Pivot, change, reassess, unknown…anybody else getting weary of the frequency with which these words are overwhelming our everyday vocabulary? It almost feels like just when we start to feel like we are getting some footing in the “COVID world,” another wave of uncertainty crashes in. Some details for the fall are starting to become clearer, but probably the only for sure detail we know about the fall is that it is going to be different!
So, what do we do as we face an uncertain fall? We may have a lot of questions, but I think we can all agree that as we continue in ministry to young adults, there are some non-negotiables that can help guide our ministries over the coming months. Let me suggest four:
1. We must still emphasize evangelism.
The world still needs the hope of the gospel. Many of the “felt needs” of young adults have changed in a post-COVID world but their greatest, most basic need has not. Pandemic or not, there is still a greater virus (sin) that infects us all and Jesus is the only answer. As our ministries adjust to meet changing occupancy requirements and altered calendars, we must continue to intentionally challenge young adults to share the hope of Jesus with others…as we do it ourselves.
2. We must still worship with regularity.
God is still worthy. That hasn’t changed and we will still be worshipping Him for eternity. Maybe we will have to continue doing it around screens, in smaller venues, or outdoors for a while longer, but we must continue to point young adults to the beauty and holiness and goodness of God. Especially during this time of continual change, let’s lift up together the Unchanging One.
3. We must still develop disciples.
The Great Commission hasn’t changed, and young adults still need shepherding. We may not be able to hit repeat on our discipleship strategy from last September, but we can continue to gather in small groups and one-on-one. We can and must continue to open God’s Word together and seek to help young adults better understand what it means to daily live as a disciple of Jesus.
4. We must still prioritize prayer.
We don’t have all the answers. We are a deeply needy people. That is certainly more evident in these days more than ever. We may be stumped on the best path forward, or how to reach our campus during a quarantine, or how to best minister to young adults we don’t see as much face to face, but we know the One who is never stumped. Let’s be renewed in our resolve to seek Him together as we turn to Him in prayer.
There you go, four simple reminders. I think these are obvious staples for us to keep in place, but in our frantic shifting and changing we must make sure that we are returning to the core of why we do ministry in the first place. Your ministry continues to matter. Your investment in young adults is still valuable to the Kingdom. Let’s continue to be ministries marked by commitments to evangelism, worship, discipleship, and prayer!
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.
