Themes Emerging from Vision Mentoring and Leadership Development              Young adults: want to learn and to become good ministers and expect older generations to continue to learn and grow; desire strong mentoring relationships that allow an exchange of insight and that open pathways for all to become stronger leaders; want to participate in dialogue to further God’s mission through the church; are willing to be held accountable and hold others of all ages accountable. Moving Church into “Real Life”              There is a need to: help worship address real-life needs and struggles in a way that connects the congregation to the love and work of God; engage the community in tangible expressions of Zion and of Jesus’ love—taking the message “to the streets.” Becoming a more Flexible, Responsive Church              Let’s: adapt without going through committee; easily allow new people into active participation and leadership; become a faith community that is externally focused.

Young-Adult World Café Responses We Share…A Story Some things participants treasure most about their experience in Community of Christ: a sense of belonging and deep connectedness in the local congregation and to the worldwide movement openness in theology and thinking rich fellowship We Share…A Mission Elements of Christ’s mission that most resonate with participants: Everybody deserves love, and we are called to meet their needs in authentic compassion. Jesus took proactive action: “Break the huddle and play the game.” Reach out particularly to the marginalized and those who don’t fit in. We Share…A Restlessness Shared concerns, frustrations, and desires participants have for Community of Christ: how to blend traditional and contemporary elements in worship without separate services better education initiatives for preachers and priesthood, and more general awareness about scripture, theology, and “how things work” removal of congregational barriers to new leadership and perspectives by engaging diverse generations in dialogue getting young adults to show up and step up

Young Adults' Vision, Insight Impress President Veazey

“Young adults, the church needs you. We need you now. We need you to help us become who we are all yearning to become.” President Steve Veazey shared these words during his April 5 address to the World Church. The message was the same August 8, when he addressed 30 young adults from three mission centers in Des Moines, Iowa, at the Vision gathering.

“The first young-adult Vision Project event provided excellent feedback about young-adult ministry in the church,” President Veazey said. “I was impressed with the insights, concerns, and vision of the young adults who participated.”

The idea is simple: To join in the mission of God through Jesus Christ, the church needs to engage disciples of all ages in discussion and action. Putting this notion into practice is more complex, but not impossible, as this gathering proved.

In worship, the group shared about its connection with Community of Christ, its sense of the mission of Jesus and how it is lived out through the church, and its feelings of restlessness, concern, and desires for the faith community. President Veazey shared his hope for the church and anticipation of the giftedness and insights young adults hold.

During a World Café series of small groups, Vision focused on specific questions:

• What are the distinctive gifts of all generations, and how can we use them to serve the mission of Jesus and Community of Christ?

• What “breakthrough” initiatives could the church undertake to create a culture and movement that attracts young adults?

• What ways could young adults take leadership to share in and build the church’s mission?

The thoughtfulness and creativity behind the responses was incredible, and there was a sense that suggestions were tangible and achievable. Also, in-depth, small-group discussions covered “meat and potatoes” issues

• For example, what are the greatest needs in today’s world that Community of Christ can help address, and how could that ministry look?

• How do you see yourself fitting into the church’s vision personally, globally, and locally?

• What should worship experiences include to better connect all people to the mission of Jesus?

Each person made a personal commitment to an impactful action. They shared the commitments publicly with the understanding that they will hold one another accountable.

The day after Vision, a group of high priests in Des Moines invited local young adults to share about their experience and plan together to move forward. The group will continue to meet and will explore the Enduring Principles. Pastors also are listening and sitting down face-to-face to figure out ways to implement ideas generated at the gathering.

For example, the Lamoni-Heartland USA Mission Center leadership is going through suggestions from the event to determine ways to equip young adults for creative and impactful ministry, mission, and leadership. A follow-up dialogue in November will include a broader cross-section of ages and ministry focus.

The participants felt a stirring and realization of a transformative truth: “Young adults, the church needs you. We need you now. We need you to help us become who we are all yearning to become.”

For upcoming Vision Project dates and locations, visit www.CofChrist.org/emergence/vision.asp.

—Dan Gregory reporting
Lamoni-Heartland USA Mission Center young adult minister