By Christian (Chrissy) Belton
“It has always been my heart’s desire to see young people walk out their God-given purpose and use their gifts, skills, and voice to impact the church and the world.”
Christian Belton is a leader in our DMV Fuel Network, led by Rev. Thomas Brackeen. The DMV network serves the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia area of the country, with about 20-25 leaders working together to support urban youth ministries. For the last 20 years, Christian has served Hunter Memorial AME Church (now Real Power AME Church) in Upper Marlboro, MD, growing in her leadership, where she now serves as the Minister to Youth & Young Adults.
Growing up in North Philadelphia with deep church roots—her parents were ministers and her grandfather was her pastor—she never imagined stepping into leadership herself. But through obedience and a heart for service, her path led her to impact countless young lives. Her passion is clear: to empower the next generation to walk boldly in their God-given purpose, using their gifts and voice to impact both the church and the world.
A Heart for Youth Purpose
Christian’s heart to see young people walk out their God-given purpose and use their gifts, skills, and voice to impact the church and the world drives everything she does. In her ministry, Christian was able to witness two of her youth share during the church’s Youth Sunday service themed “Year of Impact: Not Like Us-Ending On the Up.” One speaker was just seven years old, and the other a high school junior, yet both stood boldly before the congregation to express what they had learned and what they hoped for in the year ahead. Their courage and authenticity left a lasting impression. It was a powerful reminder that youth ministry is not only about teaching but also about learning—from the voices, resilience, and perspective of the next generation.
Finding Support in Transition
Christian found Fuel Networks during a time when her ministry role and location was shifting. During this season of transition, Christian was processing different emotions and was in need of guidance and support. During one of the network’s meet and greets, the topic being discussed was about the direction of youth ministry. Christian was able to share her anxieties over this season and new role and her desire to be prepared. A leader recommended reading “Sustainable Youth Ministry” by Mark Devries, which Christian started reading that week and continues to reference on a regular basis as it has helped ground her during his transition from one space to another. She also gains insight from The Future Is Here podcast by UYWI, which has discussed various topics through the years and provided tools she sometimes didn’t know she needed.
Addressing Urban Youth Ministry Challenges
Leaders in the DMV community are currently facing the challenge of balancing their various responsibilities, while searching for and maintaining consistent support. The Fuel Networks helps address these obstacles through their check-ins and sharing practices between the leaders. The network, powered by DVULI & UYWI, allows these urban youth leaders to share tips for scheduling, time management or support—solutions they’ve found by collaborating together. When network members team up and do things together, it helps address the challenge of support through meaningful collaboration.
The Creative Heart of Ministry
As a creative and artist, Christian loves to create and share her thoughts through visual art. She describes her paintings as an extension of herself, with art serving as a consistent source of encouragement that he aims to bring into everything she does. In 2018, Christian traveled to Nigeria to teach a painting class to young girls who were sexually abused or traumatized. Through that opportunity and experience, she has become even more determined to share the healing power of art and creativity, demonstrating how her personal gifts intersect with her ministry calling.
Three Practical Learnings for Youth Ministry Leaders:
- Embrace Transition as Growth Opportunity Seasons of shifting roles and uncertainty can become catalysts for finding the right support and resources. Rather than navigating transitions alone, seeking out networks and community during these times can provide the guidance and grounding needed for effective ministry.
- Learn from the Youth You Serve Ministry is bidirectional—while leaders pour into young people, they must also remain open to receiving inspiration and learning from the youth they serve. This posture of mutual learning enriches ministry and keeps leaders connected to fresh perspectives.
- Integrate Personal Gifts with Ministry Calling Personal talents can become powerful ministry tools when intentionally integrated with your calling. Leaders should explore how their unique skills and passions can enhance their ability to serve and connect with young people.
To connect with the DMV Youth Ministry Network, follow them on Instagram at @dmv.ymn or find their Facebook group by searching “DMV and Baltimore Youth and Young Adult Ministry Leader Community.”
