A vital element of a dynamic worldwide witness of the Community of Christ
is the engagement of young adults in the mission and life of the church. In
June 2003 it was announced that a young adult steering committee would be
formed to work with Mike Hoffman, discipleship formation specialist assigned
to Young Adult Ministries.
The Committee has been formed and includes Greg Ardito, Ervelyne Bernard,
Rob Borkowski, John Chatburn, Julie Deuble, Todd Elkins, Carrie Garwood, Sandy
Jensen, Amy Lingo, Jeff Manuel, and Adam Wade. Apostle Leonard Young serves
with the group as a part of his functional assignment for Young Adult
Ministries.
Members of the committee met for the first time September 13. Discussion
included approving the recommendation to adopt a name for young adult
ministries in the church, "Emergence." Emergence is what happens
during the transitions of young adult life. This can include higher levels of
education, selecting and beginning a vocation, calls to ministry, exploration
and travel, service to nation or cause, and developing life-long committed
relationships.
The vision of Emergence as the young adult ministry of the Community of
Christ calls us to support those who minister to people in their late teens,
twenties, and thirties in bold ways. We must support the full integration of
young adults in the Community of Christ and help them develop a relationship
with Jesus Christ, their peers, their congregation, and their community. We
ask for your help in engaging young adults in the mission of the church in
your jurisdiction and in your ministry.
--Mike Hoffman reporting
