Young Adult Ministries

Andy Gathman

I will open my mouth in parables,
    I will utter hidden things, things from of old-
What we have heard and known,
    what our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children;
    we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
    his power, and the wonders he has done.
      ~ Psalm 78:2-4

Did you know that for the first time in history, the majority of young adults in America are second-generation un-churched? Most of those entering the workforce today grew up in homes where not even their parents attended church. The vision of this psalm, first proclaimed thousands of years ago, remains as poignant and as urgent today as it was then.

We have a committed group of young adults here at Central ready to stand up and declare with the psalmist, "We will tell the next generation!" This dream was reborn two years ago with the launch of the EPIC service, and it has proven contagious. Over the course of the last year, a growing number of young adults have emerged from the ranks of their peers to creatively and passionately proclaim God's wonders to our generation.

MaryKate Newcomb has the heart of an artist, and God placed in her the dream of a community of artists, encouraging one another in their work and together proclaiming God's grace, beauty, and passion through the visual arts. Today that vision has become a reality as the Central Artists Ministry.

Matt Crocken moved back to his hometown of Baltimore in search of a job in the video production field. In the meantime, God has given him a place to use his gifts at Central. He has stepped into leadership of EPIC multi-media production, often spending long hours creating the inspired visuals that enhance our worship on Sunday mornings. What's more, he has been selflessly training others to follow in his footsteps.

Mario Monopolis became a Christian and began attending Central as a college student. And though not long out of college himself, he found that God had put a desire in his heart to mentor and disciple the college students that find their way here. He is now heading up Central's College Fellowship, encouraging and teaching several dozen college students every week.

What's amazing is that for every person mentioned here, there are countless more involved at Central with the same passion: to proclaim God's glory to "the next generation." Many of these people are living out this passion unnoticed, participating in the various ministries at Central, faithfully attending a small group, living out the gospel in their neighborhoods and workplaces.

In the coming year, we plan on focusing our energy to help develop these emerging leaders. Our desire is to build this same passion into all of Central's young adults. Please continue to lift up in prayer Young Adult Ministry and the many people who work to make this ministry happen. Pray especially for our young adult leaders, who faithfully and tirelessly share their passion, time, and talent in reaching their postmodern peers for Jesus.

May the psalmist's vision continue to be God's call to our church as we move people toward Christ.