We have an ongoing teenage mental health crisis in America. The COVID-19 pandemic impeded their social skills. Families' disconnection from the church has impacted their sense of identity and belonging, leaving them lonely and depressed. Amid these challenges, God has called youth and children’s ministers to share the love of Christ.

Many of you will remember 5th Quarters from your youth. For many communities, 5th Quarters allow youth to gather safely after Friday night high school football games, providing fellowship and connection with local youth ministries.

Due to the pandemic, churches could not have 5th Quarters, so many high school students have never been. CYMT Youth Ministry Graduate Resident, Melissa Huffines, and Northshore UMC found themselves in this place as they sought to relaunch their ministry, so they decided to get creative.

Melissa had an idea, “When I was in high school, my friends and I would get cowbells and decorate them with ribbons and paint pens to bring to the football games. I thought it would be fun if we could give out cowbells at the football game and set up a small station with ribbons and paint pens for people to come and decorate while they are at the game.”

Melissa advertised the 5th Quarter by putting a QR code on one side of the bell (in school colors, of course) for the students to scan while they were at the game.

Melissa said, “Everyone LOVED it. At the first 5th Quarter after the debut of the bells, we had 60 teenagers, more than double the previous year.” This year, Melissa and Northshore brought back the bells. Their 5th Quarter has almost 100 students each week.

“It has been so amazing watching our church campus explode with young people having fun with their friends! Like Will Ferell, we only needed ‘More cowbell!’” said Melissa.

Cowbells are a creative way to get someone through the door, but if students come back, their deep need for acceptance, belonging, and love are being met. They are finding a loving community. What we really need is “more Melissas!”

Your support of CYMT is what makes “more Melissas” possible. CYMT equips 40 youth and children’s ministers. We provide them with theological education, professional coaching, and support. CYMT has 250+ alumni who have impacted the lives of 25,000+ young people.

Every $4,500 given to CYMT equips another leader to reach young people.

End of Year Giving 2024

By Center for Youth Ministry Training

End of Year Giving 2024

Giving Tuesday and End of Year Giving