Christian Youth Unity
Aotearoa-New Zealand’s denominational youth leadership, and affiliates,
have united with belief in a brighter future for NZ Christian youth ministry.
A united goal
Every young person in Aotearoa-New Zealand encountering the love, hope and teachings of Jesus through a conversation with or invitation from a friend.
Youth Prayer Day
Sunday 24 May, 2026
Did you know that the majority who come to faith do so before age 20 — but also that the majority of these from non-church families do so in their early teen years? Concurrently, NZ youth are suffering some significant social challenges in the face of the family break-down epidemic. Mental health challenges are on the rise, and our suicide statistics are not good.
Youth Prayer Day has been initiated out of a gathering of 25 of NZs national Christian youth leaders.
Could you:
- Gathering your youth to pray for NZ youth?
- Gather youth from different youth groups for a combined prayer?
- Get your church to give FIVE MINUTES to praying for NZ youth on Sunday 24 May?
You can click the image to download some graphic resources.
Please plan what you will do now.
A survey to measure the starting line
The late 2025 survey was to measure the below focus points, with a range of possible national united-church initiatives in view, this gives something to compare to in 2 and 4 years time.
Scale & scope of church youth ministry
The longevity of leaders
Outreach focus
Unity focus
Youth unity focus (schools)
Combined event focus
Thank you!
Survey facilitated by the Shining Lights Trust on behalf of a gathering of the below united youth leaders.
Denominations – alphabetically: Tyler Sant (Alliance Churches), Lorna Gray (Anglican), Jamie & Rebekah Chapman (AOG), Ethan Miller (Baptist), Stuart Grant (C3), (Yet to appoint rep to the discussion group – Catholic), Ruby Dorfling (CCNZ – Christian Churches NZ), Craig Barrow (CCCNZ – Christian Community Churches NZ), Brodie McDowell (Elim), Ruby Monk (Equippers), (Yet to appoint rep to discussion group – stand-in Michael Lemanu – Methodist), Talya Wilson (New Life), Matt Chamberlin (Presbyterian), Alana LePine (Salvation Army), Ben MacGregor (Vineyard Churches), Stephenie Couch (Wesleyan Methodist).
National youth outreach organisations – alphabetically: Mike Turinski (Alpha NZ), Micah Thompson (Catalyst), Peter Dobbs (Christian camping), Edward Bamford-Bryant (For This City), Dave Mann (Godtalk.nz), Neville Bartley (Scripture Union), Luke Collis (UNASHAMED), Dave Gow (Word of Life). (Affiliate member for strategic input: Aimee Visser, 24-7 YouthWork)
Survey Data:
- Confidentiality: All data will be confidential in line with applicable laws
- Use of email addresses: These are requested singularly in case a further question regarding your own group or city/town is needed to complete data – and unlikely to be used.
- Denominational data and confidentiality: Summaries of totals within denominations will be exported and shared with each denomination – while remaining confidential to each denomination. Within what is exported, the privacy of every individual will be protected – sharing only national summary totals and a list of the many locations participating.