Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Last night I gathered in the sanctuary with our Youth Sunday worship leaders. The sanctuary was brightly lit but empty, except for the group of youth who looked over their prayers and worship scripts. Together we walked through the movements of the service, tested microphones, and gave encouragement and feedback as each person stood at the lectern or pulpit.
As a Youth Pastor, there may be no Sunday that I take greater pride in than Youth Sunday. Getting to see the youth in our ministry up front, leading the congregation, is a great reward for someone who focuses on planting seeds of faith in our young people. While being a teenager today comes with a host of challenges, these youth take time to grow their faith by being actively involved in the life and ministry of BMPC.
What inspires me is how many of our youth want to take an active role in leading worship for Youth Sunday. Between worship leaders and ushers, there are 25 youth taking a leadership role during worship. Additionally, several other members of the Youth Chorale will lead us in song.
Our young people are gifted in so many ways. On Youth Sunday, we have an opportunity to see these youth use their gifts to glorify God. Who knows how God might be calling our young people? What has been made clear to me after nearly four years of ministry with them is that our youth are passionate about answering the call to serve.
Worship is about coming as we are to meet God. This Sunday, I invite you to be led by our young people on the journey of worship. As we gather, may we experience what it means to be the church: to share Christ's love together.
