The Surprising Reality
Here at Brinklow SDA Church, engaging young adults like you in meaningful leadership roles is a challenge we’ve been facing for a while. Studies show that only 16% of millennials and Generation Z feel connected to their church communities in leadership positions.¹ But this isn’t just a number—it’s the reality for many of us here. Maybe you’ve felt it too. Imagine Sarah, a young woman in our church, feeling the same way…
Let’s Imagine Together
Picture yourself in Sarah’s shoes. Sarah is deeply passionate about ministry and wants to contribute to our church in a meaningful way. Despite her dedication, she feels held back. There aren’t many leadership opportunities available for her, and she doesn’t have the mentorship she needs. Even though she’s committed, she feels left out of important decisions happening at the church. Does that sound familiar to you?
Or take David’s story. David recently graduated with a degree in communications, and he’s eager to use his skills to help our church with outreach. But, like Sarah, he feels stuck on the sidelines, unsure of how to make a real impact. There’s no clear path for him to step into a leadership role, and he’s unsure how to serve in a way that aligns with his skills.
Sarah and David’s experiences aren’t unique—they reflect the broader challenge we’re facing in giving young adults like you the opportunities and leadership roles you deserve.
Let’s Bridge the Gap
From Sarah and David’s stories, we can see two big challenges that many churches, including ours, are facing when it comes to involving young adults in leadership:
1. Lack of Visibility and Clear Pathways
Maybe you’ve felt invisible in our church community at times, unsure of how to step into a leadership role. Like Sarah, you might want to get involved but don’t know where to start. The opportunities that do exist can sometimes feel informal or not clearly communicated, leaving you questioning how to contribute or develop your leadership skills. This lack of clarity might even make you feel discouraged or disconnected from the church.
2. Mismatch Between Skills and Opportunities
You have unique skills—whether it’s digital communication, social media management, or something creative—that could make a big difference for the church’s mission. But, like David, maybe you’ve felt that those talents are underutilized. The church might not fully recognize what you have to offer, and that can be frustrating. We need to work together to find ways to align your skills with meaningful opportunities for service, so that you can feel fulfilled and empowered.
What Scripture Says About You
The Bible is clear about how important it is to involve all members in ministry, regardless of age. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV): “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” You aren’t just a future leader—you’re a leader today, and you are called to set an example for everyone around you.
Join the Conversation
Just like Sarah and David, you might be wondering where your place is in the church. We want to hear from you. What do you think the role and impact of young adults should be in the future of Brinklow? Are there current opportunities that we could improve, or do you think we need to create new ones from the ground up?
Let’s Hear Your Voice!
We’re eager to listen to you. Share your vision for young adult leadership in the comments below. Your thoughts are essential in helping us create a more inclusive strategy that values you as a leader in our church community. Together, we can build a future where every young person feels empowered, included, and ready to lead.
Footnotes
- Stephen D. Lowe and Mary E. Lowe, Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age: Spiritual Growth through Online Education (Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2018), 82.