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Shaping a vital, vibrant space for young adults

BY LILLIAN C. SMITH

In many congregations today, youth and young adults are visibly absent. The average age of membership in The United Methodist Church is about 50 years old.

For a denomination that is graying, this trend is a matter of grave concern.

The good news is that as long as God remains God, something can be done. Ministry with young people is possible. God?s Spirit will draw people to God through us.

This reality presents us with a challenge and great opportunity. The question is not ?where are the youth and young adult members of the congregation?? Instead, the question is ?where are young people being discipled, if not here??

What is required for a congregation to more intentionally engage in ministry with young people? A few things. They include: a heart for God and God?s people who are young; a desire to help others live as disciples of Jesus Christ; a willingness to engage and involve young people in ministry and a willingness to share leadership.

Ministry with young people will require a relinquishing of our plans and dreams to those of God. We will need to constantly ask ourselves 'Where is God leading us and what does God want and need us to do?'

Ministry with young people is not at the exclusion of middle age or older Christians. Instead it is the intentional inclusion of some family members who have been absent. Ministry with young people is the telling of the story of God?s goodness from one generation to the next and then inviting subsequent generations to journey with God themselves.

Ministry with young people is not about another program or a gimmick. Those approaches can produce numbers but not necessarily result in the forming of life-long disciples. Instead, ministry with youth and young adults is a matter of the heart and requires intentional relationship.

Jesus by his own example, showed us the way. He selected 12 individuals with whom he personally spent time. He lovingly poured into their lives and taught them about God?s plan for humanity. Jesus equipped and engaged the disciples in ministry.

The mentoring model of Paul to Timothy provides an example of training and empowering young people for ministry and leadership. Paul discipled Timothy so well that, as a young person, Timothy was leading others in ministry. Paul encouraged him by saying, 'Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (I Timothy 4:12, ) Young people can and will lead if given the chance.

Our task is to make disciples to equip the saints for ministry, building up the body of Christ. Young people are part of the body of Christ. Let them live that out.

For additional information and resources visit www.gbod.org/youngpeople or e mail .

Time to set SMART goals

Each of the 692 churches in the Baltimore-Washington Conference is currently involved in a detailed evaluation process that will shape their futures in significant ways.

As part of the process, congregational leaders are being asked to set SMART goals (www.goal-setting-gbwc_superusere.com/smart-goals.html) that will enable them to faithfully move ahead on the Discipleship Adventure.

What are SMART goals?

Specific ? defining very clearly exactly what the goal will be.

Measurable ? so that even if the change is small, it can be observed; the criteria of success should be built into the goal.

Attainable ? impossible dreams inhibit success; goals should stretch you slightly to provide motivation.

Realistic ? not easy, but do-able; and worthy of what God has in mind for the church.

Timely ? Set a timeframe with clear, emphatic deadlines.

As you set out on your Discipleship Adventure what are your SMART goals?