When Tragedy Strikes Your Youth Group

Travis Moersch (patterned shirt, center, pictured with his co-leader and Life Group guys)

Yesterday was one of the most difficult days in the history of our student ministry – one of our leaders, Travis Moersch, collapsed at a youth event on Friday afternoon and was rushed to the hospital. Right now the cause is still unknown, but this seemingly healthy 20-year old Life Group leader and mentor passed away just a short time later.

I don’t have any “how tos” or “what to do” when this happens because we’re right in the thick of it. I know God is working and so present right now in our ministry. I’d like to talk most about it later, but would for now sincerely appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the Moersch family and the grieving students in our ministry, especially his Life Group guys.

About the Author: Josh Griffin

Josh Griffin is one of the leading voices in youth ministry with 25+ years experience in the trenches, currently serving as the junior high pastor at Mariners Church and before that the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church. He's the co-founder of DownloadYouthMinistry.com, YMUniversity.com and heard in 400+ episodes of the DYM Podcast w/Doug Fields. He's created more than 50 youth ministry resources and authored several books including 99 Thoughts for Small Group Leaders. Josh and his wife Angela have 4 kids, which are now all teenagers! Contact Josh | Speaking Requests