Sunday morning following Young Adult LIFE Experience [YALX], North American Division [NAD] Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director, Dr. Tracy Wood organized and moderated a listening session where young adults, NAD administrators, and church leaders could engage in conversation.
The inner circle was afforded a structured dialogue and guidance was offered to encourage a posture of active listening and engagement. A gallery of listeners surrounded the circle eager to hear the hearts of emerging adults and church leaders.
“As we move into the future for young adult ministry, we are wanting to listen to young adults and church leaders,” affirmed Dr. Wood. “Their input will help us form our plans for the next quinquennium.”
As the diverse group of young adults, youth directors, conference presidents, and NAD administrators convened at the Galt House Convention Center in Louisville, KY, the conversation was polite at first but began to deepen as the circle engaged the discussion and expressed their perspectives.
“My takeaway from the listening session was knowing that there has to be a start from somewhere,” offered Jada Lewis, MBA, PreMed student, University of Louisville. “Listening to our leaders explain that there is vision for young adult ministry gave me hope in knowing that the journey to creating space for us isn’t unnoticed by those in positions of leadership.”
Various elements of the YALX weekend were discussed which opened conversations more broadly about young adults and the Seventh-day Adventist Church at large. Several expressed with candor their local experience – the realities, the challenges, and their hopes. They shared what’s working and what’s not. All agreed that this type of intergenerational conversation needs to happen more.
“Throughout YALX, I learned that there is value in mixing the generations together,” noted Deborah Estrada, recent psychology major graduate, University of Texas Arlington. “We need to listen to each other and work together to make lasting and effective changes, because when we all work together to create something, we all support it and help it grow.”
The listening session continued with passion and intensity for two hours, and as Dr. Wood started to wrap up the time, all agreed that it could have gone for much longer. The conversation was rich and revealing, and all who attended appreciated the opportunity.
“YALX provided an open and transparent space to address the issues impacting young adult and their leaders,” affirmed Dr. Jamal Franklyn, Young & Young Adult Ministries Director, Allegheny West Conference. “It created an opportunity for passionate young adults to engage directly with church leadership, share experiences, and exchange ideas that will strengthen their local churches and foster intercultural and intergenerational growth.”
Upcoming posts will highlight the experiences of young adults at YALX.
Growing Together 