UU 2030 is on a mission to grow congregation-centered Young Adult Ministry across our faith for more 20s and 30s, by 2030.

Churches served by UU 2030 include:

Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church of Pasadena, CA

Unitarian Universalist Church of Greensboro, NC

Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, CA

The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL

We are an innovative ministry advisory group based in Los Angeles, California and started in 2023 by Benjamin Hosking, a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and co-founder of the largest congregation-based Unitarian Universalist 20s and 30s group in Southern California at Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church of Pasadena. Growing from four to forty active participants, from small spiritual discussion group to weekly programming and an expansive community.

Programming

Spirituality First, Potlucks Second

Young adult ministry starts with… ministry. Across the United States, young people are looking for spiritual and religious community, without the dogma and baggage that can come with traditional religion. Unitarian Universalism can provide that home. The success of congregation-centered Young Adult Ministry comes from addressing the intimate spiritual needs of 20 and 30-somethings to build a tight-knit faith community, before launching into social activities. We come to church for spiritual community first. The potlucks come after that initial bonding.

Community

The Snowball Effect

Once regular spiritual programming is in place, social events can percolate. Potlucks, holiday celebrations, running clubs, boardgames nights, Dungeons and Dragons parties, art magazine creation, co-working groups, Dodgers’ games… these are all fun activities that came AFTER regular twice-monthly spiritual discussion was in place. Most of these activities are organic, self-sustaining offerings of members who are bonded by our spiritual core of faith, fellowship, and friendship. We build the structural scaffolding, but it’s up to the UUs within to paint the walls, decorate the living room, set up the lamps, and welcome one another into social fellowship.

Growth

A Case Study

In February 2022 on a Wednesday evening, we held our first young adults spiritual discussion group, using UUA literature adapted to the specific age and locational needs. It consisted of: Benjamin; Ginger Furey, the church’s membership and communications manager; and two young adults who grew up at the church. Within six months, we averaged 10 attendees every other Wednesday evening — not always the same, but a rotating cast of wonderful young people. Many attendees became pledging church members active on committees, social justice, and Sunday worship. Soon, official monthly potlucks and Sunday brunches were added. By August 2023, based on the pledge-income and successful growth, the church created a young adult coordinator position to take on group leadership as Benjamin moved into a church board trustee position. The group averages 15-20 attendees at almost every event. Our mobile chat server hosts 40+ active members, and our newsletter list counts more than 50 subscribers. The important thing is that these young adults are active in congregational life, not a separate group from church or unaffiliated. There is real conversion from attendance to pledging and volunteerism.

It is our hope that we can share our story and lessons with other UU congregations across the country. We are working with churches to cultivate 20s and 30s ministry WITHIN the congregation, not outside of it. There are clear structural steps and approaches. We help tailor them to your congregation, as well as provide programming materials and training. Whether you’re a senior minister, religious educator, or board president, we can help invigorate and bond the young people who we know want to participate in Unitarian Universalism at YOUR congregation. For information on our programs, please fill out our contact form.