Walking Beside Our Youth: Hope, Connection, and Community

September 10th, 2026
by RestChurch Media

"I have them and I'm not going to let them go. I believe Jesus has His hands on all of these kids, and that's what brings me hope." — Rhiannon Diller

Growing up isn't easy. We've all faced challenges navigating through life, but perhaps the most challenging of all are the teen years.

The world has changed since grandparents obsessed about sock hops, making it to beach parties, and hayrides. While there have always been very real stressors in the adolescent world, today's teens and preteens face a nail-biting roller coaster ride of expectations and interference from the world at large like never before.

Rhiannon Diller is the leader of both the Youth ministry and the Young Adult ministry at Restoration Church, and she understands the issues facing our youth all too well. In a recent interview, Rhiannon expressed a deep and heartfelt commitment to serving our youth and young adults. She has a true passion for it.

Navigating "A New World"

When invited to share her perspective regarding the issues and pressures facing our youth, Rhiannon pointed out how overwhelmed our youth feel today. Some concerns have existed for decades: making good grades, living up to expectations, and succeeding in athletic pursuits. Today, succinctly put, "It's a new world," she says.

The rapid advancement of technology and video games consumes the lives of many teens, beckoning them to computers and cell phones for hours at a time. Fitting in with peer groups is more vital than ever, and easier access to a wide spectrum of illegal drugs is a tempting option for the stressful lives they live. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and apathy among our youth.

The Power of Connection and Hope

The most inspiring aspect of leading the youth group, Rhiannon states, is watching even the most shy members of the group transition into really connecting with others and starting to pay attention. She points out how loneliness is a common feature among teens, yet research has shown that many teens are hungry to hear about Jesus and want to know more about Him. That's wonderful news.

When asked if there was any advice Rhiannon wanted to share with parents facing an adventurous life with teens, she shared this:

Listen. Talk to your teen and resist preaching to them, as "preaching" often leads to their shutting down and tuning out. Create a dialogue with your teen and ask questions. Get into their world. If they share startling information with you, resist showing alarm and try not to react. One option is to say to your child, "Tell me more." This effectively lets them know you're listening and that it's safe to talk to you.

Finally, when asked what the greatest challenge was in her ministry, Rhiannon shared how painful it was to watch a teen walk out of a meeting knowing they are suffering and that they may not return. To this, she offered a poignant response when she said:

"I have them and I'm not going to let them go. I believe Jesus has
His hands on all of these kids, and that's what brings me hope."

Youth Ministry Schedules & Upcoming Events

High School Ministry: Meets on Monday evenings from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM,
facilitated by Rhiannon Diller.
Arise Middle School Ministry: Meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, facilitated by Brent Bloyd.
See You At The Pole: September 23 at 7:00 AM — Youth will gather before classes at their respective school flagpoles for prayer.
Youth Alive Conference: September 26 — An exciting regional event (registration required).

Young Adult Ministry: A Community of Faith

Rhiannon also leads the Young Adult ministry at Restoration Church. This enthusiastic group meets Tuesday evenings from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM and is attended by young adults between the ages of 18 and 35. A meal provided by the ministry is shared at every weekly meeting.

Rhiannon describes this group as a warm and loving community of people. In fact, members of the group often get together outside the church to enjoy various activities together. Some are married, some single, and some have children—they all blend together in one happy group. Rhiannon says they all want a deeper relationship with Christ.

Rhiannon starts introducing her teens to the Young Adult group while they're still in the youth group. She states that when a teen graduates and leaves the youth ministry, they are still seeking to follow the faith and often return to church to join the Young Adult group. This is very encouraging to her and gives her hope for struggling teens within the youth group.

Rhiannon shared that the Young Adult ministry is a breath of fresh air; they sincerely want to grow and express that openly. They want to see change in the world and always look forward to meeting new people. They are deeply genuine in their faith, she says, and she is inspired by that.

Grateful for Servant Leaders

God has led a number of gifted, devoted, and Spirit-filled followers to Restoration Church. Many serve God in church ministries with their deep and passionate commitment to the people of the church. We thank God for the ministry of Rhiannon, serving the teens and young people who are seeking God with her loving and caring spirit. It will be exciting to watch all the wonderful things that are to come.

Follow-Up Exercises for Readers

Practicing "Tell Me More": In your next conversation with your teen, young adult, or a family member sharing something stressful, commit to listening without giving immediate advice. Use the phrase "Tell me more" to encourage open dialogue.
Prayer Focus for the Next Generation: Take five minutes this week to pray specifically for the youth and young adults in our community—asking for freedom from anxiety, wisdom in their relationships, and a deep understanding of Christ’s love.
Encourage a Youth Leader: Reach out with a short note or word of encouragement to one of our youth or young adult facilitators (Rhiannon, Brent, or their team members) thanking them for their heart and dedication.