I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?
The Spirit of hope is alive and moving, carried by vivid memories of World Conference and the energy surrounding our call to be pioneers in uncharted territory and citizens of a new community.
Blessings of Community infused the experience, especially in the energy and curiosity of Conference Kids, the servanthood of the Youth Service Corps, and the enthusiasm of the Children and Youth Caucus supporting calls for church leaders.
Many young people recently participated in youth and family camp experiences. These are key investments in nurturing disciples and seekers focused on spiritual growth and compassionate action. Camps provide glimpses into the new community of oneness in Christ to which we are called.
In the adult study, “Choose Hope,” Geoffrey Spencer’s writing affirms “…the future of God is shaped with people who are open to it, prepared for it, welcome it, trust in it, and participate in it.” The Spirit of hope awakens us to God’s future, enlivens fresh vision, and invites faithful response.
During a World Conference panel with church leaders, one young adult asked what the church is doing to invest in young adults. My initial response was, “Everything!” The hardest and most painful decisions in recent years allowed us to invest in the church’s future. The intentional discernment of the World Church Leadership Council focused on identifying and developing emerging leaders. Leadership development is a WCLC priority, and Worldwide Mission Tithes support theological education and leadership training across the global church.
The Council of Twelve Apostles has prioritized giving emerging leaders, younger generations, and new disciples the opportunity to influence the church’s future. While my initial response reflected church leaders’ priorities and the desire of my heart, it falls short without local investment in relevant, vibrant ministries for all ages.
Discerning a faithful response to these questions creates possibilities if we welcome them and trust the Spirit.
- What are we doing to invest in nurturing children, youth, and young-adult disciples and leaders?
- How are their voices empowered to be part of our collective discernment and faithful response?
- How are we creating conditions that nurture the well-being of all children?
As I engage with youth and young adults across the church, I see a passion for Christ’s mission and a desire for relevant ministry that embodies who we claim to be as communities of Christ. I hear from young adults already leading in invitation and Christlike hospitality, using their voices to speak truth to power and pursue justice and peace on and for Earth.
We fan the flames of this awakening by supporting and encouraging networks that foster relationships, spiritual growth, and global connection. This can be intentional mentoring in relationships, and sometimes it is courageously stepping aside to allow the Spirit to breathe new life and bring fresh vision.
The Spirit of hope is alive in the church and in the world wherever inclusive communities affirm the worth and sacred belonging of all persons, grow through the wisdom and giftedness of all ages, and work for just conditions where all families claim a future of hope for their children.
Trusting what God is doing and will do, we must fan the flames and empower a collective, active, risk-taking, and relevant faith that dares to live a new community of oneness into being.
