The Young Rebels: My First Ministry and the Lessons of Leadership

A Spark of Faith

When I gave my life to Jesus at 18, I was on fire. Freshly saved and full of zeal, I was eager to learn, grow, and serve. Discipleship played a huge role in shaping my faith during this season. I was surrounded by mentors who patiently poured into me, teaching me the Word, how to pray, and how to navigate life as a new believer.

By the time I was 19, I was diving into ministry, particularly through music. As a Christian rapper who would do music in youth groups, and outreaches, I saw my platform as an opportunity to share the Gospel and connect with others who, like me, came from challenging backgrounds. I was growing in faith and confidence, ready to take on whatever God had for me. What I didn’t realize was that God was about to trust me with something far bigger than I thought I was ready for: leading a youth ministry.

The Birth of the Young Rebels

when i was about 20, my cousin Summer was living with us. She was a teenager—a goofy and outgoing yet sometimes shy girl who loved Hello Kitty. Like most teens, she had her struggles: boys, secrets, and navigating the challenges of adolescence. we where attended a small church called Connection Church, which had about 20-30 people but a thriving youth group because the kids invited their friends.

However, Summer started feeling uncomfortable at the youth group because of some bullying. She opened up to me about it, and my first instinct was to help her find a safe space, loved her and still do, i wanted the best for her at that time to grow and i had a opportunity to do something about it. I told her to invite her friends over for a Bible study at our house instead. What started as a small gathering of a few kids quickly grew into something far bigger.

Within a handful of weeks, our living room was packed with 30 plus teenagers every Wednesday night. These weren’t church kids. Most of them had never set foot in a church, and their parents didn’t attend church either. These were kids from all walks of life—different backgrounds, struggles, and stories—searching for something real. some even had babies of their own at such a young age.

And just like that, I found myself leading a youth group.

Building the Foundation

We called ourselves the Young Rebels, a name that reflected the group’s energy and uniqueness. Our color scheme was black and red, and every kid had a VIP name tag on a lanyard—because I wanted them to know they were important, to me and to God. My goal was simple: help these kids find their identity in Jesus, teach them to trust Him, and guide them toward a relationship with God.

I didn’t know how to be a youth pastor, i didn't grow up in the church, i was barley out of high school myself. I wasn’t a parent, and I had no formal training other than the discipleship I had received, bible studies, church and going through the downline institute, so I knew how to lead to some capacity. I relied on the Word, prayer, and a genuine love for these kids to guide me.

Every Wednesday, I preached the Gospel. I walked them through Scripture, taught them how to pray, and encouraged them to trust Jesus in their struggles. We blasted music so loud with a PA system in the living room, the neighbors heard us, but even some of their kids started to join us once they found out what we where doing! I met with parents to help them understand their kids better and to show them how to love and guide them according to Scripture. At time, the parents would even call on me for marriage advice, relationship issues and counseling. Even though I secretly felt out of my depth, I knew God was equipping me for the task one day at a time, being led as to what to do and say.

The Community Grows

As the group grew, I built a team to help. My best friend at the time, was fresh in his faith and someone I was discipling. He was married with three kids, and we worked together to mentor the young men. My mom and her best friend stepped up to lead the girls, creating a supportive environment for the young women.

The youth group didn’t just meet for Bible study and games and worship. We lived life together. We took trips to the movies, created music, played games, ate together, played basketball and football together, went to church together, and hosted Christian hip-hop concerts in our living room and local parks. We were a radical group, unafraid to share our love for Jesus in creative and unconventional ways.

God was moving powerfully. Teens who had never cared about Jesus were suddenly repping Him proudly. Lives were changing, and the Holy Spirit was at work in their hearts. Kids who felt unloved and unseen were finding their identity in Christ, a community and purpose.

A Tragic Shift

By mid-2013, we had been doing this ministry for about a year and a half and the Young Rebels was thriving. But then, everything changed. In July, about a week after my 22nd birthday, my mom passed away unexpectedly.

My mom had been a cornerstone of the group, leading the girls and offering guidance and love. Losing her was devastating—not just for me but for the entire youth group. I tried to keep going, but things weren’t the same. I was grieving, and I didn’t know how to process it and i had internal issues i was dealing with.

I realized I needed help. I couldn’t lead the group alone, especially without a trusted leader for the younger girls. I was wise enough to know that i cant disciple teenage girls, i need a woman i can trust to do that and i had lost the one i had. I made the difficult decision to merge the Young Rebels with the youth group at Hill Country Bible Church (HCBC) Leander, where my family had been attending at that time, we had to left connection church not long after starting the youth group.

The Merge

I met with Pastor Conor, HCBC Leander’s youth pastor, to discuss the merge. We made a plan and hosted joint events to ease the transition. On paper, it made sense. But I didn’t fully consider the cultural and social differences between the two groups, and neither did he.

The Young Rebels were a diverse mix of middle- and low-income teens, many of whom were minorities. HCBC Leander’s youth group, by contrast, was predominantly white and middle- to upper-class families. The Young Rebels loved hip-hop, R&B, and creative expression. Most of the HCBC youth group didn’t fully connect with that urban culture.

What I didn’t realize was how deeply these differences would affect the merge. The Young Rebels felt like outsiders, and despite our best efforts, many of them stopped attending. Over the next few months, 95% of the Young Rebels drifted away.

Some found other churches where they felt more at home, which I was thankful for. But it still hurt. I loved those kids like siblings. Watching them leave was one of the hardest things I’ve experienced in ministry.

Lessons in Leadership

After the merge, I stayed at HCBC Leander and studied under Pastor Peter Horn and Pastor Conor. They taught me invaluable lessons about youth ministry, church culture, and pastoral leadership. I learned how to navigate relationships with parents, mentor teens, and balance the challenges of ministry.

Looking back, I see how God used the Young Rebels to teach me about leadership, discipleship, and the importance of meeting people where they are. I didn’t set out to start a youth ministry, but God trusted me with it, and it became a season of incredible growth—for me and the teens I served.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned from Pastor Conor was the importance of embracing both the ups and downs of ministry. He often reminded me, "Anything worth doing is worth planning for, and anything worth planning for is worth evaluating after, so you can decide how to do it better next time and understand what God was teaching you through it." Ministry is not about perfection; it’s about obedience, growth, and learning. It’s okay to celebrate the victories and acknowledge the challenges, because both are opportunities for God to shape us and deepen our understanding of His purpose. Reflecting on the highs reminds us of God’s faithfulness, while examining the lows helps us refine our approach, learn humility, and grow as leaders. Every moment—good or bad—is part of the journey, and in ministry, every step matters.

Another one of the most important lessons I learned in ministry came from Pastor Peter Horn. Peter was the first pastor to truly believe in me. He saw what I was doing with the Young Rebels and recognized the potential in me long before I saw it in myself. Even before we merged the Young Rebels with Hill Country Bible Church (HCBC) Leander, Peter would meet with me regularly for breakfast, walking me through discipleship and teaching methods. He poured into me as a young leader, helping me understand what it meant to shepherd others, build community, and share the Gospel boldly.

One of the most valuable things Peter ever said to me was, "To reach people nobody is reaching, you have to do things nobody is doing." That line stuck with me and became a cornerstone of how I approach ministry. Peter saw the apostolic gifting on my life—how God had wired me as an evangelist and leader, someone who could build, gather, and shepherd people. Even though I was only like 20 or 21 years old at the time, Peter believed in me and took the time to invest in my growth.

Peter not only taught me but also connected me with Pastor Conor, HCBC’s youth pastor at the time. Both of them would meet with me, offering wisdom, resources, and guidance. They saw i was an outside the box thinker, i go to places nobody was going, and do things nobody else was doing in order to reach people who might otherwise never encounter the love of Jesus. Their mentorship gave me the confidence and tools to lead boldly and creatively for the Kingdom.

Peter’s belief in me changed my life. He saw something in me that I didn’t fully understand yet, but his willingness to mentor me gave me the foundation to grow as a leader. His legacy continues to inspire me even today. Peter passed away during COVID, a heartbreaking loss for so many of us who loved and admired him. Conor has since stepped into the role of head pastor, leading the church—now called Northway Bible Church—with the same heart for discipleship and growth that Peter embodied. I thank God for Peter’s impact on my life and ministry, and I carry his lessons with me as I continue to build, lead, and reach people for the Kingdom of God.

Looking Back

During the season of the Young Rebels, my home became more than just a place where I lived—it became a refuge, a sanctuary for others, and a place for ministry. It was where kids could come to feel safe, loved, and accepted, often for the first time in their lives. Our living room transformed into a space where people encountered Jesus, found hope, and experienced the power of community. Yes, it was inconvenient at times. Cleaning up before and after every gathering, keeping snacks and drinks stocked, setting up big PA systems, and managing the higher electric bills all added up. There was even the risk of people stealing or the vulnerability of having so many people know where I lived. But none of that outweighed the kingdom impact. It was worth every sacrifice to see lives changed by God’s love.

Even now, my home continues to be a place of ministry. I sleep in my living room to make space for what God is doing, willingly inconveniencing myself so others can encounter His presence. My space may be small, but the impact is eternal. Whether it’s hosting Bible studies, creative gatherings, or just being available for someone who needs a listening ear, my home is dedicated to God’s work. I’ve come to see it as part of my calling—to create an atmosphere where people feel safe to open up, connect, and grow in their faith.

Looking back, I realize this heart for hospitality and sacrifice was planted in me as a child. My parents modeled it in the way they opened our home to anyone in need. Family friends, cousins, or anyone who needed a place to stay always found a home with us. I remember people sleeping on our couch for months at a time, our garage being converted into bedrooms, and sharing my room with family members on bunk beds. Our house was always full, and my parents were always willing to sacrifice their comfort so others could have peace and safety.

As a man of God today, I carry that same spirit of hospitality, but now I partner with God to make an even bigger impact. It’s not just about providing a roof over someone’s head—it’s about creating an environment where people can encounter Jesus and be transformed by His love. Whether it’s the Young Rebels in my living room or someone needing a moment of peace today, I believe every act of inconvenience for the sake of God’s kingdom is worth it. It’s a small price to pay to see lives forever changed.

Creativity for God

During the season of the Young Rebels, one of the most exciting aspects of our ministry was the creative space we cultivated for teenagers who wanted to rap, sing, and use their artistic gifts for God’s glory. We started a music group for these young artists, teaching them how to write and perform songs while also equipping them with the foundations of ministry. They weren’t just making music—they were learning how to use their talents to impact others and point them to Jesus. Together, we created songs, performed at other churches, and brought hope to outreaches, all while forming a tight-knit community centered around faith and creativity. Does this sound familiar? wink wink, maybe like what God is calling me to do today! Exactly, God knows what He is doing.

As their leader, I didn’t just teach them about music—I discipled them, helping them understand how ministry and art intersect in a way that requires both leadership and servanthood. I emphasized that their gifts weren’t just for the spotlight but for serving others and glorifying God. We talked about how their music could break down barriers, inspire change, and plant seeds of faith in the hearts of listeners. It was amazing to watch them grow, not just as artists but as young ministers of the Gospel.

Two of the young women in the group are still in church today, and their stories bring me so much joy. One has developed her photography skills and now uses them to serve her church, capturing moments of worship, fellowship, and ministry. The other has stepped into a leadership role, leading worship and helping others connect with God through singing. Seeing them thriving in their faith and using their talents for God’s glory is one of the greatest rewards of my ministry journey.

I thank God for the opportunity to invest in their lives during that season. Watching them take what they learned and use it to create for God is a testament to His faithfulness and the power of discipleship. It’s a reminder that ministry isn’t just about what happens in the moment—it’s about planting seeds that bear fruit in the years to come. These young women are living examples of how art and ministry can collide to transform lives and make a lasting impact for the Kingdom of God.

Unfortunately, not all of the group members have a success story. Some are locked up, some have drifted away from God, others are battling addiction, trapped in abusive relationships, or simply lost in life’s struggles. There are even some I haven’t heard from in years. It’s heartbreaking, but that’s the reality of life—the rain falls on the just and the unjust. Despite this, I continue to pray for them, trusting that God is still working. I pray that He pulls their hearts back to Him, because I know that He has a plan and purpose for each of their lives. He is the ultimate Redeemer, the one who saves and restores. God has the power to turn even the darkest situations into something beautiful, and I hold onto the truth that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

One of the most bittersweet moments of that season was when we ministered at my mom’s Memorial. In honor of her, we performed live music as a tribute to her unwavering support and love. My mom was our number-one fan, always encouraging us and celebrating every step of the journey. She loved seeing me lead the Young Rebels and took immense joy in investing in the kids herself. She wasn’t just a leader; she was a mom to all of us, pouring out her heart to make sure these teenagers felt loved and valued, they all called her "Aunt Kim", because to them she was family. That day, as we played music at her memorial service, it was a reflection of everything she had poured into us—a moment to honor her legacy and the impact she had on so many lives. Even in her passing, her love for ministry and for others continued to shine through, and I’m forever grateful for the example she set for me and the Young Rebels.

Moving Forward

The Young Rebels was my first ministry—a foundation that God used to prepare me for the calling I walk in today. Looking back, I see how God has always placed me in leadership roles, shaping me to lead, love, and serve others.

Today, my heart for ministry burns brighter than ever. I want to see people connect with Jesus, grow in their faith, and walk boldly in their calling. The Young Rebels was just one of the building blocks in my journey, and I’m grateful for every moment of it.

To anyone reading this who feels called to lead but doesn’t feel ready: trust God. He doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called. If God could use a 19-year-old Christian rapper with no experience to lead a youth group, He can use you too.

The Young Rebels taught me that ministry is about love, trust, and obedience. It’s about pointing people to Jesus, even when you don’t have all the answers. And it’s about trusting that God can take our small efforts and turn them into something far greater than we could imagine.

A Note to the Young Rebels

To the Young Rebels: I don’t know where all of you are today, but I want you to know how much I love you. You’re my little brothers and sisters, and I still pray for you.

If you ever felt abandoned, left out, or under appreciated during the merge, I’m deeply sorry. I was going through the hardest time of my life emotionally and spiritually, and I didn’t handle things as well as I should have. Please forgive me.

All of yall are now older than i was when i was leading this ministry, so i hope you understand.

After my mom passed i was trying to be as strong as i could, but i didn't know how to handle that season. It was a painful time for me too.

I hope you’re still pursuing Jesus and walking in the faith we shared during those Wednesday nights. If you ever need anything, reach out to me. I’m here for you, always.