Connecting with today’s youth

Our conference challenge is LET’S GET GROWING! with an emphasis on more people within the Commonwealth of Virginia, more younger people, more diverse people — all for Jesus!

In this Advocate issue, we focus on the generation of youth in our culture and church today. A critical question is “What will it take for more youth to feel welcome in a United Methodist congregation today?” — in your local church and in mine.

This summer, I have had lengthy conversations with senior high youth. I have listened to older teenagers and college students as they share the “stuff” of their lives. I have been struck by age-old similarities in their generation and in mine. Youth still struggle mightily with these questions: “Who am I?” “What is my purpose in life?” What am I good at doing?” “What are my deepest passions?” “Who loves me and who do I love?”

I am serving on the General Board of Discipleship, where the Division on Ministries with Young People has been birthed this quadrennium. I have witnessed and related to youth and young adults from all over the globe as they have come together to decide who they are as disciples of Christ. They are relating across boundaries of culture, nation, race, language, socio-economic status, etc. I must say they are exceedingly good at this — better than those of us who have been members of The United Methodist Church for many generations. They truly care about listening, speaking, and making a difference in this world. They are passionately committed to issues of the preservation of the planet and justice and equality for all persons. They take seriously the commands of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They know what differences separate them from other youth and young adults, but they also are able to find out what they have in common. All of this gives me great hope for our church, both today and tomorrow.

As I walk down a street anywhere in the United States, I see youth often hanging out in “packs.” I observe tattoos, body piercings, strange styles and color of hair, cell phone and instant messaging use in abundance. I also see other teens who wear jeans and T-shirts, carry backpacks, whose pants are not dragging below their waists and whose tops are not too clingy or barely there. I hear street language and foreign languages spoken. I also hear chatter, laughter, and observe curiosity. I am trying to find a moment, take a pause, catch someone’s eye, and simply stop to encourage a young man or woman, to look them in the eye, and connect. It is hard work on one level, but really not so hard because most folks are so surprised that you take the time to pause and listen, smile, connect. This is the kind of behavior we all need to take on, whether it’s on the sidewalk of our community, or inside the doors of our church, or the steps of the school yard, or the football stadium, or the mall where youth hang out. Youth desperately want to know that someone cares about them, that they are not alone in their journey, and that God loves them and has great plans for them.

More youth? As we embrace this challenge, we have a lot of exciting encounters awaiting us. Are you ready to join me in taking this leap of faith?

 Grace and Peace,

Charlene Kammerer