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BY KEVIN SMALLS

Greetings Young Adult Nation:

I am hoping by now all of you are seeking ways to be included on the Discipleship Adventure. Your input, energy and flavor on this journey are crucial as we seek to bear fruit in our communities.

As we travel this path of discipleship, I want to talk to you about another phase of this journey. It is called 'faithful connections,' but before I get into that let me tell you about my experience this past weekend.

I went to my college homecoming. It was the first one I attended in several years now. I couldn't wait to reconnect with my college roommates and fraternity brothers. It was going to be all that.

But things were a little different since I was there last. This time around I could no longer pose as an undergraduate and everyone, including my professors, were addressing me as 'reverend.' No longer did they call me 'Kevin.' Seemingly, I had grown up since last we met.

I went to the young adult social and saw friends I hadn?t seen and I also saw people I didn?t really click with when we were on the campus. I asked myself, 'How long will these alliances continue to exist?'

I was able to hang with one of my two roommates and we reminisced of days gone by. He is now a principal and I am a clergy person and it was awkward being able to go to a restaurant and not worry about money to pay for the bill. Times had certainly changed.

But there were big gaps in the weekend as well. There were times I felt alone. I didn?t have a network of friends to walk with, I couldn?t find my fraternity brothers, and many in my class were too busy in their lives to return. There were moments I didn?t have a connection.

It made me realize how very important it is to be connected with others. I now know how important it is for the world to see how connected we are as the body of Christ. Again, you can help do this in your own context.

Here?s how:

? When young adults, or anyone for that matter, come to your church for the first time, make sure they know they are fiercely welcomed. Show excitement and enthusiasm about their presence. Invite them back to events other than the worship service. Make sure they know they are connected.

? Always seek peaceful community. Do not allow yourself to be wrapped in, defeated by, discouraged by and overcome by conflict. See through the things that offend you and look for the opportunity to make peace.

? As young adults, make sure that your group finds ways to be radically inclusive of other young adults that may come in your midst from other cultures, races, economic backgrounds and communities. Be intentional about the desire to connect with others.

? Remember that the world will know we are Christians by our love for one another.

And so, as you hang out this holiday season, it is a perfect time to make sure that all in your midst know that they are connected and included. Don?t let anyone walk around your church looking lost and disconnected. Overlook the allegiances, the loyalties, and the histories of family camaraderie and step out into new territory and make new and faithful connections.

Now, I better let you get to it. There are some waiting on your call and invitation to travel on the Discipleship Adventure.

The Rev. Kevin Smalls is associate council director for young adult ministries in the Baltimore-Washington Conference.