Developing a culture of call
by Rose Barber, Eugene, Ore.
One of the goals of Mennonite Church USA is to develop a "culture of call" for our youth and young adults. We are seeing the benefits of this as more and more young adults and youth are not only asking for their voices to be heard but are also asking to step into leadership in the church. As we look to the future together, I offer these suggestions:
1. Whenever possible, use the word "us" for Mennonite Church USA rather than for a subset within it. We are all a part of the denomination, and using our language wisely will help remind us of that.
2. We all need to be willing to be led. Young adults have a lot to offer the church. So do the adults and the older adults among us. Each of us needs to hear all the voices and honor the wisdom within them.
3. Be cognizant of the dynamics involved. Young adulthood in our society is by nature transient: It is how we go about finding our place in society. Congregations, on the other hand, are looking to sustain themselves for the long haul. Welcoming young adults into church leadership can bring great life and renewed energy. At the same time, it means there can be a high turnover of those who attend.
4. Mennonite Church USA will not look the same as it did in the past. The Mennonite church now does not look the same as it did when I was a child. Neither did my Mennonite experience match that of my parents, which did not look the same as each generation before them. If we indeed want to be a missional denomination, each generation needs to make the faith and church relevant to those around them.
As we work and serve together, I have great hope for the future of Mennonite Church USA.
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