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  • Be Equipped
  • Be Bold
  • Be Transformed

Did you know?

0%

of Christians have never shared the Gospel with someone else.

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0%

of youth grow in their faith through missions.

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0%

of Gen Z doesn't have a biblical worldview, with Gen Alpha being even higher.

Source

With CYIA, you can make a difference!

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What is Christian Youth in Action?

CYIA is a summer training program that equips teens to share the Gospel with kids through summer kids’ clubs. Through applicable training, discipleship, and community, you’ll be equipped, emboldened, and transformed.

The chance to directly change a child's eternity!

CYIA provides specific training to guide children to salvation in Jesus—you’ll have the opportunity to see God work in many ways as you minister on the field.

How are you planning to spend your summer? As relaxing as it may be to chill at the pool or hang out with friends, what if you chose instead to make an eternal impact in the lives of kids right where you live?!

Check out the impact of CYIA!

Zion Day

CYIA Student

"CYIA has been one of the most life changing and funnest experiences I've ever had. It feels good because I know I'm going to be helping, guiding kids to Christ like how I was I was led to Christ. All the people here at CYIA, they have their own story. It's really cool just to know that they have their own way on how they were saved by Christ and how how Christ plays a big role in their lives."

Zion Day

CYIA Student

"CYIA has been one of the most life changing and funnest experiences I've ever had. It feels good because I know I'm going to be helping, guiding kids to Christ like how I was I was led to Christ. All the people here at CYIA, they have their own story. It's really cool just to know that they have their own way on how they were saved by Christ and how how Christ plays a big role in their lives."

Zion Day

CYIA Student

"CYIA has been one of the most life changing and funnest experiences I've ever had. It feels good because I know I'm going to be helping, guiding kids to Christ like how I was I was led to Christ. All the people here at CYIA, they have their own story. It's really cool just to know that they have their own way on how they were saved by Christ and how how Christ plays a big role in their lives."

Forming Christian leaders through discipleship, training, and relationships!

It goes beyond a few leadership classes with heady ideas. We work alongside students to help their practical and spiritual skills, along with helping them find their gifts in relation to the body of Christ.

Purposeful training focused on the Gospel!

Beyond the power of a program or a stylish event, CYIA emphasizes the power of the Gospel to make an impact, both in the life of the student and the lives of children they reach.

Transformative community filled with growth and connection.

CYIA students form lifelong friendships because we’re all united in Christ. Students grow together through fellowship, activities, tight-knit groups and large group chapels, and more.

Become a leader for Christ!

Right now, the Church needs bold, prepared leaders to go out and share the truth with a world that is lost and confused. You can respond to God’s call to proclaim the Gospel to the lost – CYIA gives you the tools, the people, and the opportunity.

If you have a heart for ministry and want to team up with other students in Minnesota to reach children for Christ in your community, then CYIA is for YOU!

Sign Up for CYIA!

Location and Dates

Campus: Crown College

This year, our campus is Crown College, a private christian institution founded in 1916 that we have partnered with to host CYIA.

The address is: 8700 College View Dr, St Bonifacius, MN 55375. We will have options for carpooling to campus as well.

Times

CYIA goes from June 8th to June 19th, 2025. The first week is hosted at Crown College, splitting off into our seperate chapters to do clubs and training locally.

We also have an Orientation occuring at April 26th. At this event, teens are given the opportunity to meet with their teams, participate in fun activities, and get their materials for the summer. Orientation is mandatory for anyone participating in CYIA.

After training, we go out into the Minnesota community and put on 5 Day Clubs for 6 weeks, July 7th - August 16th. We ask that students participate in 5 Day Clubs for at least 2 of these weeks.

FAQ

What sort of training will I be getting at CYIA?

As you apply for CYIA, you’ll start in one of three different starting tracks offered to first-year students, each serving different ages and schedules.

Starter Tracks:

  • Assistant Missionary: (12+) Younger students get a taste of CYIA by learning to teach simpler elements of the 5-Day Club, while still being equipped with the knowledge and tools to share the Gospel. Assistant Missionary training runs for 3 days.
  • Missionary: (14+) First-year students learn how to share the Gospel with kids and become effective storytellers as they learn to teach engaging missionary stories. Missionaries are trained for the full eleven days of CYIA.
  • Evangelist: (14+) First- or second-year students share Biblical truths as they learn to teach an effective Bible Lesson and hone their skills in sharing the Gospel and connecting with kids.

Higher Level Tracks:

  • Disciple: Third-year students are challenged to step into leadership as they dig deeper into the needs and development of the kids they reach. Disciples actively demonstrate effective teaching and leadership to younger students.
  • Shepherd: Experienced students refine their leadership skills as they’re pushed to lead, teach, and disciple their peers. Training on team dynamics, communication, and relationship-building prepare Shepherds to step into future staff roles, and even gain useful life and career skills.

What if my summer schedule is busy? / What if I'm too young?

12+ Students can particpate in the Assistant missionary program which provides a smaller training that the full 2 weeks of CYIA, going from June 8th to June 10th. We encourage students to participate in the full training to get the most out of the program, however.

Who can participate in CYIA?

Anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and is growing in your faith with a consistent walk with Him may apply. In order to attend CYIA, you must also complete our application and be in agreement with our Statement of Faith.

How much does CYIA cost?

For regular summer missionaries, CYIA costs $750 to cover the cost of materials, housing during training, etc. For assistant missionaries, CYIA will cost $200.

We also work together with summer missionaries to help them raise funding for CYIA.

Who puts on this program?

Child Evangelism Fellowship is the world’s largest children’s ministry reaching over 20 million children a year with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We’ve been around for 80 years and been taught by God a thing or two about children’s ministry. You can learn more about CEF at our international website.

I'm interested in doing CYIA. What are the next steps?

PRAYER. Ask God for His wisdom and guidance about this major decision. Don’t take this lightly. This is a major commitment – to God. Like God’s Word says, you need to count the cost.

APPLICATION. Fill out everything online including a couple of references. Submitting the completed application before the application deadline.

INTERVIEW. You’ll go through an interview process and may have a few other things that your local CEF office will cover with you.

Sign Up for CYIA!

CEF Minnesota Office: 149 Thompson Ave, St Paul, MN

(612) 207-6769

Twin.Cities@cefmn.org