfort zone to meet teens “on their turf”. You will find Young Life leaders wherever kids are found: cheering in the stands at a hockey game, encouraging them in school activities, or hanging out at the nearest coffee shop or skate park . Young Life communities strive to create meaningful, mentoring relationships between leaders and teens and to create spaces where teens are listened to, and where questions of life and faith can be discussed.

Relational ministry understands the truth that the most effective way to promote radical change is through deep relationships. This type of ministry places a high priority on leaders developing meaningful friendships with kids. It is based on the Biblical model of Jesus, who chose 12 to be with Him, believing that a life-on-life is the best way to effect lasting change in another person’s life.

Incarnational ministry is proactive relational ministry. It is based on God’s way of doing “business” — not expecting us to understand Him or figure Him out, but rather becoming flesh and walking among us as Jesus. It is based on how Jesus lived, revealing Himself primarily out in the people’s homes, in their streets, in their fields, rather than expecting people to come to Him in the synagogue. It is based on the experience that teens listen to the reality of the Gospel from a friend, through whom they have seen the love of God “fleshed out.” The Young Life leader consistently steps outside of the teens involved in the group to initiate relationships with those outside the group. Young Life is an incarnational ministry and contact work is a way of life. In fact, building friendship with kids is the “DNA” of Young Life.

In all of our Young Life communities, we seek to engage teenagers through long-term relationships, allowing room for trust and mentorship. Because every teen is unique, we have developed a variety of programs — both one on one and in groups —  to further these relationships, as well as provide unique, life-giving adventures. Even just one positive influence in a teen’s life can change their outlook for the better, and affect their decisions for the future.