Uncovering Potential
As we work to strengthen young adult leadership here at Brinklow SDA Church, we’ve already explored the challenges and gaps that might be holding you back from fully participating. Now, it’s time to shift our focus toward the future and imagine the possibilities that lie ahead for you and other young adults in our church. Did you know that organizations that actively engage young adults in meaningful leadership roles are 45% more likely to see growth in youth involvement and retention?¹ With this in mind, let’s brainstorm together and come up with creative ways to cultivate leadership roles that align with your skills, passions, and aspirations.
Let’s Dream Big Together
Imagine being part of a leadership incubator program designed just for young adults in our church—a place where you can learn, experiment, and grow your leadership skills. This program could connect you with mentors from the church, offer workshops on public speaking, event planning, and digital ministry, and give you the chance to lead various church initiatives. Picture yourself organizing community outreach events, leading worship, or managing the church’s social media accounts. These experiences would not only help you develop practical skills but also make you feel valued and supported by our church family.
Or think about a “Young Adult Council” that meets regularly to provide input on church programs and initiatives. You’d have the opportunity to share your ideas and help shape the direction of the church. This council could serve as a bridge between younger and older generations, ensuring that your voice is heard in decision-making. You’d bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table, helping to create a culture of innovation and inclusivity in our church.
Exploring New Roles
There are so many ways you could take on leadership roles that match your interests and skills. Here are a few ideas for new roles that could better engage you and other young adults:
1. Digital Ambassadors
If you’re comfortable with technology and enjoy social media, you could help lead the church’s online presence. As a digital ambassador, you’d manage our social media accounts, create digital outreach campaigns, and communicate across platforms. Your digital fluency would help us reach more people and keep our community connected online.
2. Community Outreach Coordinators
Are you passionate about social justice and community service? As a community outreach coordinator, you could organize local service projects, collaborate with community organizations, and mobilize church members for outreach efforts. You’d play a key role in making a difference both within our church and in the broader community.
3. Creative Worship Leaders
If you’re into music, the arts, or creative expression, we need your talents in worship services. Whether it’s planning worship, creating multimedia content for sermons, or leading worship through music, your creative gifts would be a powerful contribution to the spiritual life of our church.
4. Small Group Facilitators
As a small group facilitator, you’d have the opportunity to connect more deeply with your peers and the broader church community. You could lead discussions, organize events, and create spaces for spiritual growth and connection. This role would allow you to build meaningful relationships while fostering spiritual growth in others.
Creating Pathways for Engagement
While these new roles are exciting, it’s important that we create clear pathways for you to step into them. Here are a few ways we could help you and other young adults get more involved in leadership:
-
Mentorship Programs: Imagine being paired with an experienced church leader who could guide you through your leadership journey, offering valuable feedback and helping you overcome challenges along the way.
-
Leadership Training Workshops: Regular workshops focused on skills like communication, project management, and team building would help you grow into an effective leader, equipped with the tools to lead confidently.
-
Recognition and Feedback: We want to celebrate your contributions! Whether it’s through church announcements, social media shout-outs, or a “Young Leader of the Month” feature in the church newsletter, we want to make sure your hard work is acknowledged. Constructive feedback is also crucial to help you continue growing in your role.
Scriptural Inspiration for New Beginnings
The Bible encourages us to embrace new opportunities and challenges. Isaiah 43:19 (NIV) reminds us, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” This verse invites us to be open to new ideas and ways of doing things, trusting that God is always at work in fresh and unexpected ways. As a church, we need to explore new avenues for engagement, allowing you to flourish as a leader in our community.
Your Turn: Share Your Ideas!
We want to hear from you! What new roles or opportunities would you like to see for young adults in our church? How can we better support you and the next generation of leaders? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Let’s Build Together!
Your insights are crucial as we seek to create a church environment where every young adult feels empowered and engaged. Together, we can brainstorm new ideas and turn them into reality, building a stronger, more inclusive church community for all.
Footnotes:
1. Barna Group, “The State of the Church 2023: How Young Adults Engage with Their Church Communities,” (Ventura, CA: Barna Group, 2023), 22.