Young Adult Ministry

Connecting Young Adults shaped by community, questioning, and service

Our ministry creates brave space for young adults in their 20’s-mid 30’s to deepen through faith through study, conversation, service, and gatherings that build community. Whether you have called Cincinnati your home all your life or are new to the area, we want to connect with you! 

If you are a person who is working to lean into the ideas that God’s abundant grace is for everyone – community is foundational – social justice is integral to a life of faith – LGBTQ+ people are beloved – Black Lives Matter – you can’t love God without loving others – climate change is real – faith and doubt are not incompatible – this group might be for you! 

Follow us!

YAUM!

Current Study:
A Faithful History, A Hopeful Future: Exploring the UMC

at Bean & Barley

Mondays 7:00 - 8:30pm

June 1st - August 31st

This summer, join us for a 14-week young adult study exploring the history, theology, structure, and future of Christianity and The United Methodist Church. Whether you grew up Methodist, are new to the denomincation, or are simply curious about faith and church history, this series is desgined to create space for learning, conversation, and thoughtful engagement.

Together, we’ll trace the story of Christianity from the early church in Acts to the formation of modern denominations, explore the roots of Methodism through John and Charles Wesley, unpack United Methodist doctrine and polity, and engage topics such as grace, sacraments, social holiness, LGBTQ+ history, and the future of the church.

This study is not about having all the answers but learning about how Christians across history have wrestled with theology, justice, tradition, and community while asking what it means to faithfully follow Jesus today.

 

We’ll meet Monday nights from 7:00–8:30pm, June 1st through August 31st, at Bean & Barley, where you’re encouraged to enjoy your favorite beverage and come as you are. This study is designed especially for young adults and is open to anyone—no theology background, Bible expertise, or certainty required. Doubt, curiosity, and different perspectives are always welcome.

Summer Study Schedule

June 1st – Global Christian History

  • How did Christianity spread from a small movement in Acts to a global faith tradition? This session explores the early church, the formation of the biblical canon, creeds and doctrine, the rise of the Catholic Church, the Protestant Reformation, and the development of denominations throughout history.

June 7th –  Join us after the 11 o’clock service to walk to the Hyde Park Farmers’ Market and grab lunch at Parkside!

June 8th –  Methodist History

  • Special Note: Meet at church at 6:30p in the Welcome Center to be present for the vote for Christina to be a certified candidate for ordained ministry (we will celebrate with dessert). We will hold this week’s session in the Library at the church starting at 7:15p.
  • Discover the roots of Methodism through the lives of John and Charles Wesley, Susanna Wesley, early Methodist societies, circuit riders, and the movement’s emphasis on structure, discipleship, and reaching people outside church walls. We’ll also examine the complicated racial history of Methodism and the formation of The United Methodist Church.

June 15th –  United Methodist Polity

  • How is The United Methodist Church organized and governed? Learn about conferences, bishops, the Judicial Council, apportionments, the Book of Discipline, and how change happens within the denomination.

June 22nd – UM Doctrine Part I: The Wesleyan Quadrilateral

  • What shapes how Methodists interpret scripture and make ethical decisions? This session introduces scripture, tradition, reason, and experience through

June 29th – UM Doctrine Part II: Grace & Sacraments

  • Explore Methodist understandings of baptism, communion, weddings, funerals, and the Wesleyan understanding of grace. We’ll discuss how sacraments and worship practices shape spiritual life and community.

July 6th Social Principles Part I: Faith in Action

  • Examine the Methodist understanding of social holiness, personal piety, and the church’s role in addressing issues of justice, poverty, and community life through the Social Principles.

July 13th – Social Principles Part II

  • Continue exploring how United Methodists engage contemporary social issues, ethical questions, and public witness through theology and action.

July 20th Social Principles Part III

  • A deeper conversation on faith, justice, and discipleship in today’s world, including how Christians navigate disagreement, advocacy, and faithful engagement in society.

July 27thUM Doctrine Part III: Trinity & Divinity

  • What do Christians mean when we talk about the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the nature of God? This session explores foundational Christian beliefs and theological language.

August 3rdUM Doctrine Part IV: Sin, Salvation, Resurrection 

  • Discuss Methodist understandings of sin, salvation, atonement, resurrection, and what it means to experience grace and transformation.

August 10th – LGBTQ+ History & The Church Part 1

  • Explore the history of LGBTQ+ inclusion, exclusion, and “debate” within Christianity and The United Methodist Church, including recent denominational changes and schism.

August 17th – LGBTQ+ History & The Church Part 2

  • Continue to explore the history of LGBTQ+ inclusion, exclusion, and “debate” within Christianity and The United Methodist Church, including recent denominational changes and schism.

August 24th – LGBTQ+ History & The Church Part 3 & The Future of the Church

  • Conclude the LBGTQ+ mini series and explore where is The United Methodist Church headed next? We’ll discuss emerging visions for the denomination and hopes for the future.

August 31st – Christians as Ministers

  • Who is called to ministry? Learn about elders, deacons, bishops, district superintendents, certified lay ministers, lay leadership, deaconesses, and the many ways people live out their calling in the church.

Summer Study Schedule

June 1st – Global Christian History

  • How did Christianity spread from a small movement in Acts to a global faith tradition? This session explores the early church, the formation of the biblical canon, creeds and doctrine, the rise of the Catholic Church, the Protestant Reformation, and the development of denominations throughout history.

June 7th –  Join us after the 11 o’clock service to walk to the Hyde Park Farmers’ Market and grab lunch at Parkside!

June 8th –  Methodist History

  • Special Note: Meet at church at 6:30p in the Welcome Center to be present for the vote for Christina to be a certified candidate for ordained ministry (we will celebrate with dessert). We will hold this week’s session in the Library at the church starting at 7:15p.
  • Discover the roots of Methodism through the lives of John and Charles Wesley, Susanna Wesley, early Methodist societies, circuit riders, and the movement’s emphasis on structure, discipleship, and reaching people outside church walls. We’ll also examine the complicated racial history of Methodism and the formation of The United Methodist Church.

June 15th –  United Methodist Polity

  • How is The United Methodist Church organized and governed? Learn about conferences, bishops, the Judicial Council, apportionments, the Book of Discipline, and how change happens within the denomination.

June 22nd – UM Doctrine Part I: The Wesleyan Quadrilateral

  • What shapes how Methodists interpret scripture and make ethical decisions? This session introduces scripture, tradition, reason, and experience through

June 29th – UM Doctrine Part II: Grace & Sacraments

  • Explore Methodist understandings of baptism, communion, weddings, funerals, and the Wesleyan understanding of grace. We’ll discuss how sacraments and worship practices shape spiritual life and community.

July 6th Social Principles Part I: Faith in Action

  • Examine the Methodist understanding of social holiness, personal piety, and the church’s role in addressing issues of justice, poverty, and community life through the Social Principles.

July 13th – Social Principles Part II

  • Continue exploring how United Methodists engage contemporary social issues, ethical questions, and public witness through theology and action.

July 20th Social Principles Part III

  • A deeper conversation on faith, justice, and discipleship in today’s world, including how Christians navigate disagreement, advocacy, and faithful engagement in society.

July 27thUM Doctrine Part III: Trinity & Divinity

  • What do Christians mean when we talk about the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the nature of God? This session explores foundational Christian beliefs and theological language.

August 3rdUM Doctrine Part IV: Sin, Salvation, Resurrection 

  • Discuss Methodist understandings of sin, salvation, atonement, resurrection, and what it means to experience grace and transformation.

August 10th – LGBTQ+ History & The Church Part 1

  • Explore the history of LGBTQ+ inclusion, exclusion, and “debate” within Christianity and The United Methodist Church, including recent denominational changes and schism.

August 17th – LGBTQ+ History & The Church Part 2

  • Continue to explore the history of LGBTQ+ inclusion, exclusion, and “debate” within Christianity and The United Methodist Church, including recent denominational changes and schism.

August 24th – LGBTQ+ History & The Church Part 3 & The Future of the Church

  • Conclude the LBGTQ+ mini series and explore where is The United Methodist Church headed next? We’ll discuss emerging visions for the denomination and hopes for the future.

August 31st – Christians as Ministers

  • Who is called to ministry? Learn about elders, deacons, bishops, district superintendents, certified lay ministers, lay leadership, deaconesses, and the many ways people live out their calling in the church.
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Enneagram Workshop

at Hyde Park Campus

August 29 and August 30

The Enneagram is a powerful tool for understanding yourself and others through discovery, reflection, and practice. In this introductory Enneagram workshop we’ll explore the nine distinct personality types that reveal the deeper “why” behind our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Through the Enneagram’s lens, we can begin to understand the layers of personality we’ve developed throughout our lives. Like a mirror, it reflects hidden truths about our strengths, struggles, and the unique paths we walk.

Over the course of two days, Katie Whitlock, an Enneagram practitioner and facilitator, will walk through the structure of the Enneagram as well as each personality type. Whether you’re new to the Enneagram and need help figuring out your number or just need a recap of each type, the Type Discovery Workshop will set you up with a strong foundational knowledge and a hunger for more. This workshop will be followed up with an 6-week class beginning September 14 on Mondays from 7:00p-8:30p through October 26. All are are invited to join!

Register for Workshop Here

Please use code “YA GROUP” to unlock the $25 registration fee. 

 
2025_Enneagram-class

Upcoming Study -Understanding You: An Enneagram Journey

at the Hyde Park Campus

Mondays 7:00 - 8:30pm

September 14 - October 26

This Fall, you’re invited to take an Enneagram deep dive! In this 6 week class, we will explore the dynamics of stances and triads, understand how we move in times of stress and security, and discover the unique gifts each type brings to the world. Whether you’re taking your first steps with the Enneagram or deepening existing knowledge, you’ll find a welcoming space to explore, question, and grow.

The class is open to everyone! While we encourage you to attend all seven sessions for a full experience, each session stands on its own, so you’re welcome to join whenever you can.

Register for the Enneagram Study Here

Please use code “YA GROUP” to unlock the $20 registration fee. 

 

Understanding You: An Enneagram Journey Study Schedule 

The class will meet in the Library at the Hyde Park Campus

 September 14 – Intro to the Enneagram (What is it? How does it work?)

September 21 – How do I take in the world? (Centers of Intelligence)

September 28 – Centers of Intelligence pt. 2

October 5 – How do I get what I want? (Stances)

October 12 – Stances pt. 2

October 19 – *will not meet*

October 26 – Wrap up/Overflow/questions

 

Young Adult Group featured on The Progressive Christians Podcast!

From July through December, our young adult group spent time engaging episodes from The Progressive Christians Podcast, diving into thoughtful conversations around faith, doubt, and what it means to follow Jesus today.

As a reflection of that journey, members of our group submitted questions—and the podcast team responded in a special bonus episode: “The Questions That Linger After Deconstruction.”

This episode highlights the honest, meaningful questions our young adults are asking and creates space for deeper reflection around faith and identity.

🎧 We invite you to listen and join the conversation.

Check it out!

Young Adult Ministry Leadership

Rev. Kate Smith

Pastor of Mission and Outreach, Young Adults, and OTR Campus

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