Darren Cowdrey, a Sacramento, California resident with a master's of divinity from the Pacific School of Religion and a BA in English from UC Irvine, has 20 years of experience working with teens. Darren Cowdrey is the director of camping young people's ministry at the California/Nevada Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, where he focuses on young faith development.

Youth leaders oversee and lead various aspects of the church's youth group, including planning and organizing events, teaching and mentoring young people, and coordinating outreach programs. They primarily aim to guide, support, and motivate young individuals in their spiritual journey by employing diverse approaches.

To help nurture young faith development, youth leaders can follow Jesus' example and prioritize building relationships with young people. By creating safe and nurturing environments where deep conversations can occur, young people can develop Christ-centered relationships with each other and their leaders. This approach allows them to grow in their faith, knowledge, and love for Jesus.

In addition to relationship building, youth leaders should strive to teach for transformation rather than just imparting knowledge. Encouraging young people to actively participate in learning through activities like faith-related discussions or community service can help them develop their character and apply their faith in real-life situations. This approach empowers young people to make a tangible difference in the world and strengthen their relationship with God.