This spring I have been blessed to work with some amazing youth who have volunteered to be part of the Peer Ministry program here at Living Lord. Kate, Alyssa, Abby, Brandon, Valerie, Brooke (sorry I missed you originally.. I will never hear the end of this), and Josh (not pictured) all participated in 32 hours of training. (Yes, that is a lot of time to listen to Chad and each other on any subject.) On June 15th they will be commissioned into this new ministry; their ministry.
Peer ministry is about equipping high school and college age youth to serve as companions to their fellow teens during the ups and downs that accompany life. Relationships are critical in the lives of teens and PM simply equips youth to be better at entering into new relationships and then to be there in times of challenge or growth. We cover topics on hospitality, welcoming, asking conversation provoking questions, listening and observation skills. The youth learn about taking care of themselves and others.
I admire all of these youth who are taking another step down that road of service that we are all called to travel. In John 13: 12-15 we hear:
Peer ministry is about equipping high school and college age youth to serve as companions to their fellow teens during the ups and downs that accompany life. Relationships are critical in the lives of teens and PM simply equips youth to be better at entering into new relationships and then to be there in times of challenge or growth. We cover topics on hospitality, welcoming, asking conversation provoking questions, listening and observation skills. The youth learn about taking care of themselves and others.
I admire all of these youth who are taking another step down that road of service that we are all called to travel. In John 13: 12-15 we hear:
12 After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
We all have received the Great Commission and it is scary. God wants us to go beyond Jerusalem and Judea, to those places and people we are unsure of. The unknown. I ask you to pray for these amazing youth as they step forward into a new stage of their lives and work with their fellow young adults. May God give them the strength, wisdom, insight and words that they will need to be His hands and feet in the world.
If you are interested in learning more about peer ministry or know of a youth who could use a peer to walk alongside with, let Chad or any of these youth know.
If you are interested in learning more about peer ministry or know of a youth who could use a peer to walk alongside with, let Chad or any of these youth know.