By: Rashan Addison | Publish Date: October 19, 2026
On any given Sunday morning, church pews across South Jersey fill with long-time congregants singing worship songs and listening to sermons. After the benediction, members new and old greet one another before heading home, repeating the same routine. But for young adults, this leaves a gap in the typical Sunday tradition. They are left yearning for peer connection and discussion of real-world topics that may not fit into a 60-minute sermon.
According to a study at Barna Group, Gen Z attend church more frequently than any other generation. Within the report, Daniel Copeland, Barna’s vice president of research, said “the fact that young people are showing up more frequently than before is not a typical trend. It’s typically older adults who are the most loyal churchgoers.”
Sundays are not enough. They are hungry for more and seek to grow in their faith with someone who is facing the same challenges.
In Moorestown, New Jersey, L.Y.F. (pronounced “Life”) House answers that call.
It is a Christian-based community for, but not limited to, young adults. Standing for “Live Your Faith” the ministry gathers every Thursday night focusing on equipping young adults with wisdom and practical tools for everyday life.
What began as a small get together for Bible study became a ministry answering the prayers of young adults across South Jersey.
Drawing people from neighboring communities and beyond young adults are becoming a part of the community.
Belany Fuentes, a leader within the community, credited L.Y.F. House with reshaping her understanding of Christianity.
“I thought…everyone who was Christian was perfect, where you come already clean and know everything to fit in,” Fuentes said. Instead, she realized she found a community rooted in authenticity.
“Come as you are, bring all your broken pieces, doubts, concerns and questions…,” Fuentes said.
L.Y.F. House has exposed her to new relationships who are now considered family. By meeting young adults where they are, L.Y.F. House emphasizes spiritual formation without shying away from tough questions.
“L.Y.F. House is unique in their approach due to their honesty,” Gabriela Perez said, another leader at L.Y.F. House. Some are hesitant to touch on real life topics, but this community has shown me it is all right to admit personal struggles.
To foster these relationships, L.Y.F. House balances spiritual growth with social fellowship. Outside weekly Thursday gatherings, the community hosts several mini-events such as bowling, roller skating, and fishing trips, alongside larger milestone events such as their annual anniversary celebration.
Additionally, the ministry tailors studies through gender-specific Bible studies every Tuesday night. These separate gatherings create space for men and women to have biblical conversations that are exclusive to the man and or woman faith experience.
Most importantly, L.Y.F. House does not promote itself as a replacement of the traditional church, but rather an assist in the walk for young adult believers.
“L.Y.F. House gives you an opportunity to get plugged in, be poured into, grow in your gifts, and then be sent back into your local church to use those gifts to build up the body of Christ,” said leader Zion Willams.
Through transparent conversation, consistent mentorship, and intentional community, L.Y.F. House proves young adults are not walking away from the faith. They are searching for people that they can live it out together.
You must be logged in to post a comment.