Contributed
In the hustle of this fast-paced world, it is easy for Adventist young people to feel as if they are just another face in the crowd. But, YiELD ministry (focusing on Youth instructed, Empowered, Loved, Disciplined) believes that every student is called to a life of purpose as a child of God.
Serving more than 450 youth in the Collegedale, Tenn., area for more than five years, YiELD isn’t just a program; it’s a movement of six local congregations — Collegedale, McDonald Road, Collegedale Community, Ooltewah, Crosswalk, and Bowman Hills — coming together to say, “Our youth matter.” Whether they attend Collegedale Academy, Ooltewah Adventist School, Bowman Hills School, or Beacon Academy, or are part of the public and home-school communities, all get a seat at the table.
The vision is simple: a community flourishing through discipleship. The YiELD team isn’t just teaching theology. They are loving, instructing, and empowering the next generation to lead now, not just “someday.” They believe that spiritual growth and discipleship happen in the rhythm of community. That’s why they gather for Vespers every month to welcome the Sabbath together, high schoolers on the first Friday, and middle schoolers on the second. In these spaces, students can exhale, worship, and find belonging. Their Vespers have been coined “like recess, but better.” The better part is Jesus, of course!
But discipleship doesn’t stop at the church doors. Each year, the YiELD mission goes on the road in the form of annual mission trips with high schoolers to either a domestic or an international location. Last year they served in Puerto Rico, and in 2026 they are headed to Brazil. From light construction and running Vacation Bible School to leading out in worship services, students learn that their hands and voices are tools for the Gospel. They don’t just hear the Word; they become the hands and feet of Jesus.
YiELD invites all to pray for the mission as they aim to have youth be known, challenged, and sent out. As they yield their lives to Christ, they will witness how He transforms the Tennessee valley.
Georgia-Cumberland | April 2026
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