God's Gift--Our Youth

Years ago, author, Kara Powell wrote a book that changed my perspective on ministry with children, youth, and young adults. Her book was called Growing Young, and through research and observation she developed a philosophy to nurture the young people in the congregation. The approach included six steps or features of churches that nurtured young people well, and one of the parts that struck me was a feature called “keychain leadership.”
 
She references the idea that when an adolescent reaches a certain age, they get the keys to the car, the ability to make decisions and drive themselves. We deem them responsible.
 
She made the connection that churches with large groups of Thriving young people are quick to equip them with training and responsibility. Involvement isn’t measured by attendance but by participation and leadership. The church is not in ministry to young people. The church is in ministry with young people, alongside young people as equal and unique members of the body of Christ.
 
I’ve been thinking about this book lately as I reflect on all the wonderful ministries here at Northbrook. I believe our church has been leaning into this model. Reverend Josh has been engaging our youth by giving them more responsibilities and autonomy in creating their own ministry programming. Our children are being equipped to own their faith through the ministry of godly play. Our young adult Bible study is growing and taking ownership of their group. Moreover, I recently led a prayer workshop specifically designed for children who could not yet read fluently. This incident in particular inspired four-year-old Grayson to lead the Lord’s prayer in worship.
 
I’m grateful for the parents who have been eager to mentor their children in leading worship. We have had young people serve as greeters, acolytes, readers, crucifers, liturgists, and in prayer.
 
​Our families are also eager to mentor their children in serving others. Consider the charity work done through Trinity Table, Family Promise and with Starhouse Ministries during VBS. 
 
I believe we need to challenge the misconception that children, youth, and young adults are the future of the church. Jesus reminds us that children are the model for wholehearted faith. Young people are called and equipped for ministry in more significant ways in the church community than any other place in our society. 
 
Young people are not our future; they are our present. They are God’s gift of unique and humble leadership. 
 
Church, please continue to pray with me for the young leaders in our congregation as we remember that, even Jesus’s ministry began when he was just a small child. 
 
Warmly in Christ, 
 
Kena

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