ICF Youth
Connecting young Congregational Christians from around the world — to learn, grow in faith, and build lasting friendships across borders.
Growing together in faith
ICF Youth is the youth programme of the International Congregational Fellowship. It creates spaces where young people can explore their faith, build meaningful connections with peers across different countries and cultures, and take part in the wider life of the Fellowship. Whether through gatherings, shared learning, or informal fellowship, ICF Youth encourages the next generation of Congregational Christians to grow in confidence and community.
What ICF Youth offers
Connection
Meet young Congregational Christians from across the ICF's regions — Africa, Asia, Australia & Pacific, Latin America, North America, Central Europe, and Northern Europe.
Learning
Engage with faith-based teaching and discussion rooted in the Congregational tradition, supported by the wider Fellowship.
Participation
Take part in ICF conferences and events, where young people have a voice and a place in the Fellowship's shared life.
Part of something bigger
ICF Youth is not a standalone programme — it is woven into the mission of the International Congregational Fellowship. The Fellowship brings together national Associational bodies, local churches, theological and mission organisations, and individual Congregational Christians worldwide. Young people are an essential part of that community, and ICF Youth exists to ensure they are supported, heard, and equipped for the future.
To find out about upcoming conferences and events where youth participation is encouraged, visit the Conferences page or check News and events for the latest updates.
ICF Youth welcomes young Congregational Christians from every corner of the globe, offering a welcoming space where faith and friendship can grow side by side. Through gatherings, shared learning, and casual fellowship, participants discover that the bonds of faith transcend borders and cultures. The programme is designed to be practical and accessible, encouraging young people to engage with their beliefs in ways that feel natural and meaningful. Whether someone is just beginning to explore their faith or looking to deepen an established relationship with God, ICF Youth provides a supportive community that walks alongside them on the journey.
The heart of ICF Youth lies in connection. Young people from different countries and backgrounds come together to share their experiences, ask honest questions, and learn from one another in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement. These interactions often become the foundation for friendships that last well beyond any single event or gathering. By creating simple, easy-to-participate-in opportunities for engagement, the programme ensures that no one feels left out or overwhelmed. Every young person is invited to contribute their unique perspective, making the community richer and more vibrant for all who take part.
Faith formation is at the center of everything ICF Youth does. The programme offers thoughtful opportunities for young people to explore scripture, discuss matters of belief, and reflect on how their faith shapes their daily lives. These experiences are designed to be both rewarding and practical, helping participants translate spiritual insights into everyday habits and choices. Mentors and peers walk together through questions of identity, purpose, and calling, creating an environment where doubt is welcomed as part of growth and where asking hard questions is seen as a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Looking ahead, ICF Youth continues to dream of a growing, interconnected community of young Congregational Christians who support one another across time zones and languages. The programme is committed to being versatile and adaptable, finding new ways to bring people together whether in person or through digital means. Young people are encouraged to take on leadership roles, organize their own local gatherings, and contribute ideas that shape the future direction of the Fellowship. In doing so, they become not just participants but co-creators of a movement that seeks to keep the Congregational faith alive, relevant, and full of hope for generations to come.