October 1, 2019

Hello everyone,

This year at high school youth group we are bringing in a couple of changes. One of these comes out of conversations with youth and by looking at the state of churches today. Through this process we have had the realization that one of the most important factors for youth to value their faith, and to stay connected with a faith community, is when they have valuable relationships with the adults of the church. This goes beyond the leaders who pour into them at youth group. If we want students to feel at home in the church we need to develop relationships between students and the congregation. The hard reality is we are not doing very well at this. Like many other churches, we aren’t developing relationships between adults and students well enough to create a community of believers that spans all ages. So, this year we are setting aside one Sunday a month to build these relationships. We need around 30 adults to come join students for roundtable discussions once a month so we may begin to build these vitally important relationships. Students are valuable. They aren’t just the future of the church. They are the church currently. They have gifts and knowledge that we can learn from. To feel known and loved is central to feeling like one belongs, and through this effort I hope the relationships built result in a community where students and adults feel known and loved by all ages.

Our first night is this Sunday, October 6th, where we would love for adults to join us at youth group from 7-8 to have roundtable discussions about faith and life. This is a great opportunity for us to hear from students and to get to know them as people, as well as a chance for them to get to know you. In the following months we will alternate between the Sunday School hour and Sunday night youth group for this relational time. This means next month adults and students will meet during the Sunday School hour, and the month after that we meet at youth group. If you can’t make it to all of these don’t worry. We would still love for you to join us when you are able. These relationships are vital to the health of the church and I hope that 30 of us are able to join us Sunday night at 7. If you plan on being there please let me know at by emailing [email protected]. Thank you.

If I’m honest, I am nervous about this process. For many of us, building these relationships can seem intimidating, awkward, difficult, and time consuming. But I strongly believe this is important for the life of our church. It is important for us to learn to disciple in broader and more meaningful ways, and it is important we develop a community of believers who can encourage and love one another towards Christ.

- Brian