As many of you know, I had the privilege of hosting the
Youth in Ministry Gathering at the
Iowa Conference Annual Meeting last month.
When I do youth events like this, I'm always blown away by how insightful and
energetic young people can be when they are exposed to practices of faith in
meaningful ways. This group did not disappoint me.
But, a few weeks before the event, our registration list could have easily been
viewed as disappointing. For the longest time, only two people had registered.
At the deadline, a few more brave souls came forward. In all, we had five youth
and six adults. Even that could have been seen as a "failed" event
that would warrant cancellation.
Instead, we moved forward with our small, but wonderful group. In our time
together, we prayed, explored scripture, affirmed our baptism and celebrated
Communion. We were all empowered to hear God's call on our individual lives and
in the wider community of the Iowa Conference. I learned everyone's name and
now know some details of their lives. If we'd been a much bigger group, I'm
pretty sure that wouldn't have happened in the span of only 24 hours.
After our short time together, the young people and their adult leaders then
went off to participate in the meetings, worship and workshops that are part of
our regular Annual Meeting. I admit that I was worried at this point that the
young people would be terribly bored. But, they astounded me, as always. They
spoke their minds in the workshops they attended; participated wholeheartedly
in worship; and listened while business was conducted in the conference's
plenary sessions.
I don't know about you, but I think this "failed" endeavor was pretty
successful.
So, when you feel like the numbers of young participants in your church are
dwindling, instead be grateful for the ones who are there and empower
them to DO ministry and BE the church. I will guarantee that you will see God
do amazing things in their (and your) lives.
July 8, 2010
