Youth Becoming

Discover the "Mother Sauces" of Youth Formation: Practical Wisdom from a Decade of Theological Innovation In an era marked by shifting cultural tides, young people are searching deeply for belonging, divine purpose, and spaces to wrestle with life's biggest questions. Youth Becoming invites youth ministry leaders, pastors, educators, and mentors into the "test kitchens" of high school theology programs funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. over the last decade. Rather than chasing quick trends or superficial recipes, Youth Becoming highlights twelve core, historic practices of the Christian tradition—the essential "mother sauces" of faith formation that have anchored believers for 2,000 years. Written by 12 leading scholar-practitioners from across the country—including Jeff Walling (Pepperdine), Casey Beaumier (Boston College), Mike Langford (Seattle Pacific), and Dr. Brian Hull—each chapter combines deep theological reflection with field-tested, adaptable wisdom. Inside this guide, you'll discover actionable practices and "recipes" for: Vocational Discernment: Guiding students to listen for God's call and illuminate their next most faithful steps. Table Fellowship & Worship: Empowering youth through inclusive spaces, worship arts, and active participation. Mentoring & Storytelling: Creating relational scaffolding and amplifying student testimonies. Creation, Justice, & Community Action: Connecting faith to ecological stewardship and rural community transformation. Whether you serve as a full-time youth pastor, volunteer, non-profit leader, or parent, Youth Becoming equips you to create transformative spaces where young adults can listen to God, connect in authentic community, and turn passion into purpose.