AY — Adventist Youth
The senior youth ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, leading teens and young adults into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and an active role in His mission.
1907
Society Formalized
10M+
Young People Worldwide
16+
Ages Served
1852
Youth's Instructor Founded
Mission, Aim, Motto & Pledge
To lead young people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ and help them embrace His call to discipleship.
The Advent message to all the world in my generation.
The love of Christ compels me.
"Loving the Lord Jesus, I promise to take an active part in the work of the Adventist Youth Society, doing what I can to help others and to finish the work of the Gospel in all the world."
Over a Century of Youth Ministry
James White publishes the first edition of The Youth's Instructor, the church's earliest dedicated outreach to young people.
Local youth societies begin forming in churches across the United States, including early efforts by Luther Warren and Harry Fenner, laying the groundwork for organized youth ministry.
At a meeting in Mount Vernon, Ohio, more than 100 delegates adopt the name "Seventh-day Adventist Young People's Society of Missionary Volunteers" (MV), along with an aim, motto, and pledge.
The General Conference session votes to create a separate Junior Missionary Volunteer Society (JMV) for children 10 to 16, distinguishing junior ministry from senior youth work.
The senior society becomes widely known as the Adventist Youth (AY) Society, continuing to serve teens and young adults beyond Pathfinder age with its own Aim, Motto, and Pledge.
Adventist Youth Ministries now links more than ten million young people worldwide through AY societies, campus ministry, young adult programs, and mission initiatives such as "I Will Go."
Where AY Fits in Youth Ministry
Adventist Youth Ministries spans every age, from early childhood through young adulthood.
| Ministry | Ages | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Adventurer Club | 4–9 | Family-based discovery and early faith formation |
| Pathfinder Club | 10–15 | Outdoor adventure, skill-building honors, character |
| AY / Ambassadors | 16–21 | Discipleship, service, leadership development |
| Young Adults | 22–30+ | Mentoring, mission, campus and career-stage ministry |
The AY Legion of Honor
Beyond the Aim, Motto, and Pledge, many AY societies invite members into a further voluntary commitment known as the Legion of Honor — a set of six personal resolutions to honor Christ in what one chooses to behold, listen to, the places one goes, one's associations, one's speech, and the care given to the body.
It reflects the heart of AY ministry: not a badge to be earned, but a daily discipleship that shapes how young people live, long after any meeting ends.
What AY Members Do
Discipleship
Bible study, Sabbath School classes, and Weeks of Prayer that ground faith in Scripture.
Evangelism & Missions
Local outreach and mission trips carrying the Advent message into communities near and far.
Leadership Training
Preparing young people to serve as Sabbath School leaders, Pathfinder staff, and church officers.
AY Silver & Gold Awards
Recognition for young adults who demonstrate exceptional physical, mental, and cultural development.