In Faulkton, South Dakota, a new experiment in worship and ministry brought together young people from different churches and communities for a day filled with music, faith, and connection.

The United Church of Faulkton recently hosted its first-ever JAM: Jesus and Me, an afternoon youth worship music event designed to help young people discover that worship can be joyful, creative, and engaging.

Youth entering 5^th grade and older gathered for a Sunday afternoon of rehearsals, relationship-building, and musical collaboration before presenting an evening worship performance for family and friends.

For two of the organizers and members of the church's praise band, John Pfiefer and Jess Hansen, the event was about more than learning songs. It was about helping young people discover their gifts and experience worship in new ways.

“We got to talking about involving young people with music and praise band,” said Hansen. “The whole idea was to bring kids in so that we can work with them on some songs and have them sing and perform and stress the fact that worship doesn't have to be sitting in a pew with folded hands. There’s a lot more to worship than that.”

The participating youth came from several churches in Faulkton and nearby communities. Word-of-mouth invitations, community connections, and simple promotion helped spread the word. Even as they prepared for a time of sharing their musical talents, the leaders began the event by building relationships.

“One of the things we talked about at the very beginning, we had them introduce themselves and then we introduced ourselves and shared why we liked music and what our experiences were,” said Hansen. “So everybody kind of got to know each other before we even started.”

The event encouraged youth to experience teamwork, creativity, and public performance in a welcoming and supportive environment. Participants learned songs alongside adult praise band members, shared their own musical talents, and connected with other youth who shared similar values and faith. Other adult volunteers helped run the sound system and provided a meal for attendees.

J.A.M. participants prepare to worship (photo form Lyndsay Rasmussen)

For youth participant Brynlee Rasmussen, the day made an impact.

“My favorite thing about this event was getting to be with my friends and having everyone sing out the Lord’s name,” she said. “It taught me about faith and God in the songs.”

Her mother, Lyndsay Rasmussen, appreciated the welcoming and collaborative spirit of the event.

“I loved how kids from all denominations could come together and sing God’s praise loud and proud,” she said. “The opportunity to create beautiful music while having fun, creating connections, and worshipping in a nonjudgmental space – I feel the more opportunities kids have to connect with God and grow their faith is so important in their faith journey.”

The day also reminded church leaders that ministry innovation does not require perfection before taking the first step.

“It was an experiment,” Pfiefer said. “I think a successful one. We probably learned more than the kids did.”

One of the biggest surprises for Pfiefer was how much fun he and the other adults had.

“I thought it was going to be more work than fun and it was just the exact opposite,” he explained. “It was far more fun than it was work. The day went by so fast.”

Jess agreed. “Yeah it did. I was tired when we were done!” he laughed.

The group gathers for prayer before leading a time of worship to end the day (photo from Lyndsay Rasmussen)

The event was supported in part by a Breakthrough Ministry Grant from the Dakotas Methodist Foundation, which provided seed money to help launch the new idea. Organizers say that support from the Dakotas Conference and Foundation gave them the encouragement they needed to try something different.

“We appreciate the Dakotas Conference for supporting our first one,” said Pfiefer. “That helped. It was a learning process.”

The original plans changed several times along the way, but the organizers say the experience reinforced the importance of taking risks in ministry.

“I think churches a lot of times get stuck in their own rut with music,” Pfiefer said. “They need to not be afraid to step outside the box and do something a little bit more upbeat.”

That willingness to experiment is exactly the kind of innovative ministry the Dakotas Conference and Dakotas Methodist Foundation seek to encourage through grants and ministry support. Congregations across the Dakotas are being invited to try new things, respond creatively to community needs, and discover fresh ways to connect people with Christ.

For the Faulkton church, JAM was not just about one event. Leaders are already dreaming about future possibilities, including portable music equipment that could help them create additional musical outreach opportunities for youth.

“I feel like I’m planting seeds here,” Hansen said. “I may not hear the beautiful music someday, but I will have planted the seed and watered it for somebody else to make it grow.”