Our Mission
Our mission is to introduce young people to Jesus Christ, the most attractive, talked about and charismatic personality that has ever walked the earth. We are convinced that if young people get the chance to know Him, they will discover that a relationship with Him is exactly what they need.
What We Believe
Many adults think teenagers are out of control because so much of what they do is over the top. But we believe that teens just crave life experiences and refuse to settle for anything less than the extraordinary. In fact, their enthusiasm for life and determination to find something more than what they’ve found so far are what we love most about them — especially those outside the Church who are misunderstood, or just feeling that way. We actively seek to befriend those kids: suburban, urban, rural, black, white, Hispanic, rich, poor, athletic, studious, talented and/or those with special needs. That’s because we care about the “lost” kids and regard every young person as a potentially lifelong friend and follower of Jesus Christ.
Who We Are
We aren’t necessarily born leaders or ministers, or even extroverts. We are just people who care passionately enough about the Young Life mission to become trained and discipled for a life of relational ministry. In fact, there is nothing more important to us than helping young people find Jesus.
If you feel compassion for lost teenagers, want a mission that may stretch and deepen your faith and want to be part of a dynamic community of like-minded people, check out Young Life at AU!
What We Do
We go to lost kids on their turf and in their world to build authentic relationships. Acting as mentors, we spend hours, days, weeks and even months with kids right where they’re listening, learning and winning the right to be heard.
Who We Reach
Ashland University is located within 20 miles of five different high schools where the total enrollment adds up to about 2,900 students. We reach out to those high school students and also to middle school students.
What Our Students Think
“Young Life has sharpened my understanding of the Church in mission. It has taken everything we are fed on Sundays at church and in my small group and channeled it toward people. God has called us to reach kids who have not heard or responded to the good news of Jesus Christ. What an awesome gift! Why wouldn’t I want to be part of a mission that gets to hand the Bread of Life to a hungry, hurting world?”
Jacob Jenkins & Kyle Buxton, former AU students and Loudonville High School leaders
Contact Us
To get involved or just learn more, contact:
Andrew Zirkle
Young Life leader
Zirkle1234@gmail.com
419-271-4697