As churches across Jamaica and the world contend with the steady decline of youth attendance, Escarpment New Testament Church of God is defying the trend by building real community, offering purpose, and meeting young people where they are.

Across the country, many young adults have opted out of traditional church life, often citing judgment, lack of understanding, and irrelevance as key reasons for walking away. But at Escarpment Church, located in Mona in St Andrew, young people aren’t just filling the pews, they’re leading ministries, preaching the gospel, and finding family in faith.

Twenty-six-year-old Glacia Richardson is heavily involved in several ministries: the choir, youth department, ushering, hospitality, and even outreach missions to St Elizabeth. Despite life’s difficulties, it’s that involvement and deep sense of purpose that keeps her going.

“I grew up in church. I got baptised at around 10,” said Richardson.

“There are moments when I feel thrown, feel I don’t want to go,” she said. “But because I’m involved in some form of ministry, it forces me not to get complacent.”

For Richardson and others, the church is more than a Sunday routine, it’s a source of rejuvenation.

She pointed to annual events like the National Youth Congress, National Teens Talent Show, and Youth Retreat as major engagement tools.

Ajay Chambers, youth parishoner at Escarpment New Testament Church of God. (Photo: Llewellyn Wynter)

“As a Christian, it’s fun,” she said. “The New Testament Church caters activities surrounding young people.”

Ajay Chambers, 22, echoes Richardson’s sentiment. Raised in church, he sees his faith as the foundation for his values and friendships.

“That wanting of peace of mind, that’s what keeps me coming,” he shared.

“Youth fellowship at Escarpment Road changes your whole point of view on having a fun time,” he added. “It’s like a church party where we play games and listen to engaging Christian music. It’s fun!”

Still, Chambers understands why many of his peers don’t show up.

“The main thing I’ve realised is the judgment from those in the church…for the way they dress, or being restricted from living,” Chambers said.

He’s passionate about breaking that stigma, especially for young men.

Senior Pastor for Escarpment New Testament Church, Leslie Pinnock. (Photo: Llewellyn Wynter)

“We seem weak to them… I want to show people that believing in Christ can make you strong,” he said.

For 27-year-old Phillipa Peddie, it’s the fellowship and the people that anchors her.

“When I came here, there was never a sense that I’m not supposed to be here. This is literally family,” she said.

That sense of belonging was shared by Shanique Summerville, also 27, who migrated from Westmoreland and began visiting Escarpment in December.

“I can always get a word that I’ve never heard before, a different perspective,” she said. “There are a lot of intelligent people here. And also some things I was grappling with. I got more understanding.”

But Summerville is honest about the broader issue.

“Church can be boring. They (young people) feel restricted, and they don’t know that they’re actually in hell, because that’s all they know,” she explained. “If you have an encounter with Christ, you’ll actually see what He has to offer.”

Assistant Pastor for Escarpment New Testament Church, Reverend Denzel Chung. (Photo: Llewellyn Wynter)

That encounter, says Reverend Denzel Chung, 27, isn’t just about sermons, it’s about community.

“You need a safe space for a community to thrive,” he said. “The people here provide that safe space and it’s not just on a Sunday morning.”

Senior Pastor Leslie Pinnock shared that he sees the young adult stage as a turbulent but transformative period.

“Young people are continually exploring. They’re trying to find out who they are, and sometimes that journey takes them away from the church,” he said. “But we’ve seen time and time again, they come back… because what Christ offers is second to none.”

He acknowledged that “church hurt”, emotional pain caused by others within the House of God, is real and common.

“Church is a real place with real people who have real issues,” he said. “But your first option should not be to run away. If you stay, you’ll recognise that those hurts can be turned to joy.”

Entrance of Escarpment New Testament Church of God in Mona, St Andrew. (Photo: Llewellyn Wynter)

What sets Escarpment apart is its effort to remain relatable, accountable, and warm. From the greeter at the gate to the preacher on the platform, everyone plays a part in making people feel seen and valued.

“We try to ensure they have a voice,” the pastor said. “We pride ourselves on just being a family a warm and loving family with our own issues, but one that’s real.”

For the many young people still in search of peace, purpose, and a place to belong, the message from Escarpment New Testament Church of God is simple: the door is open, and your seat is waiting.

“Every young person reaches a place where there’s a hole in your heart, and nothing can fill it except Christ,” said Summerville. “You can’t do it on your own. You were never meant to.”