At the end of December, a team of young adults traveled with International Ministries to Urbana, a missions conference designed to help Gen Z see what God is doing around the world and explore how they might join in. And God moved—deeply and unmistakably—in their lives. 

For many, Urbana wasn’t just a conference. It was a turning point. 

Across participant surveys, young adults described their experience as “beautiful,” “enlightening,” “incredible,” “invigorating,” and even “life‑changing.” They loved worshipping alongside thousands of their peers, learning from powerful speakers, and connecting with missionaries who are living out the gospel around the world. 

But the greatest impact came from what God stirred in their hearts. 

Young adults shared: 

• “I will always be serving in the mission field somehow.”  

• “Missions is for everyone… ”  

• “I felt a wake‑up call to live as a missionary, regardless of whether I’m overseas or in the States.”  

• One participant returned home ready to start a college‑age Bible study—something she’d been hesitant about until Urbana gave her the courage to step out in faith.  

These moments matter. They reshape lives. They plant seeds. They awaken young adults to the possibility that God may be calling them to something bigger than they imagined. 

And that raises an important question for all of us: 

What could God do in your church, your community, or the life of a young adult you know—if they had the chance to experience something like this? 

Young adults today are hungry for mission, purpose, and direction. Many simply need an opportunity to hear God’s voice away from their everyday routines. What happened at Urbana is a glimpse of what’s possible when we invest in the spiritual formation of the next generation. 

The Next Urbana Isn’t Until 2028… But Preparation Starts Now 

Yes—Urbana only happens every few years. But now is the time for churches and leaders to start imagining: 

• Which young adults could God be preparing for a future in global mission? 

• Who needs a nudge—or an invitation—to explore what God is doing in the world? 

• What transformation might God spark if your church intentionally invests in young adult discipleship? 

Don’t wait three years to begin the journey. 

Give Young Adults a Mission‑Shaping Experience—This Year 

You don’t have to wait for Urbana to help a young adult explore their place in God’s mission in the world. 

Here are meaningful steps you can take right now: 

1. Send a young adult to the World Mission Conference (WMC)

Being held in Orlando July 29-31, the World Mission Conference is a perfect first – or next – step to global service. Young adults will worship, learn from global servants, and meet other young adults seeking God’s direction. 

2. Support a young adult in joining a short‑term mission team

Real‑world, cross‑cultural experience often clarifies calling in ways nothing else can. 

3. Nominate future young adults for IM’s next Urbana team

Even though Urbana is still three years away, start praying and paying attention. God may already be preparing someone you know. 

Imagine What God Could Do 

We saw it at Urbana—God transforms young adults when they are given space to listen, learn, and step out in faith. 

Imagine that happening in your congregation.
Imagine more young adults discovering their gifts.
Imagine the future of global mission shaped by the young people in your pews right now. 

Let’s invest in them.
Let’s walk with them.
Let’s help them hear God’s voice. 

And let’s see what God will do next.