A flourishing faith community for young people

Here at St James Lutheran Church in the Hervey Bay suburb of Urraween, Queensland, we are very blessed with a beautiful, enthusiastic group of young people.

When I suggested the youth should help lead a worship service, they all got very curious and threw themselves into the process. It started with JAM Kids (Jesus and Me – AKA Sunday school/kids church) one Sunday morning.

We spoke about the different volunteer roles that happen within the congregation throughout the week and on Sunday mornings during the service, and how the service is much bigger than ‘just the pastor preaching’ up at the front. I explained the role of the greeters, the band, lectors, prayer readers, offering assistants and morning tea helpers.

I asked them if they wanted to do some of those roles, and they were keen. Tasks were delegated, band practice was had, and at senior youth the preceding Friday, we spent an evening baking and preparing food for morning tea on Sunday.

It was a very special event to be a part of. Not because it went off without a hitch or that it was somehow ‘more holy’ than any other service I have attended. But it was such a blessing to see young people respond to Jesus’ call to love and serve his people. A second youth-led service is currently being planned, and the young people are excited.

Every Sunday during term time, we have JAM Kids, which runs for about 20 minutes during the service, and we return for holy communion. We mostly separate into three age groups. Depending on numbers and specific events, we sometimes combine the groups.

Every Friday during the lunch break at St James Lutheran College, with the help of the school chaplain, we run something we have named ‘Faith Friday’. We use this time to talk about a variety of things, from church events like Palm Sunday, Easter and the Ascension to the significance of ANZAC Day, Mother’s Day and everything in between.

We get a huge range of young people, ranging from regular worshippers to kids who are just ‘coming for the food’. The conversations are always interesting and fun, and it is a blessing to provide a space for them to have these candid conversations.

A special shout-out to all the JAM Kids and senior youth volunteers – this wouldn’t be possible without your help. You are the hands and feet of Jesus. Thank you!

Jessica Barnett is the Grow Ministries Project Coordinator for St James Lutheran Church Hervey Bay Qld.

St James Hervey Bay was one of 10 congregations that received grants through the 2026 round of the LCANZ’s Local Mission Fund. The fund has been established to help congregations, districts and agencies as they seek new ways to reach their neighbours and local communities with the gospel. Expressions of interest for 2027 grants are now open and close on 20 August 2026. Click here for more information.