One in Ministry: a transforming ministry
By Ryne Brinks
A revolution brews on a journey of the young people of this generation and as Glen Simpson, Coordinator of Young Adult Ministries to The Desert Southwest Conference tells me, “Young adults want four things in a church: relationship, community, social action, and a genuine church.” With the transformation of our society and church, Relevance was created to serve the young adults of our conference. The question is, are you ready for the revolution?
Relevance is the new official young adult ministry of The Desert Southwest Conference. It strives to be relevant and productive to society and the church. Through connecting with one another, Relevance exists to improve personal spiritual lives, the spirituality of the church, and the hurts of society. Thus, their mission is to be grounded in scripture, while using their own traditions, experiences, and reason, as they actively seek God and social justice in all that they are a part of.
“I am excited to lead a team rather than a committee of young adults on this journey- not battle-that we embark on,” shares Glen. “Together we have created a ministry that will work to transform and re-energize as one. We are working under the umbrella of being real, relational, and revolutionary.” Glen goes on to further say that, “The road ahead is a challenging one. One that we can’t take on alone, rather we will need the help of our local churches. We have to realize that young adults are important to the future health and strength of our church, and once we embrace this, together we must strive as one and transform together!”
A lot of planning and preparation is coming from the team that is Relevance and the goal will be to help the local church, and revitalize young adult ministry. By this summer, Relevance will have a place on the internet; with a fully interactive site that will provide local churches with resources for young adult ministry. In addition, this spring, Relevance will announce dates for “Relevance X,” a leadership conference for young adults that will take place in Las Vegas in 2010. Churches will be encouraged to bring their groups of young adults together and experience “The power of 10.” “Young Adult Ministry is alive and moving at a fast pace,” assures Simpson. Relevance is gearing up for annual conference this June 23-28, 2009, and excited by the opportunity that awaits them to share with the church the road ahead. “We are preparing for an exciting time at this year’s session, with information that we want to share with our churches. You will see young adult ministry in a way unlike ever before,” he continued.
Single or married. From those preparing for the MCATs, or having already finished college, young adult ministry is as diverse as it gets. Together we must be one in ministry and embark on the journey!