The Transformation has begun
By Glen Simpson, Young Adult Coordinator
In the accounts of Matthew 28:18-20 and John 1:35-50 Jesus calls upon his disciples and instructs them to “go and make disciples.” The instructions are clear, “Follow Me.”
A very committed and enthusiastic Young Adult Leadership Team composed of 12 individuals with a variety of backgrounds representing all of the geographic regions of our conference came together in the spring of 2009. The planning and implementation of this event was an ambitious project, but our leadership team, comprised entirely of young adults, was up to the challenge. We faced several hindrances and knew that failure could dismiss us as church leaders, affect our reputation, and affect whether the rest of the conference would believe if outreach to young adults was possible.
We understood the undeniable need for church growth throughout the United States. While the Church is growing exponentially in many parts of the world, that is certainly not the case here. We designed this conference knowing that young adults often struggle to find relevance in the church today. We wanted to help them find that relevance in our experience together.
On February 12-13 more than 150 young adults, representing more than 6 ethnic backgrounds converged in Las Vegas at University United Methodist Church for Relevance X: Making New Disciples. We worked to prepare this new generation of Christian Leaders, that we firmly believe need to be the leaders of today. This conference ‘encouraged young people to live out God’s vision for themselves and others, with hope for a just and inclusive world.’
One attendee shared that “One of the things that the Lord has been speaking to me about is being more vocal about my faith. This conference is just what I needed. The Holy Spirit spoke to me the whole time and just made me aware of how we need to go out into this world and spread the Gospel.” Young adults traveled from as far as Hawaii, Virginia, Arizona, and California.
During this conference, we learned of the great potential that exists amongst all of us here in the Western Jurisdiction and discovered young adults who have not been given the opportunities, resources, or voice to use their God-given abilities.
The Power of Ten was to inspire ten new social justice projects, kind of like developing a culture of social holiness. The Power of Ten was to inspire ten new disciples, kind of like developing a culture of leadership development. The Power of Ten was to inspire ten new faith communities, kind of like developing a culture of planting communities of faith.
Imagine the power of ten: ten struggling young adults realizing the relevance of the church today, ten new disciples transforming the world. Now imagine the power of ten times hundreds of young adults eager to live the relevance of Christ’s message.
We did….
To learn more about Relevance, the official young adult ministry of the DSC, email glen(at)relevancex.com.
Left: February 12-13 more than 150 young adults, representing more than 6 ethnic backgrounds converged in Las Vegas at University United Methodist Church for Relevance X: Making New Disciples.
Middle: Conference Leadership from around the DSC, including Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, came to RelevanceX to show their support.
Right: RelevanceX featured top selling Christian artist, Phil Wickham.