I remember growing up in a traditional Baptist church and hearing the Pastor always cast and sell the vision for a vibrant Student Ministry with this thought, “We have to invest in our teens, they are the church of the future!” While that was true back then and a wonderful way to cast this vision I now debate that thought process. Now before you go emailing me while blowing your top thinking I don’t see Student Ministry as a priority let me explain.
As I participated in THE EDGE Student Worship service this past Sunday night I was hit by an overwhelming thought. As I watched 50 teens worship God through music and the presentation of His Word, I realized something as a Lead Pastor. Here it is: “The teens of COC Metro are not the church of the future, they are the church of NOW!”
Thinking of them as future leaders and future faithful worshipers is just not a correct evaluation. Maybe seeing them as the future is why an astounding 75% leave the church after high school graduation with no intent to ever return to their roots.
We must see the teens of COC Metro and our community as the church of NOW. My prayer and my vision as we have a fresh start to our Student Ministry, is that the teens of our church, including my 15 year old, would see themselves as a vital, valuable part of our ministry. My prayer is that when they attend worship they don’t see themselves as an afterthought or just another ministry to keep them busy while the adults have worship, but rather, a PRIORITY! My prayer is that they would actually feel they are the church now with just as much influence on our vision as a 25, 35, 45, 55 or even a 65 year old.
I am committed to our teens and their value in the church. I am proud of our new Directors of Student Ministries, Kaleb & Kaci McMillan (High School) and Tyler Kelso (Middle School) and the entire team of volunteers. I am excited about the days to come at COC Metro and the days ahead for our teens.
Keep your eyes open COC Metro. You’ll receive a blessing from one of our teens if you just look around you!
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