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If you are a youth, young adult or adult-worker with young people in the global United Methodist church family, this question is for you. In 2004, the General Conference charged the Division on Ministries with Young People, DMYP, with “empowering young people as world-changing disciples of Jesus Christ.” Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines disciple as “follower of Jesus Christ…” A disciple is as a disciple does. In other words, actions speak louder than words. For followers of Jesus, actions communicate matters of the heart. Discipleship is a lifestyle. Followers of Jesus love God with radical love. Like Jesus, we are all called to love others unconditionally. We believe that followers of Jesus do the following: Dream. Pray. Live. Share. United Methodist youth, young adults and workers with young people are called to:
Disciples, or followers of Jesus Christ are called to engage in regular bible reading/study, prayer, worship attendance and service. Disciples are called to live in a way that evidences the reality that Jesus is real and alive. When followers of Jesus are around, things change – in families, communities, nations and the world. Are you living as a world-changing disciple of Jesus Christ? You are invited on this journey! You can make a difference. Pray for God’s kingdom to come and will be done on earth. Pray, each day, that ministries with young people will be strengthened and that more young people will give their lives to Christ.
Another way that you can make a difference is by living in a way that honors all of creation. Purchase items from companies that provided a living wage to those who created them. Challenge companies that don’t provide living wages or humane working environments. Challenge companies that exploit child labor. In August, the DMYP approved a resolution related to “Socially Responsible Consumerism.” That resolution will impact how the DMYP meets and operates. The DMYP also identified the issues of Child Labor and HIV/AIDs as study topics. If you want to make a difference with your pocketbook, you can contribute a donation to the Youth Service Fund or purchase a “Dream” arm bracelet. Raised by youth, Youth Service Fund monies are used to provide grants to ministries to youth by youth, throughout the world. In 2006, the Youth Service Fund will provide $91,000 to 15 ministries. Learn more about the Youth Service Fund and Ministries with Young People grant recipients. Mentioned earlier, the brown “Dream” bracelet features the word translated in English, Russian, German, Dutch, French, and Portuguese. The major proceeds from the sale of bracelets will benefit a ministry designated by the Division on Ministries with Young People members. Each year, the DMYP will have bracelets featuring a different word from the Dream. Pray. Live. Share slogan. The Division on Ministries with Young People is serious about living God’s call to “empower young people as world-changing disciples of Jesus Christ.” We are working to create networks of youth, young adults and workers with young people to share information and travel the faith journey together. You are also encouraged to get involved with one of the tables – Advocacy, Communication and Networking, Faith Formation; and Leadership & Resource Development. On ourwebsite, the links are as follows: Advocacy(Make a Difference); Communication & Networking (Stay Connected); Faith Formation (Live Your Faith) and Be a Leader (Leadership & Resource Development) In the future we will host a series of webcasts featuring various ministries with young people. During the webcasts, participants will be able to learn from colleagues in ministry, be inspired, and share ideas. Visit our webpage and check out the archived webcast featuring Project Transformation, a ministry located in Dallas, Texas. On this website, staff colleagues have messages about other exciting things with Young People’s Ministries. Some division members have also contributed messages. You may have noticed the words “Young People’s Ministries.” We are using those words to describe what we are really about. While it is through the Division on Ministries with Young People that we do our work, we are about “Young People’s Ministries. Increasingly, the phrase, “Young People’s Ministries,” will be more prominent on all of our communications. During Advent we not only remember that Jesus came to earth as a babe, but also that he will come again. Let us adore the Lord our God by our words and actions! I give thanks to God for you! Make a difference with your life’s ministry! On the Christian journey, Lillian C. Smith |
