Adult Ministry@Faith

I have to confess that last year I had a birthday that qualified me for a “Senior Discount” in some establishments. I was shocked to discover that I fit into that age category and argued that I am entirely too young to be called a “Senior.” I have informed my husband that until people ask me if I want the discount, I am not taking it. (Which would indicate that I looked like a Senior.) We used to have a group at Faith that we called our “Primetimers” and this name has caused the same reaction. I have spoken to people ten years older than myself and they don’t want to be called either name. Because of the negative connotation associate with these titles, Pastor Seungrok and I have decided to call everything “Adult Ministry.” And we have lots of wonderful adult ministry happening every week in our congregation both in person and on Zoom. We are so grateful to those of you who lead it and invite others to join.

We do have a new “young adult” director and that too has presented problems with determining what is the appropriate age group for young. When do we tell people that they are too old to be in the young adults? This is a terrible conversation that can’t possibly have an answer that won’t make people mad. Some of us, want to hang out with the young adults (Jalynn and I) but we are not really the people that we are trying to reach.

For generations the United Methodist church has struggled with reaching young adults. And as the church ages, so does the group that the church calls young. In some circles, I am considered very young. In other circles, I am considered very old. But that doesn’t really matter because the people that we are trying to be intentional about reaching are those who are in college or have recently graduated. Those in their first job or career. Those who are looking for community in how to raise their babies. These are the people that I hope you are praying will find a loving community at Faith. Not because they are more important than the adults that we already have but because they are missing from the joy that comes with being part of this place.

So pray with me Faith. Let’s pray for DeRon and Jonathon as they lead this new ministry. Let’s pray for the families and individuals seeking a community that is filled with grace and love. And let’s pray for those of us in Adult ministry, that we may support the future of the church we love.