The lyrics were sung, the Scriptures were read, and the prayers rose like incense. The room filled not just with sound, but with a holy kind of energy, raw, unfiltered, and real. You could feel it. More than that, you could see it. In their eyes, in their posture, in the way they leaned in, not just to the singing and praise, but to the message. B. Chris Simpson really brought last night in a way that connects the Scriptures to our hearts. These teenagers weren’t just going through the motions, they were reaching for Jesus. And from where I stood, it was like watching hearts open and heaven draw near.
I’ve worshiped with the church my entire life. Weekly worship is my rhythm, my norm. But there’s something uniquely powerful that happens in places like Uplift, at church camp, during VBS, or youth rallies, any setting where teenagers are gathered together to worship. It’s different, it’s deeper, it’s rawer, it’s sacred.
Teenagers are vulnerable in the best and most beautiful way. Their hearts are soft, their emotions unguarded, and their desire for connection, real connection, is strong. Yes, that vulnerability can be dangerous in the wrong environment. But in the right setting, like when our North Heights Youth Group (NHYG) is surrounded by 1,300 other teens pouring their hearts out in praise, something holy happens. They are influenced, yes, but in the best possible direction, toward God. And then, remarkably, they become the influencers.
Worshiping with teenagers is contagious. Their passion, their willingness to sing loud, cry openly, and respond sincerely, it pulls you in. It reminds you of your first love. It breaks down your own walls and helps you step into deeper, more authentic worship. They don’t just receive influence, they give it. And when you’re close enough to catch it, it changes you too.
I love our North Heights teens. I love their families. I love walking alongside them as they grow in faith and devotion. Spending time with them, especially in worship, isn’t just ministry work. It’s a gift. It’s soul-refreshing. It reminds me why I do what I do. And honestly, it brings me closer to God.
So if you ever get the chance to worship with teenagers, take it. Let their faith stir yours. Let their joy renew yours. Let their connection to Jesus remind you what it looks like to approach the throne with wonder.
“Come, let us worship and bow down,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
— Psalm 95:6
In Jesus
~Alex Mills