- Disciple Young Adults -
Young Adult Ministry
Help young adults find their place in your church and grow as disciples of Jesus. Start with practical guidance, a resource for your group, and a plan built around real relationships.
- Start with People -
Build a Ministry Young Adults Can Belong To
Young adult ministry begins with knowing the people in front of you. Some are in college, some are working, and others are figuring out a next step. Give them a place to open Scripture, ask honest questions, and build friendships within the life of your church.
Listen before you plan
Invite a few young adults to share what helps them connect and what makes participation difficult. Ask about schedules, transportation, work, and the questions they bring to faith.
Build a consistent gathering
Choose a rhythm your leaders can sustain. Share a meal, study Scripture together, and make room for conversation. A familiar welcome and a personal follow-up matter more than a packed calendar.
Help young adults lead and serve
Invite them into meaningful responsibility and relationships across generations. Connect your group with the larger church so belonging grows beyond one weekly meeting.
Read how to start a young adult ministry, or explore coaching for your leadership team.
- Who are Young Adults? -
Research That Helps Us Ask Better Questions
Young adulthood includes different paths through education, work, relationships, and home life. These findings provide context for ministry. They describe different age groups and should not be treated as a profile of every young adult.
Living in a Parental Home
One in eight adults ages 30–34 lived in a parental home in 2025.
In 2025, the share living in a parental home was:
58%
Ages 18–24
21%
Ages 25–29
13%
Ages 30–34
For ages 25–29, the share rose from 17% in 2007 to 21% in 2025. For ages 30–34, 13% was the highest share in the 2007–2025 series.
Men were more likely than women to live in a parental home in all three age groups.
BGSU / NCFMR · 2025 CPS ASEC data ↗
Published 2026. Includes all adults, regardless of marital status, living with their own or a spouse’s or partner’s parents.
Less Time with Friends
Americans ages 15–24 spent about 70% less time with friends in 2020 than in 2003. This historical comparison describes time spent together, not the share of young adults who feel lonely.
People are marrying later
In 2025, the median age at first marriage was about 31 for men and 28 for women. This has increased every year for the past 25 years, with a major increase since 2007.
By Dr. PJ Dunn
Called and Complete
A Christian devotional for college students and young adults learning to follow Jesus through decisions, relationships, work, and a changing season of life.
Explore Called and Complete and read a sample →
View current pricing and available formats on Amazon.
Keep Building Your Young Adult Ministry
Name ideas for a young adult ministry
Choose a name that helps people understand who the group is for and what they can expect.
How to start a young adult ministry
Work through practical first steps for gathering people and building a ministry your church can sustain.
Four steps to welcome young adults
Consider how your church’s relationships and everyday practices help young adults belong.
For research-informed ministry articles written by Dr. PJ Dunn in collaboration with Lifeway Research, visit PJ’s Lifeway Research author page.
Questions About Young Adult Ministry
What ages should a young adult ministry serve?
Be clear about the people your church is inviting. Our Young Adults 18+ guide begins at age 18. Local groups may focus on college students, adults in their twenties, or a broader age range. Life stage, schedules, and relationships can help you decide what fits your community.
Can married and single young adults participate together?
Yes. Make room for different experiences without treating marriage as the measure of spiritual maturity. Keep the focus on following Jesus, building friendships, and serving together.
Do we need a large group to begin?
No. Begin with the people who are ready to gather, a dependable leader, and a sustainable rhythm. If you need help with your next step, tell us about your church.
- Let's Connect! -
Build Your Young Adult Ministry
Contact us to learn how Table for One Ministries can equip your church with proven young adult ministry resources, coaching, and discipleship tools. Take the next step in young adult ministry.
DR. PJ DUNN
Minister, President, & Founder est.2013
Adjunct Professor NOBTS ProDoc Program
Senior Consultant for Revitalization, GBMB
Author w/ Lifeway Christian Resources
20+ years serving the local church
- Our Founder -
Dr. PJ Dunn
Dr. PJ Dunn is passionate about reaching and equipping single adults through discipleship. As an advocate for singles, he travels nationally, speaking, coaching, and creating content for singles and the local church. Table for One Ministries was created in 2013 to build community for single adults through discipleship. With 20+ years serving the local church, PJ now serves as Senior Consultant for Revitalization with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, helping churches make disciples and reach their community. He is an adjunct professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and author with Lifeway Christian Resources.