Reimagining Young Adult Ministry Together

For many, young adulthood is a time of growing awareness of their own identities and gifts, the real needs of the world, and the ways they might be called to serve God’s kingdom. But this is also a time of life when people are less likely to participate in a church community. That's a loss to young adults, but it's also a loss to congregations, who miss the chance to be challenged and refreshed by the experiences of young adults.

 
Westmont's Young Adult Leadership Lab (YALL) brings together young adults (ages 23-29) and California churches to imagine new possibilities for ministry together. Through a supportive learning community, we equip congregations to listen well, experiment courageously, and create sustainable ministries where young adults belong, lead, and offer their unique gifts to the life and mission of the church. 


Interested in joining our 2026-2027 cohort? Apply below! We’re launching a new cohort in fall 2026 and we’re currently in conversation with prospective churches. Please contact us at yall@westmont.edu with any questions.

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In-Person Learning Experience

The November 2026 gathering will feature interactive opportunities for church teams to learn more about the social and spiritual lives of young adults through activities that highlight the voices of young adults. There will also be ample opportunities for fellowship as we explore the Santa Barbara area together.

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When?

Our first annual 2026-2027 YALL gathering will be held November 13-15, 2026.

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Where?

Westmont College, Santa Barbara

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Who's Eligible?

Christian churches in California are eligible to participate in the Young Adult Leadership Lab

Congregational Grants

Thanks to the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc., participating congregations are invited to apply for funding for up to $30,000 to design and launch innovative ministries in partnership with young adults. 

All Young Adult Leadership Lab activities are offered free of charge to participating church teams, including travel costs to and from Santa Barbara for our cohort gatherings. 

Leaders from a dozen area churches have become involved with YALL.
 

What to Expect

  • Participate as a team in an in-person Young Adult Leadership Lab gathering in late fall 2026 and summer/fall 2027. 
  • Meet at least monthly as a congregational team.
  • Participate in a monthly conversation with the YALL directors. This conversation typically includes the pastoral representative and one of the YALL directors.
  • Participate in a quarterly virtual YALL community gathering.
  • Maintain regular communication with the Westmont Young Adult Leadership Lab directors. 

  • Share insights, learnings, and plans with the YALL learning community and your congregation. 

    Apply Now

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Learn in Community

  • Listen to the voices of young adults as they reflect on their stories of faith and lives in the church.
  • Enhance your congregational understanding of the spiritual and social lives of young adults.
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Reimagine Ministry

  • Explore your congregational context as you consider new opportunities for ministry with young adults.
  • Design, test, and refine innovative ministries with young adults.
  • Receive funding for your ministries.
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Reflect and Refine your Work

  • Share your learnings and insights with the YALL community and your congregation.
  • Celebrate progress and keep experimenting!

Contact Us

Christen Foell

Christen Foell

Director, Westmont Young Adult Leadership Labcfoell@westmont.edu

Sarah Garland

Sarah Garland

Associate Director, Westmont Young Adult Leadership Labsgarland@westmont.edu

Continue Exploring God’s Call

The Young Adult Leadership Lab is one of five programs at Westmont that help churches and individuals explore God’s call. If you work with high school youth, we invite you to learn more about Trailhead, a summer experience that invites young people to slow down and see how their lives might participate in God’s work. If you’re a pastor, please consider Frontiers, a program that supports ministry professionals through seasons of visioning and transition.Thriving Communities gathers churches to explore how we can see and do the work God calls us to on California's Central Coast. And if preaching is a part of your ministry, we invite you to explore our new Incarnational Preaching Project.