Young Life is a Christian-based youth organization focused on helping adolescents in middle school, high school and college grow in their faith and connection to Christ through personal relationships, education and community.
Operating worldwide and in all 50 U.S. states, the organization has a strong presence across Northeast Ohio, with active bases in cities such as Lakewood, Avon, Fairview and Rocky River, as well as many others across the country.
Founded in 1941 by minister Jim Rayburn in Gainesville, Texas, Young Life was born out of a growing concern: Many teenagers were increasingly disconnected from traditional church settings. Rayburn believed that if young people were not coming to church, the church needed to go to them. His solution was to meet kids where they were comfortable with each other.
That outreach happens through consistent presence in students’ everyday lives. Leaders attend sporting events, visit students at their workplaces and take time to learn names and share stories.
“The mission of Young Life is to teach adolescents about Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith,” said Luke Nickel, staff associate of Young Life Lakewood. “A big thing about Young Life is helping kids that would never go to church come and hear about Jesus.”
Nickel has served as a staff associate in Lakewood since August 2023, following in the footsteps of his father, who also worked for Young Life. He said seeing the organization’s impact firsthand inspired him to pursue the role.
“We break down walls and social barriers,” Nickel said. “Sometimes that looks like buying kids Taco Bell or just getting them to laugh. We believe laughter only happens when you’re comfortable, and comfort leads to trust.”
A key part of Young Life is Campaigners, a group made up of local high school students who meet once a week at the house of Luke Nickel and his wife, Lindsey, on Monday for Bible study and fellowship.
“I think it’s important because it just, like, gives you a stress reliever at the end of a sucky Monday,” said Robin Shafer, a high school participant.
Part of what makes Young Life different is its teaching methods and the genuine connections it builds — something hard to find in the traditional church settings kids are used to.
“We try to be a safe and open space where kids can come, live life and hear from adults who genuinely care about them,” Nickel said.
For people involved, the impact can be deeply personal. “It makes me a better person and teaches me great things,” said Kostandin Laska, another high school participant. “Young Life has been such an important aspect of my life because it brings me closer to God.”
Young Life hosts week-long summer camps and other events, like Fall Weekend, every year to help kids come out of their shells and closer to God and nature with minimal distractions. These camps can be life-changing, offering a break from daily routines and technology.
Campers build lasting friendships, develop confidence and have opportunities for deep reflection through group discussions and individual reflection. Many participants return home with a renewed sense of faith, higher self-esteem and a stronger sense of belonging to a supportive community.
More than 80 years after its founding, Young Life continues to rely on the same approach Jim Rayburn first envisioned, building trust through genuine relationships. In Lakewood, those relationships are formed through open doors and a consistent message that students are seen, valued and welcomed, no matter who they are.
