Spencer Youth Group Focuses on Service Over Social Media

Teens at First Congregational Church find meaning through Bible study and community work.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:41pm

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A highly stylized, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a repeating grid of young people volunteering together, rendered in a bold, neon color palette with heavy black outlines, capturing the joyful energy of community service.A youth group in Spencer, Iowa finds meaning through faith-based community service rather than digital self-promotion.Spencer Today

A youth group at First Congregational Church in Spencer, Iowa is bucking social media trends by prioritizing service and Bible study over showmanship. The group of 13-15 girls, led by youth director Katie Baltes, is open to students in grades 6-12 who simply want to learn about the Bible and do good in their community.

Why it matters

In an era where many youth groups emphasize social media presence and performance, this Spencer congregation is taking a different approach by encouraging its young members to find meaning through faith-based community service rather than digital self-promotion.

The details

The Spencer Congo Youth Group, as it's known, meets regularly to study the Bible and plan service projects. Rather than focusing on impressing others, the group's members are more interested in learning about their faith and putting it into practice through hands-on volunteer work.

  • The Spencer Congo Youth Group is open to students in grades 6-12.
  • The group meets regularly at First Congregational Church in Spencer, Iowa.

The players

Katie Baltes

The director of youth and children's ministry at First Congregational Church in Spencer, Iowa, who oversees the Spencer Congo Youth Group.

First Congregational Church

A church in Spencer, Iowa that hosts the Spencer Congo Youth Group.

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What they’re saying

“They're not trying to impress anybody.”

— Katie Baltes, Director of Youth and Children's Ministry

The takeaway

In an era when many youth groups focus on social media presence and performance, this Spencer congregation is taking a refreshing approach by encouraging its young members to find meaning through faith-based community service rather than digital self-promotion.