The Village ILWIDIot
By Walt Wiltschek
“Study after study in the field of youth development makes it clear that the single most important thing that can make a positive difference in the life of a young person is the presence of a caring adult.”
—youth ministry author and spiritual director Mark Yaconelli
Youth ministry has long been a passion for me, and so the Church of the Brethren National Youth Conference occupies a special place in my heart. Seeing senior high youth from across the denomination gathered in one place is powerful, full of energy and hope and life.
Nearly 1,000 youth and advisors and staff gathered at Colorado State University in Fort Collins last month for the 2022 event, and it did not disappoint. We’re hoping to build off of that to re-ignite a youth program in this district, starting with a “reunion” gathering at district conference in Peoria in November.
I saw similar energy and promise, on a smaller scale, while assisting with senior high and middle school camps this summer. In just about a week’s time in each case, the youth there manage to form an incredible community, balancing fun and games with worship and singing and more while sharing some of their own gifts and talents.
One of the things that sticks with me most in all those experiences, though, is seeing again and again just how much “stuff” many of those youth carry with them—school struggles, family challenges, uncertainty about the future, faith questions, and more. I’ve read research in the past that it often takes about three days until youth will trust a community and begin to open up, and that matches up pretty well with my observations and those I’ve heard from others. So having those longer-term contacts like NYC and camp and such are crucial.
In congregations, that trust might build in a series of contacts over a period of time, but it’s important to have some stability in those relationships for years when possible. Parents and family members are the most important relationship, of course, but even in situations where those relationships are present and healthy, research has shown that the caring and invested presence of an adult who is NOT a family member makes a huge difference in the healthy development and wellbeing of a child or youth. Two or three or more are even better.
Everyone needs a cheering section, especially when they’re trying to figure out life and who they are in the midst of all that. So if you have an opportunity in your congregation or community or elsewhere, I encourage you to make that investment—and not just because you’re concerned about the future of the church, but because you care about the present of these incredible children and youth among us.
District executive schedule: In addition to regular meetings, Walt will be visiting the Stanley congregation and meeting with a Brethren group in Madison Aug. 21, preaching at Freeport Aug. 28, leading family camp for Camp Mardela Sept. 2-4, and preaching at Dixon and attending the Hares’ retirement celebration at Camp Emmaus Sept. 11. Walt is on vacation Aug. 6-13 after a very busy summer!
“Study after study in the field of youth development makes it clear that the single most important thing that can make a positive difference in the life of a young person is the presence of a caring adult.”
—youth ministry author and spiritual director Mark Yaconelli
Youth ministry has long been a passion for me, and so the Church of the Brethren National Youth Conference occupies a special place in my heart. Seeing senior high youth from across the denomination gathered in one place is powerful, full of energy and hope and life.
Nearly 1,000 youth and advisors and staff gathered at Colorado State University in Fort Collins last month for the 2022 event, and it did not disappoint. We’re hoping to build off of that to re-ignite a youth program in this district, starting with a “reunion” gathering at district conference in Peoria in November.
I saw similar energy and promise, on a smaller scale, while assisting with senior high and middle school camps this summer. In just about a week’s time in each case, the youth there manage to form an incredible community, balancing fun and games with worship and singing and more while sharing some of their own gifts and talents.
One of the things that sticks with me most in all those experiences, though, is seeing again and again just how much “stuff” many of those youth carry with them—school struggles, family challenges, uncertainty about the future, faith questions, and more. I’ve read research in the past that it often takes about three days until youth will trust a community and begin to open up, and that matches up pretty well with my observations and those I’ve heard from others. So having those longer-term contacts like NYC and camp and such are crucial.
In congregations, that trust might build in a series of contacts over a period of time, but it’s important to have some stability in those relationships for years when possible. Parents and family members are the most important relationship, of course, but even in situations where those relationships are present and healthy, research has shown that the caring and invested presence of an adult who is NOT a family member makes a huge difference in the healthy development and wellbeing of a child or youth. Two or three or more are even better.
Everyone needs a cheering section, especially when they’re trying to figure out life and who they are in the midst of all that. So if you have an opportunity in your congregation or community or elsewhere, I encourage you to make that investment—and not just because you’re concerned about the future of the church, but because you care about the present of these incredible children and youth among us.
District executive schedule: In addition to regular meetings, Walt will be visiting the Stanley congregation and meeting with a Brethren group in Madison Aug. 21, preaching at Freeport Aug. 28, leading family camp for Camp Mardela Sept. 2-4, and preaching at Dixon and attending the Hares’ retirement celebration at Camp Emmaus Sept. 11. Walt is on vacation Aug. 6-13 after a very busy summer!
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