Disrupting Narratives Through the Gospel
Where Faith Meets the Neighborhood
In the bustling Washington/Guadalupe neighborhood of San Jose, just a mile from downtown, Annika John has spent eight years nurturing youth and developing leaders with Servant Partners, following several foundational years working in Los Angeles. Her journey to urban ministry was not always obvious—growing up in the Bay Area with a comfortable upbringing, Annika had little exposure to marginalized communities and initially viewed missions as something that happened internationally.
"I had a pretty systemic narrative from the church about where ministry happens," Annika reflects. That all changed during her time with InterVarsity, when an urban plunge experience in South LA disrupted her worldview. "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven" became real to her as she connected with neighbors in deeply personal ways. "God captured my heart there," she says. "I knew this was where my spirit needed to be."
Two years later, when representatives from Servant Partners spoke at her campus, Annika recognized her calling. She joined their two-year immersion experience, which brought her back to the very neighborhood where her life had been transformed. What began as volunteering in 2014 eventually led to joining staff, and when marriage brought her to San Jose, she continued with Servant Partners doing her urban ministry work there.
Today, Annika wears many hats: she is a credentialed coach, youth director (though currently transitioning out of that role), fundraiser, neighborhood volunteer with Shalom Iglesia del Pacto, wife and mother of two. Her approach to ministry is deeply incarnational—living as part of the community, organizing, developing, church planting, and raising up local youth leaders.
Why Youth Ministry?
When asked why she gravitates toward youth work, Annika's eyes light up. "I've always had a playful, childlike personality," she admits with the warm smile that neighbors playfully tease her about. "I'm drawn to young people because they're so close to the kingdom. 'Let the little children come to me'—their deep longings, hopes, and faith inspire me."
She also recognizes the strategic importance of connecting with youth early. "The younger we can connect with them, the more we can disrupt harmful narratives before those stories become solidified in adulthood. We can invite them on a healing journey earlier rather than later."
Perhaps most rewarding has been witnessing the fruit of longevity. After a decade in the neighborhood, half of Annika's youth ministry team now consists of local leaders who grew up in their programs. "It's an incredible feeling to now lead alongside—and even under—former middle schoolers from our neighborhood," she shares.
Raising Leaders from Within
One particular relationship exemplifies the power of discipleship. Ana, a young woman in the neighborhood attended church with her mother and was judged and looked down upon for how she dressed and acted. The wounds from those experiences had caused her to distance herself from faith communities.
When she cautiously began attending Shalom (Annika's church), she remained reserved, assuming she would eventually be hurt again. But the community's consistent love and acceptance slowly broke through her defenses. She realized their authentic love as they shared, "We love Jesus, and that's why we love people.”
As Ana desired to grow in her faith and discern next steps in her education, she was connected to Annika through mutual friends. Annika quickly recognized leadership potential in Ana that she did not yet see in herself. Coming from a background with few positive influences—even family members had told her she would "do nothing or get pregnant"—the relationship with Annika opened new horizons of possibility.
"It wasn't until Annika challenged me to think about new opportunities that I started thinking 'what if' my path could be different," Ana remembers. Their first few years together involved asking questions, listening deeply, and eventually inviting her into healing processes—exploring spiritual gifts, counseling, and spiritual direction.
Today, that once-hesitant young woman has become an advocate for inner healing and the first Latina local leader in their ministry, paving the way for others. "I used to think of myself as a little girl from the neighborhood who didn't have purpose," Ana shares, "but looking at how far I’ve come over the past eight years is crazy." Now Ana is the one leading difficult conversations with gang-impacted youth, introducing neighbors to the healing presence of Jesus, and creating a ripple effect of transformation.
UYWI Partnership
Annika's ministry has been significantly strengthened through her partnership with Urban Youth Workers Institute (UYWI). From certification programs and strategic planning to conferences and curriculum resources, UYWI has provided vital support.
"Going to UYWI conferences and trainings with our youth ministry team was life-changing," she shares. "In those spaces, we finally felt seen and understood. As urban youth workers in under-resourced communities, it's rare to find people who truly get our unique challenges."
More recently, coaching from Robert, UYWI CFO/COO, has helped Annika navigate a complex leadership transition as she prepares for maternity leave and a subsequent sabbatical. "There's no playbook for shifting from externally rooted leadership structure to a community-based neighborhood leadership model." she explains. "Learning from experts in the field who understand our unique context has been invaluable."
Looking Forward
As Annika prepares for this new season—two more months of maternity leave, followed by six months of work and then sabbatical—she is focused on launching her team into a self-sustaining youth ministry. Her job description has been divided into six roles, with team members collectively assuming leadership.
"My prayer is that these leaders feel empowered and resourced, not overworked and burned out," she says. "I want to create a culture of rest and sustainability so they can keep doing the work they love." Annika also hopes to connect every local leader in their ministry with UYWI's certification program and coaching resources. She shared, "Through UYWI, our team members can choose mentors who have similar backgrounds and life experiences, with coaching that's accessible and relevant."
As we hold Annika and her team in prayer during this transition period, we celebrate how her faithful presence in one neighborhood continues to multiply leaders and transform lives—proving that sometimes the most powerful ministry happens right where you are.
Building and Investing for 5x Growth
As we continue growing our ministry impact, your faithful support makes all these transformations possible. Behind every story like Annika and Ana’s are resource partners like you who believe in the power of Christ-centered youth mentorship.
It costs less than $10 a day to train a youth worker and support them through our leadership process. Your gifts enable us to train more leaders, reach more youth, and create safe spaces where young people can encounter Jesus— providing a lifetime of change!
Thank you for being an essential part of the UYWI family. Together, we are helping young people discover their purpose and develop confidence rooted in Christ. You are Building for the Future and Investing in 5X the growth throughout 2025.
Bless you,
TOMMY NIXON, CEO
Urban Youth Workers Institute