An Opportunity for Youth Ministry
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010click here for past entries
An Opportunity for Youth Ministry
On a number of occasions, I have heard concern expressed for the youth of our congregation. In the brainstorming regarding the use of funds from the Kicenko bequest, youth ministry came up several times as a priority. In the past, our members have supported youth fundraisers and have rejoiced when youth have presented plays or readings or music as part of our worship. Even in those years when we haven’t had an active youth group, people have continued to give to our youth fund. Thank you!
For a number of years, Dianne Stark faithfully volunteered her time and energy as our youth leader and took a group of youth to the national youth gathering “Cry Out!” held in Vancouver, BC. When Dianne was no longer able to continue in this role, nobody else came forward to offer their time and talents as youth leader. While a couple of people showed some interest, nobody was really able to step in and become our new youth leader.
Although I attempted over the past year or so to have at least a few youth group activities, I do not have the time and energy to put into it that good youth ministry requires. Many volunteers also do not have the time and energy to put into it.
I believe that many of you share my conviction that our youth are an important part of this church community. Youth have unique gifts and energy to offer in God’s family and tend to need some good adult leadership in order to be able to do so. In fact, should you have any doubts about the gifts that youth have to offer, have a look at the stories of Samuel, or Esther, or Jeremiah, or Mary, or David.
Youth ministry is, in some ways, a very specialized area. Not everybody can do it, and it takes time to build trust and to build relationships with the youth. Yet, it is such a key time in each person’s life, where they are still trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. Youth need to know that they are loved and forgiven and saved and chosen. Youth need to know that they are created and loved and valued by God. Youth need a safe place to come to and trustworthy adult mentors in their lives.
Thus, I am happy to report to you that an excellent opportunity for youth ministry has emerged over the summer months. I have been in discussion with people from two other Lutheran churches about sharing a youth worker among the three churches. This would enable a qualified person to have a full-time position and a living wage. It would also facilitate helping youth from the three churches to get to know one another and to do things together.
At this point, many of the details still need to be worked out, and our council has not yet met to consider this arrangement. A congregational meeting would also be needed in order to approve funding for the position. So… this is not a “done deal,” but an opportunity that is before us.
I invite you into discussion and into prayer about this opportunity. What is the Spirit saying to our congregation at this time? What is needed in order for us to be able to have a vibrant youth ministry? How can we let people of all ages know that they are needed and wanted and valued in the family of God?
“Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me” (Rev. 3:20).
In Christ,
|
