Have you spoken to any of our children or youth lately? Have you asked them about their experience of our ministries? One of our 2030 Goals is that “Emerging generations actively shape our church”. As part of that, we have been exploring different ways to help grow our young people in their faith so that they feel equipped and empowered to step up in this area.

In Kids Church this year we have launched Kids Quest Sundays, as well as the Jesus Way framework. It has been so encouraging to see our kids engaged and involved with these things, especially our Year 5s and 6s who are role models for our younger kids. One particular highlight for me has been our “journal time”. Each week our kids have the opportunity to reflect on and record their learning in a way that is meaningful to them and helps to build their relationship with God. I have seen how He is at work in their lives through reading their responses each week. I also want to give thanks for those involved in our Promise to Pray ministry, as our adult partners are advocates for our kids in prayer.

I am also privileged enough to be part of our youth team and have been impressed and encouraged by the way our youth are already stepping up in our church. Our PM services have been vibrant and uplifting as we see our young people stepping into both front-facing and background roles. Another highlight for me was our “Home Visits” last term. We took small groups of youth to visit some of the older members of our church and it was amazing to see the curiosity and openness of the youth in both receiving from and sharing with their hosts.

As we move into the second half of the year, I would encourage you to take an interest in our emerging generations. This might look like coming to one of our PM services, talking to our young people on a Sunday morning, or simply remembering them in your prayers. Thank you for being part of a church that helps to grow our young people.

In Him,

Ashleigh Pirie