In the middle
Not good enough for you; not crazy enough for some…
When you work in ministry with Young Adults you can find yourself in a weird place.
It’s easy to feel like you’re stuck in between the older people of the congregation one one side who lament the lack of young people and fear a future where they are the last generation; and on the other side are the young people themselves who might feel disconnected, misunderstood, or who feel like they don’t have much influence within their church community.
At times it can be a real struggle.
In this great article from Steve Argue at the Fuller Youth Institute, he encourages us to remember these three important parts of Young Adult Ministry:
Remember why you do ministry in the middle
It can be a lonely place, however God’s call is paramount and will keep you focused on the joys and challenges of this ministry. To help remember, Argue challenges us to write down what part of Young Adult ministry inspires you; what part frightens you; what part overwhelms you; and what part puzzles you.
By staying focused on these things it centres you in the missional call of God.
Invite others to join you in the middle
Young Adult ministry is a great place to welcome others in your congregation into, even if just into an oversight group or discernment team.
These people will become your staunchest supporters as you share life in the trenches of YA ministry with them, and they can help you focus on the challenges to determine where God is leading your YA ministry and group. Who might you invite to participate in this with you?
Let’s meet in the middle
Young Adult ministry thrives on community–not just with the people you’re in ministry with, but also in leadership. Find others in the same boat and spend time with them, sharing in the highs and lows so you can pray with each other and support each other in ministry.
This can also become a springboard to connect your YA communities together, helping them recognise they are a part of something bigger, and that God is at work in places ahead of where they go.
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You are not alone! God is with you, and the PULSE team are always here to support you, listen to you, and strategise with you as you continue to grow your YA ministry.
Remember you can keep in touch with PULSE by signing up for our monthly newsletter, or for further information contact our team via email, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
Molk is the Young Adult Ministry Lead and Senior Field Officer (North) within the PULSE team.
