Why We’re Here

God is calling and raising up churches and ministries across Iowa to reach out to a generation of students that have little or no connection to a local curch. The Iowa Christian Youth Network (ICYN) was founded by Freedom for Youth Ministries to connect Christ-centered churches and ministries who desire to reach students with the Gospel in their community.

Who We Are

The ICYN is an association of individuals, churches, and ministries working to reach unchurched students across Iowa. Network members maintain their own identity yet share a common statement of faith centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a focused mission to students. ICYN members minister in the way that best fits their community.

What We Do

Network members have free access to communal resources, including curricula, policies and procedures, volunteer training, and organizational materials. Members are invited to share their own resources and experiences through the ICYN resource database, scheduled meetings, and a social media platform.

Current ICYN Members:

Burlington, Iowa | City Hope Foundation
City Hope exists to promote the flourishing of individuals, families, and communities in Southeast Iowa and West-Central Illinois through building relationships, meeting needs, and sharing hope. City Hope Foundation seeks to fulfill its mission through four core values - relationships, youth development, work/life skills development, and neighborhood development. Contact: Matt Shinn

Centerville, Iowa | First Baptist Church of Centerville
First Baptist Church of Centerville is a church family dedicated to showing the love of Christ to our community as we strive to be more like him every day. We have a weekly after-school program for elementary-age children in the community.

Colfax, Iowa | First Baptist Church
The Purpose of First Baptist Church is to Glorify God in everything we do, making and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 1:17; Matthew 28:18-20). Our Vision is to be united in love creating a healthy church family, with relevant and engaging approaches to ministry, and bearing fruit in effective community outreach (Acts 15:19; Ephesians 4:11-16). The community outreach currently includes but isn't limited to Awana programs for children, Cellar Youth activities, VBS each summer, Spring Valley Bible Camp, and more.

Davenport, Iowa | Hope at the Brick House  
Hope at the Brick House has been giving hope to individuals and families through spiritual, educational, and community-based support for 30 years. After
school/summer programs & neighborhood outreach including tutoring, Bible time, games, and a meal are offered for K-6th grade students.
Contact: Joyce Klopp

Fairfield, Iowa | Minute Ministries/Treehouse
Minute Ministries’ mission is to equip and empower people through scripture. Bringing them hope and encouragement, knowing there is a real God who cares about them and that they are significant in His sight. The Treehouse meets weekly to speak into the lives of teens and desires to end hopelessness among teens in the Fairfield area. Contact: Brad Hendrickson

Melbourne, Iowa | Kids for Christ
Kids for Christ is a ministry for K-5th graders who live in Melbourne, Iowa, that meets once a week after school for snacks, crafts, songs, scripture memory, and Bible lessons. Contact: Sarah Kielman

Newton, Iowa | Discover Hope 517
Discover Hope’s mission is to discover hope through Jesus Christ to be redeemed, renewed, and restored. They are dedicated to providing recovery and restoration for those struggling with addiction. Discover Hope believes in the power of God’s Word, prayer, and restoration, and is a place to find a community to believe in you as you work on your recovery. They have also begun a youth program for the children of their Breaking Free program attendees.

Pella, Iowa | 725 Ministries
725 Ministries is a non-profit who walks along teens, young adults and really anyone God puts in our path who walk sometimes triple-beat-down storms.  The people God puts in our lives never have to run in the storm alone, they have a bedrock named Jesus they can cling to. Contact: Kristi Pinegar 

Sigourney, Iowa | Be the Light Ministries
Be the Light is a Christ-centered ministry that hopes to share the Light of our Lord, Jesus Christ, with all of the world. We believe in the Holy Bible and we share the Word any chance we get. We are Grace-focused and we know that although we are all sinners, it is through God’s grace that we are saved. Not because we are good, but because God is so good. We are Hope-filled and want to share that hope with all. We will all have times of suffering, but with our suffering we find hope in knowing that our Lord is always with us. He will never leave us. And finally, our faith is renewed as we continue to grow and share the love of the Lord with all. Be the Light serves youth through Whiz Kids program, Training in Trades (woodworking, engine repair, farming, gardening, cooking), Sharing the Arts, and Coaching/Mentoring teens. Contact: Jaci Jarmes

Waterloo, Iowa | Flourish Families
Flourish Families has been serving single mothers and their families with the love of Christ in Waterloo, Iowa since 2019. They encourage, inspire, and equip in the areas of spiritual growth, single parenting, financial stewardship, and building healthy relationships. They are working to establish program specifically for the children of the moms that they serve. Contact: Bill Saak

MISSION

To share the love and Good News of Jesus Christ with unchurched youth in Iowa through a network of churches and ministries that share a common vision while encouraging each other.

VISION

To build a network of partners working together throughout all 99 counties in Iowa.