LEAD helps young people discern God's call
The Virginia Conference 10-day leadership training event, LEAD, is being held July 27-Aug. 5, at the Salvation Army in Roanoke. More than 40 young people, young adults, and adult staff are spending 10 days living in community with one another.
"There is something about sleeping on the floor together, cleaning our own bathrooms side-by-side, and learning about what God has created us to be that builds community," said Alison Malloy, chair of the Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM).
During LEAD, young people discover the ways in which God is calling them to serve the world.
"We spend the first three days focusing on VocationCARE practices and learning about the gifts God has given us via study of 'Living Your Strengths' (by A. Winseman, D. Clifton, and C. Liesveld)," said Malloy.
After learning more about the ways each person is able to best serve, the group spends significant time putting theory into practice. The three tracks (worship, spiritual formation and outreach) include spending time at the Rescue Mission, sharing "River(s) of Life," exploring faith in art, learning about different worship spaces, interviewing clergy, facilitating worship for the Rescue Mission Rally, fasting, being in fellowship with the local community, having fun, and much more.
"As our journey continues," Malloy said, "the young people create their plan of action to go out into the world to make a difference. These covenants from young disciples are the jumping off point for the good works these people will do in the coming weeks, months and years."
Participants in LEAD ask that the conference hold these young servant leaders in their prayers during this experience and pray that they may grow as God intends.
All are invited to join LEAD participants at the Salvation Army, 724 Dale Avenue Southeast, Roanoke, at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, as they lead worship for their congregation and send the young people forth to serve their communities.
For more information, contact Malloy at alisonmalloy@gmail.com or (540) 908-8403.
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