Youth at Sioux Falls Asbury volunteering at The Banquet.

Youth Workers have a special calling. They find ways to inspire, relate to, and guide our Dakotas youth on their faith journeys. Emily Lawrence has answered that calling in noticeable and fruitful ways.

During the 2026 Dakotas Annual Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota, Lawrence was named one of the recipients of the Dakotas Conference Youth Worker of the Year Award. Lawrence serves as the Director of Next Gen Ministries at Asbury United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, overseeing children’s, youth, and young adult ministries. Under her leadership, Asbury’s youth ministry has grown from a handful of middle and high school students to more than 40 active participants each week, supported by a dedicated team of adult volunteers.

For Lawrence, receiving the award was especially meaningful because it came from the young people she serves.

“It’s hard to find words to express how much this means to me. Honored and grateful don’t quite cover it. Humbled? Surprised? I love working with youth, and so to receive this recognition from youth is one of the most meaningful things that’s happened to me professionally.”

While the award recognizes Lawrence’s leadership, she is quick to point toward the larger community that has helped shape Asbury’s student ministry.

“But as great as I feel about it, I’m even more proud of our student ministry and the people of Asbury. Very little of what we’ve built is mine alone. Our students give this ministry life, and the adult leaders who faithfully walk alongside them are its engine. I’m continually humbled by the way everyone shows up, and I’m honored to be in ministry with them.”

Lawrence also credits the pastors who gave her space to grow as a leader. Pastor Matt Morrison encouraged her to take risks and learn along the way, while Pastor Kip Roozen offered steady encouragement and trust as the ministry developed.

“So, I see this award as recognition of what we’ve built together at Asbury. I’m incredibly proud of the part I’ve gotten to play in it, and even more grateful for all the people who helped bring it to life.”

Lawrence’s path into youth ministry began long before she ever imagined it would become her career.

“I remember sitting in youth group in high school and thinking, ‘Maybe I could be a youth pastor someday.’ Around that same time, a friend was specifically invited to discern a call to ministry. No one had said that to me, so I quietly tucked that little seed away, assuming that maybe ministry was meant for someone else.”

Years later, when her daughter was approaching middle school, Lawrence noticed that Asbury had few young people and limited opportunities for them to grow. That realization eventually led her to step into a temporary, part-time youth ministry position.

“Eventually, I thought, ‘Well, somebody needs to do something about this.’ Apparently, I was somebody," she shared. “What started as a temporary, part-time gig quickly became the best job I’ve ever had, and the career I never expected.”

Today, Lawrence encourages others involved in youth ministry to remember that ministry is built first through relationships.

“Keep showing up. Don’t underestimate young people. They know who cares by who keeps showing up. Notice them, listen to them, get to know them, and make sure they know they belong.”

She also encourages churches to give young people meaningful opportunities to lead.

“Let them lead, listen to their ideas, trust them with responsibility, and give them room to surprise you. Some of the best things we’ve done in youth ministry have happened when the adults got out of the way and let students take ownership.”

For Lawrence, a thriving youth ministry ultimately strengthens the entire congregation.

“Bottom line, the church that prioritizes the Next Generation is the church that is thriving. Young people bring energy and life into the church, and when we make room for them, it changes more than just the youth ministry. It gives adults opportunities to serve and mentor, connects families more deeply to the church, and reminds all of us why passing on our faith matters in the first place.”

Lawrence’s Youth Worker of the Year recognition celebrates not only the growth of Asbury’s youth ministry, but the many students, volunteers, pastors, and church members who have helped build it. Her story is a reminder that when a church makes room for young people to belong, lead, and grow, the entire church is changed.

Want to see Emily’s ministry in action? Watch this video highlighting the work Emily and the Asbury youth ministry have done to create a thriving space for young people to grow, lead, and live out their faith.