by Matthew Schramm, chair of the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board and pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Bay City, Michigan 

from Presbyterians Today 

I have a confession to make: I am a "young adult." I use quotation marks because it seems that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) might be the only one who'd use that term to describe me. I have three children, dental bills, and reading glasses. When I finish a workout, my aching bones tell the truth. Yet, for official Presbyterian purposes, we qualify and elect folks to positions as young adults until they are 35 years old. I'm 34, so by this definition, I'm a young adult.

I hear all the time about how we wish there were more young adults in the church. At the last General Assembly, a commissioner over 50 asked-I'm not kidding-why she wasn't considered a young adult, since she was younger than the median age of Presbyterians (63). When we faced a similar question in our congregation, we decided that if you have kids who are young adults, it means you aren't. But even if we called everyone a young adult, our reality would not change, because real ministry with young adults is about more than deciding who is in and who is out.

Our efforts aren't perfect. But we are making real connections with this generation of young adults, however defined. Though I don't consider myself young anymore, as the first "young adult" elected to serve as the chair of the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board, I can testify that there is no grand conspiracy in the PC(USA) to stifle young adults and emerging leadership. Instead, the church-acting upon the mission agency's directional goal to "engage and join with young adults in reforming the church for Christ's mission"-is looking for voices it can follow into God's future. Exciting ministries of peace and justice, world mission and evangelism, and education and development are drawing in new leaders and expanding our horizons.

During a recent officer training for our congregation, our ruling elders and deacons came to a simple conclusion: leaders are qualified by the fact that others embrace their leadership. We were chosen as leaders because someone, somewhere, thought we might help them hear what the Spirit is saying. So, as we yearn for a new generation of leaders in and for the church, we remember that new leadership is not simply new people to do what we've always done.

Embracing new leaders requires that we be willing to follow and embrace new ideas-holding fast to who we are as disciples of Jesus Christ but willing to go, and willing to let go, where God is "doing a new thing" (Isa. 43:19). We remember, too, that leading voices need listening ears. There is little doubt that those ears-and those voices-will come from all ages and backgrounds, from places tried and true and from where we least expect.

The prophet Joel tells of the day of the Lord, when God's Spirit would be poured on all people so that all flesh would see God's vision for humanity. New visions are not limited to the young or the old. We all are called to find our place in the Holy Spirit's transformation of this world. If we can do that, and do it together, the church will be poised for ministry in the 21st century, for "we all are one in mission, / we all are one in call, / our varied gifts united / by Christ the Lord of all."

Linda Valentine, executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency and the author of One in Mission (a monthly column in Presbyterians Today) invited Matthew Schramm to write in her stead for the May young adult special edition.

Read this story and others from Presbyterians Today or subscribe now.   

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In addition to celebrating the work and community of Clerks of Session, we will discuss transitions to electronic congregational records for those who are ready, highlight resources available for Clerks and congregations, and conduct peer review of congregational records.  Forms are available at http://www.ourpresbytery.org/resourceCS.htm   You may choose one of any of five scheduled sessions.  Let's gather at 8:30 am to settle in and enjoy refreshments, begin at 9 am, and plan to conclude by 11:30 am.

• May 24, 9:00 am Central DT at St. John's United Church, 225 West Lincoln Ave, Chesterton 46304 
• August 23, 9:00 am EDT at Ligonier Presbyterian Church 407 S Cavin St., Ligonier 46767 
• September 6, 9:00 am EDT at Elston Presbyterian Church, 375 Elston Rd, Lafayette 47909 
• Afternoon of Friday, September 12 at Geneva Center, 2:00 pm EDT prior to Assembly retreat

Please let Gladys know which workshop you will attend (574-223-5678 or gladys@ourpresbytery.org) to assist our hosts in preparing space and refreshments for us.