Stories From Our City | Young Parents

One of the more challenging aspects of ministry with young parents is saying goodbye. Our youth ministry serves participants up to age 25, at which point young parents graduate from the program (with flexibility for those in more vulnerable circumstances). While these goodbyes are difficult, we also see graduation as an important milestone in a young parent’s transformation journey. Because of this, how we carry out this transition matters deeply. Our desire is to set young parents up for continued growth, support, and community beyond our program. At the heart of our vision is the belief that we operate as an extension of the church. While the Young Parents program is a specialized and critical intervention during a formative season, it is also a pathway toward faith in Christ and deeper belonging.

Our hope is that young parents will integrate long-term with the larger church body, receiving ongoing discipleship and support. Across our sites, partner churches have beautifully supported young parents through baby dedications, diaper drives, invitations to small groups, and special events - many of which our young parents eagerly receive. Integration into the church is our best “exit strategy,” and we have learned over the years that a long on-ramp is often necessary for trust and belonging to develop.

We refer to graduation as a “launch” rather than an ending. We mark this new season with a commemorative gift and words of encouragement, not only from leaders but from fellow parents as well. Young parents are also invited to remain involved as peer leaders. Alumni parents can serve as a bridge for new participants, accelerating trust and offering valuable insight drawn from lived experience. We assure young parents that, though the program has ended, our relationship hasn’t. Leaders and volunteers often remain in contact, and alumni reach out during key life moments. Recently, our Oshawa team supported an alumni mom with a move. I was invited to join the board of an alumni parent from Brampton who is now a counsellor launching an initiative to resource parents. I was happy to hear from a volunteer about a former mom who she is now connecting with regularly at church.

To see young parents spreading their wings after graduation is deeply encouraging. Our launch strategy is not perfect, and some young parents do struggle to get a footing after graduation. We remain eager to listen and learn what we could do better. Still, as we partner with God in this work, we believe a strong foundation is being laid.

*This story first appeared in our 2026 Signs of the Times publication