Youth For Christ's History

Youth For Christ has a wonderful history. In the early 1940's, YFC rallies were held in various places in America - a movement. A dynamic time.

In 1945 some pastors gathered together and organized Youth For Christ. They hired a very young BILLY GRAHAM as their first full-time staff member, and elected their first president of YFC (Torrey Johnson). YFC continued with large rallies and had great growth.

This great movement also eventually gave birth or helped to birth several other ministries: World Vision, Gospel Films, and - of course - the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Like all healthy movements, YFC adapted over the years. After all, we do not live in the 1940's! In the 1950s YFC started to focus on high school and junior high school students. Relational evangelism became a rising focus. An interesting point - in the 1950's YFC used BIBLE QUIZZING as one of the non-rally methods it was adopting.

As you can guess, the 60's brought more change. YFC aimed itself at non-churched teens. (So much for Bible quizzes.) Campus Life meetings were held in the homes of students - topical discussions held in a non-threatening atmosphere. The movement, and its relational ministry, had adapted beyond it's rally beginnings.

And now? Over 200 chapters in over 60 nations work with youth. Volunteerism is emphasized. And YFC impacts thousands of teens every year!