In front of the congregation, a group of nine young adults in their twenties and thirties boldly declared that they believe in Jesus Christ and that they long to serve this congregation with energy and love. Of those nine, seven joined by reaffirmation of faith. This means they are not transplants from another church, but claim their faith anew here at FAPC.

“Meant to be here”

The day before they joined the congregation, the entering class came through the rain to the shelter of the Curry Church House. They spent the afternoon sipping tea, discussing what it means to be a Presbyterian, touring Fifth Avenue’s historic building, and sharing their faith stories.

They closed their time by writing a communal faith statement, drawing on their hopes and convictions:

We believe that God is always with us.
We believe that Jesus was radical and just.
We believe people are created to love, and to be loved.
We believe that the church is a place to belong. 
We believe that faith is something to lean on,
and that doubt is a part of life.
We believe that kindness matters,
and that ordinary people can change the world.
We believe that love is always available.
We believe that we are meant to be here. 

While this is FAPC’s second young-adult membership class, these nine represent the fastest growing demographic in the congregation. It is not uncommon for others to joyfully remark on how crowded the pews are getting in the portion of the Sanctuary where the church’s young adults tend to gather for worship.

Growing and thriving

“I am overwhelmed with the recent growth of our young adult group,” says Rev. Sarah A. Speed, Associate Pastor for Young Adults. “It is clear that the Holy Spirit is up to something wonderful here. Week after week, new faces find their way into this community. Week after week, we get to say to them, ‘Welcome home.’ That is a holy gift.”

Despite national trends showing a rise in the “nones,” those who claim no religious affiliation, and decreased church membership among young adults, particularly since the pandemic, the opposite is true here at FAPC.

“Young adulthood is a crucial period in one’s spiritual journey,” says Ashley Gonzalez-Grissom, Director of Engagement. “In your twenties and thirties, amid the whirlwind of relocating, making new friendships, and launching a career, it’s easy to feel uprooted. You are trying to learn so much about yourself and the world. Despite these challenges, these young adults have chosen to prioritize their faith. They haven’t allowed skepticism or the busyness of daily life to deter them from seeking God. Their steadfast commitment to their faith is both inspiring and a testament to their hope, which the Church is privileged to witness and support.”

If you wish to explore young adult ministry or membership at FAPC, then know that there is a place for you here. For, as our young adults said, “The church is a place to belong.” We will keep our doors open to you in case you find that you, too, are meant to be here.

“Thanks be to God,” says Rev. Speed, “for the gift of this community!”

To learn more about Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church’s young adult ministry, visit the FAYA website here or email [email protected].