United Generation

Reaching college students and young adults is often described as one of the most difficult tasks in ministry.

However, in two Virginia cities— Richmond and Roanoke—God is creating a new story of connection, collaboration, and community.

Churches in both cities are joining forces to host regular young adult worship nights. These gatherings offer space for worship, teaching, and genuine relationship-building among a demographic that often feels isolated or overlooked.

In Richmond, Hanna Cauthorne helps organize these gatherings every other month. Her passion stems from personal experience.

“After college, I struggled to find community,” Cauthorne shares. “That inspired me to help create the very thing I needed—a space for young adults to connect, grow, and worship together.”

Each event rotates between churches, often combining worship teams, speakers, and volunteers from multiple congregations. “The goal isn’t to replace the local church,” Cauthorne explains, “but to bridge young adults into it by reminding them they’re not alone.”

In Roanoke, a similar movement has grown from a small Bible study on a dock to citywide gatherings. Thomas Brown, who leads the effort, disciples young men through his Deeper Waters ministry. “It grew fast. We saw that these young adults were hungry—not just for fun, but for spiritual depth and connection,” Brown says.

Like Richmond, Roanoke’s gatherings rotate between churches and intentionally keep things simple: worship, a short message, and time to connect. “I always challenge people to meet three new people before they leave,” Brown says. “That one step often leads to friendships, accountability, and even salvations.”

Both leaders emphasize the importance of collaboration. “Most churches only have a handful of young adults,” Cauthorne explains. “But when we work together, we create something much more impactful than we could do alone.”

The fruit of their collaboration is evident. From spontaneous worship nights to baptisms, to young adults finding local church homes and stepping into leadership, these gatherings are becoming catalytic spaces.

As Brown puts it, “The local church is where discipleship happens. These nights give young adults a glimpse of the greater Church and send them back into their congregations with renewed faith and purpose.”

For more information, contact Ethan Callison, SBCV Collegiate Ministry Coordinator, at: ecallison@sbcv.org.