Stir Up In Us The Gift Of Your Holy Spirit

Five members of our synodical LYO Board will be graduating from high school this year: Pam Evans, Jessica King, Pat Mullen, Josh Pocock and Josh Schenko. They have all been fun to work with and I have been blessed to know them. As board members they have followed through on ideas and contacting potential speakers and bands for youth gatherings. They have also had responsibility in overseeing and providing leadership for the various youth activities of the synod. Many adults have been amazed at the level of responsibility they have taken. Any of these five could be rostered leaders in the church.

But now that we’ve nurtured these young people in leadership and they are soon to be heading off to college – what is next for them as far as the church is concerned? It is a question many pastors and lay leaders of congregations ask as they watch their high school seniors graduate and head off to college. Can we find ways for them to stay connected to the church? How can we continue to nurture them in the faith?

I can’t help but go back to the Affirmation of Baptism rite in the Lutheran Book of Worship, where the presiding minister lays hands on those affirming their baptism and says, “Father in heaven, for Jesus’ sake, stir up in this person the gift of your Holy Spirit; confirm her faith, guide her life, empower her in her serving, give her patience in suffering, and bring her to everlasting life.” Yes Lord, stir up the gift of your Holy Spirit in these young people. But what are ways we as congregations can continue stirring the faith of those heading off to new adventures?

I believe part of the answer is to somehow keep them connected to life in the church. Lutheran Campus Ministries are fine opportunities and presents one way of staying connected. May I also suggest using them when they come home from their various breaks as readers or assisting ministers during worship? What about asking them to come to a high school Sunday school class to talk about life at college and how they try to live out their faith? Have catechism students sent e-mails as part of their instruction. Provide a night in which all college students can gather during Christmas break. Make sure they are prayed for regularly and let the students know you are praying for them. And finally, welcome them with joy and thanksgiving when you see them home for a break.

These are only a couple of ideas. I’m sure there are more. And, I know a lot of coordination is needed when working with college students. But our high school seniors and college students have some fine gifts to share. Yes, some of them will challenge us. But isn’t there some way that we can provide a safe place for our students to ask the questions of faith as they continue to be stirred? Keeping our students connected to the church is not only important in their faith development and continued leadership growth but also to keep us alive and fresh – as the Holy Spirit continues to stir us – even now.