FROM YOUR PASTOR...

Last Friday was a special time for this congregation.  Our new Youth Pastor, Rachel Threadgill met with a group of interested adults and youth to begin making plans for our expanded ministry with children and youth.  It was a positive meeting, and I've heard many positive responses to the meeting.  As we begin this new phase of ministry, I want to share some thoughts about youth ministry in our congregation.  First, a definition of youth ministry -- "Youth ministry is everything that is done in and through the church which is for, by and with youth."  From this definition we can see that youth ministry is far more than a group meeting that takes place once a week.  Youth ministry is also the church school class; youth serving on the Diaconate; youth on church teams and the Board; youth in choir; youth at camp or on Retreat; and on and on.  The basis for youth ministry is found in the Good News from Christ.  Each person is important in the sight of God.  Each person is loved by God just as they are.  Each person is called to reach out to others in love.  Because we have these thoughts, feelings and beliefs about our youth, we offer a ministry to, with and for youth.  The focus of this ministry is to enable them to choose a life-style that will reflect the fact that they (and all persons) are important, loved and called to share love.  The task of youth ministry is to help prepare youth for a Christian life in this world.  In order to do this, we talk, study, laugh, play worship, sing, work and eat together so that we might discover the ways in which the Gospel interacts with all of life.  We learn many skills that will enable us to reflect upon life and choose the actions that fit our faith.  Finally, youth ministry is focused in the present.  We are not preparing leaders for the church of the future -- WE ARE ENABLING YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF TODAY'S CHURCH!  Surely, the youth will be better leaders tomorrow; but only because they have been involved today!  It is always in the "here and now" that we are called to live -- to make faith decisions -- to be alive in God's Spirit.  Well, these are some of my ideas about youth ministry.  I welcome your comments, thoughts and  suggestions.  I also welcome your support.  In next week's column, I will share some of the ways in which you can support our youth ministry.  In the meantime, please pray for this very important ministry in our church. 

Love & Blessings,
Wes