Final bridge newsletter april 2018

BRIDGE2018 SPRING

“These are the things you must insist on and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.

Put

these

things

Teach

into

practice, devote yourself to them,

life

so that all may see your progress.

with your

Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these

—1 Timothy 4:11-16

Young Adult Conference

things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

2018

Register NOW!

—1 Timothy 4:11-16

www.brethren.org/yac

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Timothy’s Call to Teach with Our Lives The speakers for this the 2018 Young Adult Conference were chosen in part because of the way they have embodied what it means to “teach with your life.” Read on to learn a little more about each of them and the unique perspectives they will bring to our worship experiences in May! recently is delegation (because I’m awful at it). The biggest part of that for me is the ability to recognize other’s talents, often times before they do, and to help them work to their best abilities.

Christopher Michael Job: Elementary Art Teacher Favorite flavor of ice cream: Cookie Dough Blizzard

If you could learn from anyone by anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?

Who was your most memorable teacher growing up?

NERD ALERT: Aside from the cliché Jesus, Gandhi, Dr. King, etc. I would love to sit in a lecture/take a class from Dr. John Rawls. His principles of justice and thought on the original position completely changed how I view the world and public policy.

Professor Michael J Hough

What did they do that made them so memorable?

In a world that is too worried about what other people think, he worked hard, cared for others, and still remembered how to have a good time.

How do you feel you can be a teacher to others?

Dawna Welch

This question is funny because I AM a teacher!

Job: Pastor of Spiritual Formation Congregation: La Verne Church of the

Here’s what you must understand...in order to be a great teacher, you can never stop learning. You must learn in order to teach.

Brethren

Favorite flavor of ice cream: Cookies

If you could learn from anyone by anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

and Cream

Who was your most memorable teacher growing up?

I would learn from Jedi Master Yoda. I feel as though my midichlorian count is pretty high, respectively. Why? Because who doesn’t want to lift things with their brain?

I did not have good role models/teachers growing up but as an adult my most memorable teachers are my husband, my two sons, and my spiritual mentor.

Zander Willoughby

What did they do that made them so memorable?

Job: Recent Manchester University

Each one of them, in their own way, encourages me to be authentic, act with integrity, and to pursue a joyful spirit.

They do not expect me to be perfect, but they do expect me to show up and be my best, bold self!

graduate: Political Science & French w/ minor in Peace Studies

Congregation: Common Spirit in Grand Rapids Michigan

How do you feel you can be a teacher to others?

Favorite flavor of ice cream: Mint Moose Tracks Who was your most memorable teacher growing up? What did they do that made them so memorable?

I see myself and others as beloved children of a God who seeks not perfection, but authenticity, for which grace abounds! Having discovered that truth through trials and error, I feel there is no greater privilege than to accompany others on that same journey of self-discovery as they attempt to deepen their relationship with God, and grow in their own personal spirituality and faith.

Probably my AP US History teacher, Mr. Vanderwall; he was the first teacher to really stress the difference between memorization and restating of facts and actual analysis.

His class really instilled the intellectual drive that’s taken me down the path I’ve chosen.

If you could learn from anyone by anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Why? Rosa Parks said she wanted to be remembered as “a person who wanted to be free so other people would also be free.”

She knew her value as a child of God and would not allow

How do you feel you can be a teacher to others?

I think a common strand in everyone’s story of great teachers is the ability to inspire people to recognize their own talents and potential. One thing I’ve really focused on

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that to be taken away from her. She “stood up” to oppression by simply, and peacefully taking a seat. The courage and boldness of that simple act, an act of belief in her own worth, and faith in a God of justice and love is inspiring to me. I would love to sit down with her to learn more about how she experienced this calling on her life which made such a huge difference in our world.

encouraged me to look around, to notice my surroundings, those around me, and also to look within and notice my own feelings and reactions. There weren’t wrong answers (very often) but there were often better answers. And they taught me to think about how to use what I was learning to create better answers and responses.

How do you feel you can be a teacher to others?

Our lives have so much to teach us. I want to teach others to be present and ready to learn from their experiences and to be aware of the experiences of others. Also, to be willing to push past the safe, known places and into experiences that will teach them more for being unfamiliar and new.

Gimbiya Kettering Job: Director of Intercultural Ministries Favorite flavor of ice cream: Dulce de leche

If you could learn from anyone by anyone, dead of alive, who would it be? Why?

Who was your most memorable teacher growing up? My parents…

What did they do that made them so memorable?

The learning experience that is on my “bucket list” right now is the Sankofa Journey hosted by the Evangelical Covenant Church. Though right now my biggest teachers seem to be my daughters as I rediscover the world through their eyes.

Lessons didn’t happen in school. They happened as we experienced life together. Our adventures and misadventures will all opportunities for learning. They

Young Adult Conference 2018

Teach

life

with your

—1 Timothy 4:11-16

Y

Register NOW online at:

www.brethren.org/yac

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May 25 – 27 Camp Brethren Woods Keezletown, VA

Speakers: Gimbiya Kettering, Christopher Michael, Dawna Welch and more!

Music coordinated

by Jacob Crouse.

Worship coordinated

by Sarah Neher and Rachel Witkovsky.

Cost: $150 (Deposit of $65 due within a week of registering.

Late fee of $25 after April 30.)

A Conversation with the General Secretary: Young Adults and the Church

By Emmett Witkovsky-Eldred DS: I kind of talk about it in the context of saying that there are two leaders int he COB: the Annual Conference Moderator and the General Secretary. The moderator is the spiritual leader of the church, simply put. He or she is called by Annual Conference. The General Secretary is more of the corporate leader. And while I’m known as the ‘Head of Communion’ in ecumenical circles, I’m not the head of the Church of the Brethren, per se. There are really two of us who are seen as leaders of the church.

So Samuel as the moderator oversees the programming of Annual Conference in terms of the agenda along with the AC officers. He also travels, representing the Church, connecting with he church, and listening to the church.

I work more directly with the staff, and I do travel and listen and try to convey the mission and vision of the church in those visits. But there’s also a sense that I’m trying to connect people to the programming and ministries offered by the Church while trying to identify the passions and needs of the church in a way that helps me and the staff repurpose and make sure we’re hitting the mark in our ministries.

In his life of ministry within the Church of the Brethren, Dave Steele has served in just about every capacity. He’s been a Camp Counselor, Music Leader, Youth Pastor, District Executive, and even Annual Conference Moderator. Currently, he is the General Secretary for the Church of the Brethren, where he oversees the Church of the Brethren staff and programming. I spoke with Dave about his leadership role in the church and his perspective on young adult ministry.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

EW: Can you talk about some of your experience with youth and young adult ministry?

DS: I was a pastor of youth ministries for almost nine years and worked primarily with children, youth, and young adults. Beyond the local church, I spent most of my time in youth and young adult ministry working with senior high youth. I was also a district youth cabinet advisor and worked with the youth cabinet to develop the ministries of the district. I was often in leadership at camp during those years as well.

Emmett: Can you say a little about what you do in your role as General Secretary?

Dave Steele: I’m the General Secretary for the Church of the Brethren. I serve for the Mission and Ministry Board, and I’m called by the board to be responsible for carrying out the programming of the Church of the Brethren.

Denominationally, working with youth and young adults has woven through the fabric of my denominational ministries. I was often called to be a song leader in different settings like Cristian Citizenship Seminar and one year as part of the music leadership NYC. I also served for a number of National Youth Conferences on the worship planning committee. I also led music at two Young Adult Conferences.

I oversee more than 60 Church of the Brethren staff, who are working in various aspects of ministry—everything from mission to supporting congregations in church planting and renewal and evangelism and cultural ministries, youth and young adult ministries, communications. It’s a great team.

EW: In our last edition of The Bridge, we interviewed Samuel Sarpiya, who spoke about his role as Annual Conference Moderator. You’ve served as both moderator and then General Secretary. Can you talk about the differences between those leadership roles?

Going way back, we had a program called youth to youth, and I was helping a little bit with that denominationally. So I’ve been a part of youth and young adult leadership for a number of years. continued on next page

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EW: Young adult ministry has plenty of challenges, particularly because young adults often live transitory or unsettles lives.

What can the Church of the Brethren do to help engage with young adults and help them find a spiritual community?

DS: I think the church misses out on a depth of their own spiritual journey. Young Adults bring a different connection to the culture and some of the real challenges that we face in our lives. Some of those concerns and challenges that young adults bring to the church really help it grow deeper in its spirituality and the depth of how they understand the culture around us. The churches that have a breadth of young adults are clearly much healthier in the sense that they’re more attentive to those needs.

DS: It really is quite a challenge because there is such a broad spectrum of needs within the young adult community. Some of that comes back to the cultural divide and where young adults are in and their lives.

The church needs to continue to find ways to help congregations reach young adults in nontraditional ways. I think churches sometimes view young adult ministry just like any other ministry where we provide a space and they will come. I think it’s less about doing that and more about looking for nontraditional ways to connect with young adults. And that may be away from or outside of the church building.

And that creates spaces for young adults, especially if they have families, to engage and find support.

Churches can’t just offer traditional programming, but they should be meeting the various needs of young adults. Even something like giving young adult parents space away from their children. In young adult families today, both parents are working. So the churches can really expand in that way, fill a need, and become much healthier in the process.

We have to have a sense for meeting them where they are. I’m not even necessarily saying that it’s about even having a traditional conversation. It’s about getting to know who they are personally and building relationships and trying to understand what their needs are. There may be settings within the church like that or actual church spaces where young adults would gather, but I don’t think we can assume that that’s the case.

In the same light, young adults who find real engagement in a congregational setting are really connected to some of the wisdom in the church. They can better understand the depth of the spiritual journeys that these older adults have taken. In that way, there’s mutual benefit for deeper spiritual growth for both the congregation and the young adults.

I think we should also continue to do some of the pieces we’re doing like young adult conferences and providing spaces at Annual Conference or work camps for young adults, and other unique experiences that we can provide.

EW: The theme of this year’s Young Adult Conference is ‘Teach With Your Life.’ What does that mean to you?

DS: To teach with your life is really about being authentic to your Christian journey and your faith in such a way that you’re allowing your life and your reaction to reflect who you’ve really come to understand who Christ is for you in your life.

EW: What does the church miss out on if it can’t engage successfully with young adults, and what do young adults miss out on if they don’t engage with the church?

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How Will You Teach with Your Life?

By Rudy Amaya

Teach

life

1 Timothy 4:11-16 The Message (MSG)

with 11-14 Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down your because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift Young Adult Conference 2018 of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.

15-16 Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.

—1 Timothy 4:11-16

Take a deep breath… now realize that you are who you need to be and where you need to be. It has taken me a while to accept that God has placed me in a space where I have been challenged to teach with my life by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, and by integrity. The theme of this young adult conference has been the essence of my life recently. With one year left of college and a whole lot of learning about myself, I have also been challenged to teach with my life. This academic year I started an incredible journey after serving several months during the summer at a local organization that works on providing care for inner-city children and youth. After an awakening experience, I gather a group of university students and started to develop the Tree of Life Youth Mentoring program. Our mission is to empower children and youth through mentoring partnerships with undergraduate students at the University of La Verne and parent developmental support. We recognized that children and youth who fall into groups that

have been historically marginalized don’t often see themselves in spaces like the university. By providing sitebased mentoring we normalize the university atmosphere and support the identity development of children and youth who are more than capable but with tools and resource can shine. It is almost a year since the vision of the mentoring program and we continue in the development stage. At first, I thought this would take a month or so to get off the ground, but I was definitely wrong. Months in we recognize that an efficient development of the program is key to the success of our service. Throughout these months I have learned to be consistent and listen to what others have to say. I have learned to stand for change by being the change.

I remember being a young boy who didn’t think college was for me, but now I recognized that I was made for college because I bring a challenge to the injustice in its system. I will continue to teach with my life. Will you?

Every Aspect of Our Lives Should Be a Testimony

By Rachel Witkovsky This year at Young Adult Conference—May 25 to 27, 2018 at Camp Brethren Woods, near Keezletown, Virginia— we’re exploring what it means to “Teach with your life” based on 1 Timothy 4:11–16.

These verses explain that every aspect of our lives should be a testimony to God and should speak to those around us. It’s not enough to simply tell others of the great story of Jesus’ ministry, but we have to live it each day as Christ did.

We do this by giving attention to scripture, paying attention to our innermost self, by tending to the gifts given to us, and by putting all that we have learned into practice.

During worship, we will hear from some fantastic and inspiring speakers, challenge each other in our faith journeys, and listen for the soft, still whisper of God’s voice moving among us.

We are excited to explore these verses right along with you! Worship means so many things to different people. Come share in this special weekend of reunions, new friendships, workshops, recreation, and worship!

Worship coordinators Rachel Witkovsky and Sarah Neher

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Jess Hoffert

✓Young Adults in Action Jess Hoffert is originally from the Northern Plains District. About two years ago at Young Adult Conference a Jess was inspired by a guest speaker, Pastor Richard Zapata. Jess then started to reflect on an invitation. He decided to take some time off from his full time job to do something that reflected and ministered his gifts. Right now he is serving at the Principe de Paz church in Santa Ana. While he is doing many different things at his location, the majority of his work has been with the youth that attend the church. The have 23 people from the church that will be attending National Youth Conference this summer. So they have been fundraising like crazy! He has also helped to start a small choir for the younger children of the congregation. Jess said that “I have been teaching them songs that I learned at Camp Pine Lake in Iowa, it’s exciting to pass along traditions like camp songs to a new generation

and culture.” When asked what the most inspirational part of this calling had been for him he said that he had been so inspired by the “warmth and hospitality of this congregation” He was a total stranger to them. He was “immediately embraced as part of their family.” Jess said that his advice to others who may be feeling a similar calling would be to “take the leap. It feels scary and maybe even to risky, but it’s important to trust that God will take care of the details.” After Jess completes is time at Principe de Paz, he will be spending nine months being a nanny to his niece in Minnesota. That will be fifteen months away from his “Cubicle life” Right now he is enjoying the California weather while he can!

Jess with two members of Príncipe de Paz church.

Jess and his parents, Ulrike and Gordon Hoffert, with pastors Richard and Becky Zapata, and their grandchildren, Nathaniel and Naason.

Serving the homeless with one of the youth of Príncipe de Paz

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Emmy Goering

✓Young Adults in Action Just a few weeks ago, six other students and I travelled to the African country of Rwanda with Dr. Herb Smith from McPherson College as part of our interterm class. We met several times prior to the trip to learn about the country we’d be visiting, and I was shocked by its violent history. In 1994, just 24 years ago, Rwanda found itself in the midst of a genocide. About 800,000 people were murdered in the span of only 100 days. This racial-fueled rampage left Rwanda a completely different country.

Dr. Smith also tried his best to prepare us for the culture shock we’d experience, being in the racial minority for the first time in our lives. He also walked us through the logistics of travelling to a country halfway around the world and tried to prepare us for the amazing adventure that we had in store. We left MC at 4 A.M. to catch an early flight from Wichita to Washington, D.C., where we spent the night. The next day was another early morning and long travel day with a fourteen-hour flight from D.C. to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From there, we flew four more hours to the capital city of Rwanda, Kigali. Although we spent a lot of time getting to our destination, the experience we would gain would prove to be more than worth the effort.

On our first full day in Kigali, we visited a memorial museum dedicated to remembering the genocide victims and telling their stories. The sheer number of people who had been killed is hard to fathom, but as I looked at pictures and learned more about the victims, I felt overwhelmed by the many tragedies. Because the horror had occurred so recently, many of the people working in the museum had been affected by the genocide, having lost friends and family members. Perhaps some of the people we passed on the streets may have even been the ones doing the killing. One of our drivers shared his story from the genocide. As a young boy, he had come home from school one afternoon to find his family missing. He knew that if was to survive, he’d have to leave so he struck out on his own. He eventually fled to The Republic of the Congo during the conflict and found safety.

800,000 others weren’t so lucky.

On a lighter note, one of my favorite experiences from the trip was our visit to Akagera National Park along the border of Tanzania. According to its website, Akagera is the last remaining refuge for savannah-protected species like zebras, giraffes, elephants, and baboons. Over 12,000 large mammals and 482 bird species roam free in central Africa’s largest protected wetland. I had hoped that we’d get to see some of the wildlife up close, but I could never have imagined just how close we’d be. In fact, I have some photo bursts of a young elephant practicing his charge technique with the vehicle in front of us. It was remarkable!

This trip wasn’t all about sightseeing, however. Our group was asked to spend three days with Rwandans at varying levels of English proficiency. Rwanda is quickly making a name for itself in their educational advancements, so it was exciting to be a small part of this effort. My group met with university students and highly-educated adults who needed practice with their pronunciation and conversational English skills. We spent time just talking with students, practicing certain words and common phrases, as well as reading aloud. On the last day of class, we produced a deck of cards and the students giggled with excitement.

The students quickly picked up our instructions, and we laughed together over several silly games of Go Fish. Their enjoyment of this little glimpse of Western culture gave me a new perspective. In those moments, our “differences”--in culture, in backgrounds, in understanding--transformed in a new, shared reality. Although our return trip was just as long, Rwanda no longer seems so far away.

Jaden Hilgers and Emmy Goering with members of the conversational English class in Rwanda photo by Rwandan student

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Logan Schrag

✓Young Adults in Action I created Resurrection Duo around my passion for helping my generation find a faith.

Growing up, I was involved heavily in sports, forensics, and theatre. These activities kept me busy, but also distracted me from giving enough attention to my faith. I want people of all ages and all walks of life to know, like Aristotle once said, “Doubt is the beginning, not the end of wisdom.” It is okay to struggle and have questions in our faith. I believe being Christian has become a misrepresented title for many, and I strive to mend the torn relationships people may have with one another as well as Christ. In order to do this we must, first, mend the relationship we have with ourselves.

Since starting Resurrection Duo, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel around the United States to places such as, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. I have also been lucky enough to speak in the beautiful country of Rwanda in Africa. Every time I return from a tour I reevaluate what I am doing and how I can best inspire people. This means Resurrection Duo is always growing and trying to become a better worship

team. If anyone wants to learn more about us or what we do, please visit our website resurrectionduo.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @ResurrectionDuo.

10 ways to know if you’re Brethren:

by Jessie Houff 1. Whenever you tell someone outside of the church you are part of the CoB, they think you are in a cult…

2. You have more BVS pens than any other writing utensil.

3. When you meet someone who has never been in the presence of a campfire, a small part of you dies.

4. Church potlucks are actually the best thing to happen ever.

5. You’ve mastered the Brethren Game so hard, you could walk into any CoB you’ve never been to and make personal connections so deep that everyone will want to make you a “Welcome-to-our-congregation” casserole.

6. The “Hymn sing” part of an event or conference is one of your absolute favorites.

7. You can rock out to Mutual Kumquat any day of the week.

WE REPRESENT THE FRUIT 8. Your t-shirt collection is so expansive, you could make a t-shirt quilt for all your Brethren friends…and still have a few extra to donate to the disaster auction.

9. When you go to a CoB event and you KNOW there will be Ice Cream.

10. Your CoB memories, whether they be from Camp, BVS, a workcacmp, church conference, youth group, College, or gathering are filled with love. Even if not all the memories are fond, you know we are all siblings in Christ.

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The Young Adults’ Guide to the Galaxy (or at least to the 2018 Annual Conference)

By Walt Wiltschek In just a few short months, Brethren will converge on Cincinnati, Ohio, for five days of Anabaptist-Pietist activity.

Beginning on July 4 and running through July 8, a variety of events will take place for young adults during the Annual Conference week.

On Wednesday the 4th, we’ll start out by gathering for a bit of get-acquainted time and an overview of the week, then head downtown to watch fireworks and get ice cream or other snacks if desired.

Thursday includes a trip to the historic Findlay Market for eating, shopping, and wandering, along with a stop at a local arts center for those who have time. The evening will feature a saunter down to Fountain Square, where the city is offering a free evening of salsa dancing and music. In between those two events, young adults are also invited for a chat with moderator-elect Donita Keister from 5-6 p.m.

Friday will be the highlight of the week, with a trip to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. This cultural and historical treasure walks visitors through an important period of US history and carries its implications to the present and what it means for us today. Cost is $10 per person, plus lunch. In the evening, we’ll meet to debrief and do follow-up discussion.

On Saturday, we’ll meet for lunch (perhaps some famous

Cincinnati-style chili?) and a trip up the Carew Tower to its observation deck, which provides a wide-ranging view over several states. Cost is $4—cash only. Those who have time can follow that up with a walk across the historic Roebling Bridge into Kentucky. In the evening we’ll return to Fountain Square for a free concert and some final-night farewells.

Room 230 of the convention center will be the hub for young adults. We’ll typically meet in this room or just outside it if we’re departing for other points. All but two activities are no cost except for any meals/snacks/souvenirs you wish to buy.

These special activities are planned around the business meeting and worship times of the conference, so young adults are encouraged to take part in those events, as well (and those of you serving as delegates should be able to do both, if you wish). Insight sessions, concerts, special meal events, the exhibit hall, and various other opportunities for fellowship, worship, Bible study, and conversation are also available—plan out your week and savor it all!

Young Adults serving Not-So-Young-Adults”

By Christy Waltersdorff Are there older folks who have served as mentors for you? Are there grandparents, teachers, pastors, leaders who have influenced your life and your faith? The intergenerational aspect of church life is one of its greatest blessings. Would you like to have an opportunity to give back to some of those older folks? Would you like to serve in a beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Junaluska, North Carolina? Have you ever wanted to be a “Minion?”

What are you doing September 2- 6, 2019? The National Older Adult Conference planning team is looking for motivated, committed, hardworking, and really fun young adults to serve as volunteers at the 2019 NOAC. Young Adults were first asked to help out as volunteers at NOAC 2013. For the past three NOACs, young adults have helped to make the conference a meaningful experience for the nearly one thousand folks over fifty who gathered at Lake J. You can be a part of this growing tradition!

At NOAC 2019 Our Young Adult Minions (YAMS) will help to carry luggage, set up exhibits, move boxes, give directions, smile, go on bus trips, hike in the Smokey Mountains, hand out bulletins, organize box lunches, staff the information center, supply the planning team with caffeine, and many other exciting and extraordinary tasks.

We are encouraging young adult pastors to consider volunteering- especially if folks from their congregations are participating. This is a great way for younger leaders to experience NOAC and support the older adults who have supported them for so many years.

If you are interested in serving as a Young Adult Minion at NOAC 2019, please contact Christy Waltersdorff (christywaltersdorff@comcast.net) P.S.—NOAC is like NYC without the curfew!!

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Raised by the church village

By Dan McFadden “I grew up in the Church of the Brethren but not in the typical fashion. My parents were missionaries in Indonesia when I was in elementary and Jr. High. When we returned to live in the United States permanently I started my freshman year of high school in rural N. Manchester, Indiana. And was I ever a fish out of water. While I am now comfortably a church leader (I’ve been the director of Brethren Volunteer Service now for 22 years), feel at ease in leadership and known to be outgoing, that freshman year I was shy, very uncertain of myself and certainly no leader. So, how did that change?

My local church embraced me and made me feel welcome. Another family in the community, the Petry’s, had also just returned from the mission field and they took me in. Their son, Dan, is still one of best friends. I slowly took on some leadership in church and then my senior year I was mentored in district youth leadership by a young married couple, Dick and Diane Wion.

By the time I reached college I had enough courage to reach out for leadership opportunities more on my own. I joined the college religious group, became active over the years with the peace studies students (even though I was a Bio-Chem major), and became a manager for the varsity soccer team. In this roll I was pulled in by a future church leader, Stan Noffsinger, a classmate of mine.

During my college years I worked the summers at Camp Mack in Indiana. There, staff like Yvonne Dilling and Dan Petry were both friends and mentors. The director at the time, Arden Ball and his wife Charmaine, took me under their wings. They all provided many opportunities for leadership rolls. In many cases I couldn’t have named the experience as leadership but looking back those leaders were significant in my training.

There are many other unnamed people who mentored me. I name these few because naming those who inspire us and guide us is important. We never come into our leadership positions alone. We are all raised by a village. In

my case, many in that village were members of the church.

They guided me, corrected me, and encouraged me. I some cases they specifically pointed me in a direction.

The picture is of me (pre-beard and pre-bald head) and a dear friend, Phil Smith. Taken some time in the fall of 1981, I was just about to head into my year of service in BVS. Phil was in that Manchester youth group when I first moved back to the US. He has been a lifelong friend. Phil and his family were important members of that church village.

My advice for young adults in the church today? Get connected to those around you. Old and young alike. You never know where a lead or a connection will take you. We don’t know what the church will look like tomorrow, but it will need good leaders. Those mentoring you today will pave the way for your future tomorrow. This may be a simple truth but I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for my church village.”

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