Ministry in the Middle of the Game

Most people don’t think of video games as a place for ministry. For Wayne Wrzesinski, it started there anyway, just playing Minecraft with his son.

What grew out of that wasn’t a strategy or a new program. It was a recognition that the same thing he had always done in youth ministry, building relationships, could happen here too. Years ago, that looked like sitting with youth playing Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. Now it happens through livestreams and online games. The setting has changed, but the purpose hasn’t.

Wayne isn’t trying to build a large following or become a well-known creator. If anything, he’s intentionally focused on something smaller and more personal. “My channel’s not that big, but if I have a livestream where I’ve got three or four students playing with me and a few people watching, I’m happy with that,” Wayne said.“My goal isn’t to be a successful YouTuber, it’s to use the platform to do the ministry I feel called to do.”

That perspective shapes how he shows up. Even when it feels slow or quiet, he keeps going. “Sometimes when you’re streaming to three people, it can be a little discouraging. But I’m not doing this to be a successful YouTuber, I’m using the tools that are here to do ministry and build relationships,” Wayne explained.

Those moments that might seem small from the outside are where the real work happens. In the middle of a game, conversations unfold naturally. People talk about what’s going on in their lives. Faith becomes part of the rhythm of the space, not something added on top of it.

At different points during a stream, Wayne pauses to ground the group in simple, familiar practices. “I’ll make sure we take time for Psalm 23, that’s just my favorite, and the Lord’s Prayer. Probably things you wouldn’t expect, since it’s the same each week. Sometimes the Apostle’s Creed, too,” he said. 

It’s not elaborate or highly produced, but it’s consistent. Over time, those rhythms shape the environment and give it a sense of steadiness.

What’s formed through all of this is a kind of community that doesn’t fit typical expectations. People of different ages and backgrounds end up in the same space, sharing conversations and learning from each other. It can be noisy and unstructured at times, but that’s part of what makes it real.

Because Wayne’s ministry lives on YouTube, it doesn’t end with his streams. The platform naturally introduces his viewers to other Christian videos and podcasts, giving them more ways to grow and stay engaged in their faith. The platform itself isn’t the focus. It’s simply a place where connection, conversation, and faith can meet.

There’s nothing especially flashy about what Wayne is doing. It’s steady, relational, and rooted in showing up consistently. In a space often associated with distraction or entertainment, he’s quietly creating something different, something shaped by presence, trust, and a lived-out faith. If you would like to check out Wayne’s ministry, visit youtube.com/@waynewrz