Well i'm not long back from the PCI Youth Ministry Summer School, a 5 day retreat at loughry college where we collectively thought through the challenge and responsibility of fulfilling our biblical mandate to:
"....tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done." Psalm 78 vs.4
We were lead in the main sesions by Chap Clarke, Duffy Robbins and Andy Hickford gave us much food for thought, coming away with plenty to ponder and contemplate as we think of how it impacts the ministries we are involved in. We were also fed spiritually in devotions by Maggie Robbins, as she led us in some contemplative worship techniques, encouraging us to "Enjoy the silence" in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
I personally benefitted from the week, the fellowship shared, the networking opportunities to think through how we reach this generation with the gospel, and the space provided away from the busy-ness of life to spend time in the presence of our creator, God. Still mulling over some of the issues raised, and how it imacts the ministry I believe God has called me into in my home church. Alot of challenges lie ahead in trying to make what I now feel are some necessary changes become a reality, but I seek to follow God's guidance, and am assured of his presence and help in carrying out what I believe he is calling me to.
A couple of thoughts i'm reflecting on currently:
- "How are we reaching out and embracing a hurting generation that longs to belong?"
- "The process doesn't always look like progress: are we prepared to journey alongside our young people for the long haul?"
- "Its about loving our young people like Jesus would, seeing the pearl within, and encouraging them to find their worth and significance in Him"
- "Developing a genuine sense of community that values our young people and journeys with them in their faith"
