Leland School Removes Youth Ministry Volunteers Amid Parent Concerns

The professionally produced Instagram video captures a summer day on Lake Michigan’s shores near Leland, showcasing teenagers enjoying the scenic beauty. Soft piano music and synthesized melodies accompany the footage as six local teenagers share their devotions and express gratitude toward missionaries Micah and Kya Cramer. The video highlights their involvement with the youth ministry Leelanau Lighthouse, which operates under the international organization Youth For Christ. The Cramers, aged 25 and 23, have used their social media presence and community engagement to attract high school students to various events, including Sunday evenings, Friday mornings, and summer beach gatherings.

The Cramers’ ministry has become a notable presence in Leland, a small town with fewer than 400 residents. Their activities have sparked both admiration and concern among locals. The debate over the role of religion in public spaces has intensified in recent months, reflecting broader national conversations. This tension has created a complex dynamic within the community, with some residents expressing discomfort over the ministry’s influence.

Five years ago, Leland School’s former superintendent wrote a community letter addressing race relations in the United States, following the murder of George Floyd and the height of Black Lives Matter protests. The letter prompted reflection but also led to a retreat from public dialogue, with neighbors reinforcing cultural and political boundaries. A 2022 article in The New York Times Magazine further placed Leland in the spotlight, highlighting the town’s evolving social landscape.

This September, concerns arose among parents about the activities of Leelanau Lighthouse. Some families raised worries that the ministry was using school lunch hours to engage with minors, even reaching down to elementary students. These concerns led to discussions within the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), with some parents expressing unease about the ministry’s approach. On Sept. 16, the school administration informed parents that Micah and Kya Cramer were no longer volunteering at Leland School. Micah has also stepped back from his role tutoring students.

Leland’s current superintendent, Ryan Huppert, confirmed to the Glen Arbor Sun that the Cramers’ involvement at the school has changed. The situation underscores the delicate balance between community engagement and the boundaries of appropriate ministry activity. As the town continues to navigate these issues, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being and safety of all students, while respecting the diverse perspectives within the community. Micah and Kya Cramer’s ministry continues to operate, though its role in the local school setting has shifted.

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