It’s official—Fall is here. If your weather is anything like Tennessee’s weather (where I live), then you probably need to see this announcement on a blog. It is still 93 degrees. Can it really be Autumn?
Even though the temps don’t feel like it yet, not only is Fall coming, but we are in it! Young adult ministry can be like that at times. We’re in the trenches with people. Real life journeys. Real life problems. We know and trust that God is moving, but we don’t always see the immediate signs. We can often look back with hindsight and see how God moved, but in the middle of the journey, we can sometimes wonder what He’s up to … if He’s up to anything (and He usually is).
Maybe you’re trying to offer wisdom and direction to an individual who’s pursuing an ungodly relationship. It may seem like you’re being shut out, but your loving investment could be the very thing that God uses over time to prevent a lifetime of regret. Perhaps you are mentoring a college student who is less than committed to your weekly investment. It may seem like your time is being wasted, but your example of faithfulness could be the spark that eventually leads your mentee to a deeper walk with Christ. Or, you could be ministering to a young adult who continues to put career over Christ. Don’t underestimate the impact that one conversation could have in helping the young adult understand how his or her job could be leveraged for God’s Kingdom.
So, even though the weather doesn’t seem to match, we’ll keep going to football games, continue roasting marshmallows over campfires, and still order a pumpkin spice latte (I’m actually going to order a Diet Coke, but most of you will order a PSL). Likewise, I encourage you to keep mentoring, having the difficult conversations, and serving those young adults whom God puts in your path. Your investment in young adults matters!
And, to help you with that whole career over Christ thing, be sure to check out the Go2 Conversation with J.D. Greear and David Platt! On November 14th, the IMB and NAMB are partnering to sponsor a livestream conversation hosted by Lifeway Collegiate to talk with college students all over the nation about making the Go2 commitment. The livestream is a resource for BCM directors, college pastors, and student leaders who want to gather college students to talk about missions—whether for a summer or a lifetime.
Key Details:
- Event: Go2 Conversation with J.D. Greear & David Platt
- Date : Thursday, November 14th, 2019
- Time: Live-stream starts at 7:30pm EST
- Website: www.go2years.net/webinar
Bill Noe is the Collegiate Ministry Specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources. A former campus minister (and current collegiate ministry volunteer at church), Bill loves being a part of seeing college students grow in their walk with the Lord. Connect with Bill on Twitter.