Innovare
Wed, Apr 30, 2008
It was my privilege in mid-March to attend Innovare II, which was the second of two conferences designed to gather youth leaders and innovators from across the territory to share and develop visions for youth ministry. At this most recent session our team was given the challenge to develop a manifesto for youth ministry across the territory. The weekend began late Thursday where we were privileged to hear from the hearts of our Territorial Leaders Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis. Over the following days we continued to prayerfully hear stories from youth leaders from across this Territory. What a wonderful opportunity to share perspectives, visions and callings.
Stemming from the stories and personal visions that we heard throughout the weekend we as a team developed a prayer for youth ministry in the Territory. It’s a prayer that speaks to some of our past successes, but also our past failures. More importantly it speaks hope for what is to come for the future of youth in this territory. It speaks to the changing culture and a need to see ministry that is intergenerational, holistic and distinctively Salvationist.
As we left the conference we were encouraged and refreshed by each other’s passions for ministry. We rekindled friendships and made new ones. But most of all we were united in our desire to serve youth in our Territory in a way that is distinctive to our Salvationist heritage and reflective of our current culture.
God indeed moved amongst us and challenged us to reflect on the future direction of youth ministry across the Territory, but also within our own contexts. As I prepare for the start of my own ministry in a few months time the lessons learned and stories heard will continue to inspire and challenge my own thinking and work.
Cadet Peter Lublink
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