Since 1944, Youth for Christ has had a distinctive history of youth evangelism. In the early 1940s, many young men, mostly ministers and evangelists, were holding large rallies in Canada, England and the United States. As the hunger for God’s Word grew it became evident that there needed to be someone to coordinate this movement, providing leadership, strategy, and coordinating speakers, musicians and locations.
Beginning in dozens of cities at the end of World War II, YFC quickly organized into a national movement. Billy Graham became YFC’s first full-time staff member. Starting with Saturday night youth rallies in the late 1940s and early 1950s, YFC’s ministry methodology turned to Bible Clubs in the late ’50s and ’60s. It was in this period of ministry that the concept of teen-to-teen evangelism was birthed. Then in the middle ’60s and early ’70s, Campus Life and Campus Life/JV ministries to senior and junior high youth began to be the thrust of YFC ministry.
Since that time several ministry models have emerged. Youth Guidance became an avenue for reaching at-risk and institutionalized young people. Teen Moms developed to mentor and equip young mothers with parenting skills as well as the love of Jesus Christ. Urban Ministries reach the millions of young people in our major urban communities, partnering with the church and other organizations. Ministries are tailored to reach youth in urban, suburban and rural settings.
History
Since 1944, Youth for Christ has had a distinctive history of youth evangelism. In the early 1940s, many young men, mostly ministers and evangelists, were holding large rallies in Canada, England and the United States. As the hunger for God’s Word grew it became evident that there needed to be someone to coordinate this movement, providing leadership, strategy, and coordinating speakers, musicians and locations.
Beginning in dozens of cities at the end of World War II, YFC quickly organized into a national movement. Billy Graham became YFC’s first full-time staff member. Starting with Saturday night youth rallies in the late 1940s and early 1950s, YFC’s ministry methodology turned to Bible Clubs in the late ’50s and ’60s. It was in this period of ministry that the concept of teen-to-teen evangelism was birthed. Then in the middle ’60s and early ’70s, Campus Life and Campus Life/JV ministries to senior and junior high youth began to be the thrust of YFC ministry.
Since that time several ministry models have emerged. Youth Guidance became an avenue for reaching at-risk and institutionalized young people. Teen Moms developed to mentor and equip young mothers with parenting skills as well as the love of Jesus Christ. Urban Ministries reach the millions of young people in our major urban communities, partnering with the church and other organizations. Ministries are tailored to reach youth in urban, suburban and rural settings.
