Adventist World church president Jan Paulsen is asking you to involve youth and women in top leadership positions.
“Clearly I think we should invite young people to serve on our executive committees of the church,” said Paulsen. “I think they should be present on the executive committees over local conference, over union; I think their presence is needed. But by far, the overwhelming place where young people must be trusted with leadership roles is in the local congregation.”
Elder Paulsen says youth have not been given “meaningful functional roles” in their local churches. He’s right. Most churches give youth jobs that don’t meet our potential.
In many churches, youth aren't given jobs. And the times when youth are given jobs in their local church, it's usually something like just taking up the offering or being a junior deacon. It isn't bad to help out that way, it's just that many youth aren't given meaningful jobs until they are practically adults.
We can do so much more. Please give us that opportunity. Teach us what we would need to learn, and we’ll teach you things you haven't heard of. Don't kill this potential.
As the world church president said: We are the church.
1 comment:
Thank you for posting this. After attending the General Conference Session, I have been hit by the realization that there is an ever widening gap between church leaders and youth. We have the passion they need and they have the wisdom and experience we need. And we need to learn how to work together to accomplish more.
Post a Comment
A Sabbath Blog Comment Policy:
All comments must be on topic, relevant, polite, constructive, clean, and Christian. The comments area is not for advertising your websites, events, programs, or services.
Unlike other websites, A Sabbath Blog is not a place for adults to argue back and forth about theology, church politics, or gossip. Please understand that this website is made by youth for other youth and young adults to enjoy without having resentful people posting confusing or misleading comments. Thank you.
Comments submitted that do not meet these ground rules will not be published.
For news tips, questions, or suggestions please email us instead of posting them in the comment form below. Thanks.
Note: Comments expressed are those of the comment author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of A Sabbath Blog.