Young Adult Ministries

Andy Gathman

The last year marked a turning point for Young Adult Ministries in many ways. In 2004, we clarified our vision, set out new strategies, developed new teams, and welcomed many new faces to Central's young adult community.

In the last 12 months, we have taken a new approach to young adult ministry and are now designing our ministry to address the needs of people who are in one way or another "transient." Our vision is to help provide transient people with "spiritual permanence." This means that for however long or short they are with us, they will be able to take with them new steps of faith that will stay with them wherever they may go.

The first thing we want to do is provide ways for newcomers to connect. This year, we established a regular young adult party called First Friday. These monthly gatherings provide a place for people to meet one another and experience the initial chemistry that is vital to developing deeper relationships.

As those relationships develop, we are forming and caring for small group communities. In the last four months alone, three small groups have been formed with the help of connections made at First Fridays. Small groups are where the real work of our vision happens. Our goal is for each small group to be an environment where spiritual formation and growth in Christ-likeness occurs.

As these small groups grow together, many have begun serving together. Two service projects that have touched the wider community were our Fall Cleanup in November for Central seniors and our Parent's Night Out in December, where young adults hosted 80+ kids and gave parents a much-needed break.

This year also saw the formation of a new and vibrant college-aged ministry. The name "Delta" was chosen for the 18-22ish age group because it represents the mathematical symbol for "change." Individuals in this age group are not just college students anymore; they are a dynamic group of young adults who are working, seeking career training, and making important decisions about the people they wish to become.

In these changing times, Delta has developed to be a resource for connecting these people to their peers and drawing them closer to Christ. This growing ministry hosts Sundays@Starbucks every Sunday at 10:15 as well as regular "lunch-fests" hosted by Central families. This winter, Delta is launching a Bible study that is being hosted by Walt and Debbie Mills.

In the coming year, we hope to continue the growth we witnessed in 2004. We plan on developing more small groups for young adults, holding several service projects, and creating new opportunities for connection with the larger church body.