How I and others began a young adults ministry.

After I found my new home in Christ at Emmanuel Parish, I began to sense a need for a more proactive way of reaching out to the young adults in my parish. At the same time I wondered about those like me who may be seeking a place to connect or reconnect with your faith in God. I also felt moved to explore how these two thoughts might be the start of something to offer young adults an opportunity for knowing one another, for support each other and for building a sense of community. This, I found after discussion with Emmanuel Parish's associate rector Fr. Edwin, is very much what a young adults ministry would be for the parish.

So I began to work on the idea in earnest using the Internet for information and resources. I continued my conversations with Fr. Edwin. I reached out to the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, and I came to know Lauren, their coordinator for young adult ministries. The process of starting a ministry for young adults in the greater Athens area has begun!

The process of starting this new ministry for young adults wasn't easy. The first step was prayer. Lots of prayer seeking direction and purpose for this new effort. It seemed upon reflection that Fr. Edwin and I were both equally enthusiastic about the prospect, and our combined gifts would make for a good start in the effort.

We organized a planning meeting with Lauren to brainstorm and discuss the type, time and location of our initial activities. This discussion continued for a few months until we believed a good decision was reached: we'd meet monthly for a casual social event in order to introduce the new ministry to young adults within and outside of the parish. The monthly event was to be called a “Meet and Greet” and would be held at a local restaurant downtown close to the University of Georgia campus. We decided upon a name: Emmanuel Episcopal Young Adults, which goes by the acronym E2YA.

The first “Meet and Greet” had more than twenty young adults! We met at a local pizza pub, and everyone appeared to enjoy their time together. In the months that have followed, we've continued this event and attendance varies according to the academic calendar at the University of Georgia and the season of the year.

In recent months, we've introduced a Sunday gathering following the 10:30 Eucharistic Service. This is a casual brunch at a restaurant downtown immediately after the service. It's a great way for our young adults to gather after worship and share with one another.

Soon, Fr. Edwin wishes to introduce an additional worship opportunity for our young adults that offers a departure from the traditional Daily Office services. This effort, like our other efforts, is being planned carefully and explored with our young adults to make sure we're meeting their needs for community and a greater spiritual life.

If someone asked me what exactly did you do to start a young adults ministry in your parish, I'd offer the following steps:
1. Pray about beginning the ministry for young adults. Open your heart and empty yourself to be receptive to what God is calling you to do.
2. Obtain the permission, input and support of your clergy. Make sure they're involved in every facet of the ministry so that you can benefit from their expertise and experience.
3. Determine the demographics of your parish and the larger community you wish to reach.
4. Consider fact finding, casual questioning, or a formal survey to gage what young adults in yoru parish may wish to experience in their faith journey.
5. Develop a contact list of those who may be interested in participating. Keep them informed of what's going on and where it's happening. If there are opportunities beyond your local ministry, be sure to share that information, too.
6. Gather and do so often! Build your sense of community. Engage those who attend your events. Encourage them to come again and share their needs with you.
7. Consider additional activities to meet the needs expressed.

Above all remember that a young adults ministry is about offering opportunities for knowing one another, for supporting each other and for building a sense of community in your parish and beyond.

Thanks be to God!