Society of Christian Endeavor

Society of Christian Endeavor, international and interdenominational organization for Protestant youth that gave shape to modern youth ministries in the United States and abroad. Encouraging churches to train young people as co-equals, Christian Endeavor established and maintains a discipleship model with tools and resources to support youth pastors and ministries. The organization emphasizes the importance of living out the Christian faith in one’s home, school, and community. 

The first Christian Endeavor group was founded in 1881 by Francis Edward Clark, who served as president until 1927. The group’s purpose, as outlined in its original constitution, was “to promote an earnest Christian life among its members, to increase their mutual acquaintance, and to make them useful in the service of God and their fellow men.” Members of the society pledged to try to make some useful contribution to the life of the church. Other churches soon organized Christian Endeavor societies, and the movement grew rapidly in the United States and Canada. The organization published a periodical, Christian Endeavor World throughout much of the 20th century.

The World’s Christian Endeavor Union (WCEU), organized in 1895, is a cooperative organization for Christian Endeavor groups in more than 40 countries. It holds conventions every four years. Headquarters for both organizations are in the United States.