Young people are dealing with mental health issues more than ever before. The church has a special role to play, offering a safe, non-judgmental place where young people can find support and help for their struggles.
Here are some key ideas for making your children’s/youth ministry a safe space for young people with mental health challenges:
1. Understand Mental Illness as a Medical Condition
Don’t mistake mental illness for a lack of faith or a spiritual failing. It’s a medical issue, and it should be treated with the same seriousness as any physical illness. When you talk about mental health, be clear that things like anxiety don’t mean a person is “bad” or that God loves them any less. Helping young people see their illness for what it is can empower them to seek the right help and thrive.
2. Treat Mental Health Seriously
Mental illness is not a joke or a phase. It’s a serious condition that can be life-limiting or even life-threatening. Create a culture where kids feel safe enough to talk about their struggles. It’s also vital to have a plan for how to refer them to mental health professionals. Getting a child/youth the right professional help could save their life.
3. Foster Safe and Connected Spaces
Young people need places where they feel safe, loved, and like they belong. These spaces are crucial for developing healthy ways to cope. Be intentional about creating these environments and regularly check in to see if they’re working. Ask yourself: Are leaders making kids feel safe? Is there any bullying? Listening to your kids and their families will give you the best ideas for improvement.
4. Train Your Leaders
All your youth leaders and volunteers should be trained to recognize the signs of common mental illnesses in young people, like depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. This training should be led by mental health professionals. Your leaders need to know how to respond seriously and what community resources to use. They should never feel they have to be a therapist; their job is to connect students with professionals who can help.
5. Teach with Grace, Not Guilt
The way you teach about faith can either help or harm. Teaching that is overly rigid or fear-based can lead to guilt, anxiety, and other harmful feelings. Instead, teach with grace. Encourage them to be honest about their emotions and to understand that their faith and their mental health can coexist.
6. Encourage Healthy Emotional Habits
Help young people learn to recognize and understand their emotions. Teach them to notice how their feelings affect their actions and what might trigger certain moods. You can do this by modeling mindfulness and encouraging kids to be aware of their own feelings.
7. Build Positive Self-Image
Your children/youth are valuable and unique. Show them that by listening to their ideas and celebrating their strengths. Give them opportunities to express themselves and use their talents. Letting them take the lead on projects—like a food drive or a tutoring program—helps them build a sense of self-worth.
8. Create Space for Accountability
Adult leaders are responsible for making children’s/youth ministry a safe place. This means you need to be open to feedback and willing to make changes. Talk to them about their experiences. Were they uncomfortable with a topic? Did they feel unsafe? Are they being bullied? Create space to have these tough conversations and act on what you lear
Let’s Glow for God!
Elementary Retreat
(Grades 1-5)
October 4-5
Camp Kinard
Note Change of Date!
Child and Youth Protection Policy for Churches and Faith Communities
Thursday, November 20, 2025
10:00 AM
Presenter: Lexanne Graves, Pinnacle AssociateLocation – TBD, Columbia, SC
Cost: $50
Anticipated Outcomes for Participants:
- Educate participants about facts of child sexual abuse and understand the risks
- Focus on ways to minimize the risks specific to one’s context
- Provide multiple resources on creating one’s policy
- Discuss trainings and screenings needed and how to handle reporting child sexual abuse
- Craft an outline for one’s policy
Register
Ensuring the safety and security of our children and youth is paramount to fostering a thriving and trustworthy faith community. This workshop directly addresses this by focusing on the development and implementation of effective Child/Youth Protection Policies. It begins by asking: ‘Does our church/faith community have a Child/Youth Protection Policy with annual trainings for adult staff and volunteers?’ This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about proactively mitigating risks, building trust with families, and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the vulnerable members of our community. This training will guide leaders through the process of creating a context-specific policy and provide actionable steps and outlines for putting it into practice, ultimately strengthening our ability to protect and nurture our young people. Without a clear and consistently enforced Child/Youth Protection Policy and regular training, your faith community risks failing to adequately protect vulnerable individuals, potentially leading to harm and eroding the trust of families and the wider community.
Extravaganza 2026
January 30-February 2, 2026
St. Louis, Missouri
This leadership event gathers church leaders who work with children, youth, young adults and their families for 4 days and 3 nights of focused learning and growth in your ministry.
I am pleased to announce a special scholarship opportunity for one individual to attend. This scholarship, valued at $350, covers the full registration fee for a first-time attendee + one year membership to ELCAYMNET. (Note: Travel and housing expenses are not included.)
If your group/congregation would like to learn more about Synod Children’s, Youth and Family Ministry, I am available to speak. Email me at deborah@scsynod.com.
We can’t wait to bring the best parts of the @elcagathering to Lutheridge next summer! High school participants will experience camps activities like pool, crafts, campfires, challenge tower, and hiking; and Gathering activities like worship, speakers, and house band music. We are also excited to offer concurrent continuing education for youth leaders!
Put it on your calendar: July 12-17, 2026 at Lutheridge! Registration will open in November.
RESOURCES
From Fuller Youth Institute
Leading change that changes you
Fall lineup of training specifically for CYF leaders
Each session is short, practical, and packed with encouragement. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to build momentum, these events are designed to give you tools you can actually use.
Home – Youth Ministry Consultants
Family Faith Formation: Worship Tools (Block 4)
-UPDATED-
THEME FOR 2025-2026
MATTHEW 5: 17. “LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE”
Rooted in the knowledge of God’s love and grace, and empowered by our baptismal calling to live, hear, share, proclaim, serve, and strive, South Carolina Synod Children, Youth and Family Ministry is called to nurture youth as lights for the world, equipping them to discover their gifts, embrace belonging, and become faithful leaders and servants of Christ.
EVENTS IN 2025-2026
October 4-5: Elementary Retreat – “What is a Disciple?”
October 19: Marty Party
November 1: Mental Health Summit (Synod-Wide)
November 20: Child Protection Policy Training
January TBA: CYFM Cabinet
January 23-25: Middle School Retreat – “What is a Disciple?”
February 6-7: CYF Leaders –
March 13-15: Confirmation Retreat (6-8)
May 15-17: High School Retreat – “What is a Disciple?”
June: Leadership Summit – What it Means to be a Faithful Leader In conjunction with Synod Assembly. Will include social gatherings, pool party, etc.
June/July: Camp Hugg
GraceWorks
