Aren Rennacker (left) smiles with podcast guest Ezrica Bennett.
SECC Youth Launches New “Dear Church” Podcast
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n July 1, the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) Youth Department launched the "Dear Church" podcast, a heartfelt initiative to amplify the oftenunheard voices of young adults within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Aren Rennacker, SECC youth and young adult director and podcast host, is dedicated to creating a platform where young Adventists can share their personal stories and reflections. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and the SECC Youth homepage, this 10-part limited series aims to bridge generational gaps and foster deeper understanding within the broader church community. "We need to find ways to make sure we're listening better to our young people. All of us are keenly aware of the statistics that tell us our young adults are deciding every day whether to stay in the church,” Rennacker explained. “Rather than simply asking ‘why,’ we thought we could instead ask, 'Can you share your story with us?'"
50 Pacific Union Recorder
Southeastern California Conference
The podcast's format includes interviewing Adventist young adults about their experiences in the church and culminates with the guest reading a handwritten letter to the church. "After spending 25 minutes hearing about who they are and what they've experienced, I think that helps our ears be much more open to what they have to say," Rennacker noted. In the inaugural episode, Rennacker interviews Allan Martin, a key figure in young adult ministry, to discuss the challenges facing the church and the critical need for effective communication. "My plea of pastors is for us to make endeavors for our churches to be rich soil, a place where young adults can get a sense of purpose and identity and belonging,” said Martin. “If we aren’t intentional, we’ll miss the opportunity of capturing the vision, the imagination, and the hopes of next generations." Each episode dives into the personal narratives of young Adventists, exploring their experiences, trials, and triumphs. From navigating relationships and faith questions to overcoming challenges and traumas and discovering passions, these stories are raw and genuine. "Dear Church" is more than just a podcast; it's an intentional effort toward a more inclusive and understanding church community. By sharing these powerful stories, the “Dear Church” podcast invites all listeners to engage with the heartfelt experiences of young Adventists. One listener praised the podcast, calling it "Fresh! Engaging! Necessary!" and expressed gratitude for the platform that taps into the voices of young adults. Dive into these stories, learn more, and listen now at https://seccyouth.com/dearchurch/. ____________________ By Danni Thaw