It is such a privilege to be part of all the youth work that goes on at St Saviours Sunbury and in local secondary schools. One of my favourite things to be part of is the youth led services. Usually these run in a month where there are 5 weeks and the youth take over the fifth week.
The reason that we do youth led services is to give the young people an opportunity to show their gifts and skills that God has given them. They are given the opportunity to do this with the church family and not keeping it as a separate event, so that they can bless the whole church. Young people are given the option of many different roles. There are so many different roles and skills that are needed to plan and run a normal service, and this is no different when the youth lead.
Adults are available to help in all the areas too, to give support and guidance as needed. For example, if a young person wanted to lead the service – someone from the youth team would be available to advise and support them, especially if they have not done anything like that before.
‘But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.’ - 1 Corinthians 12:18-22
We all have different gifts and abilities that God has given each of us, we need to ask God to show us what our gifts are and then ask him to guide us. Sometimes this might mean going out of our comfort zone and trying something new. Youth led services give the young people the opportunity to explore their gifts and step out in boldness to serve the church. Some have gifts in music and being in the youth band has given them the confidence to play in a group in front of a church full of people. Some have realised that their gift is welcoming and love being on the door welcoming people into church. This is such an important role because if someone doesn’t feel welcomed or doesn’t actually come into the building, they may not hear the words God wanted them to hear on that day.
On June 7th we were able to produce our first ever online youth led service. I love the way the youth stepped up and did such a great job. As we hadn’t done anything like this before it was important to involve those who already knew what was expected in a normal service situation. The response the youth got was amazingly encouraging, such a big deal for them to put themselves out there and share their faith in such a public way.
Taking part in youth led services both in church and online has given the young people a platform to speak out boldly, to serve the church in many different ways and to grow in confidence. God can use us at any age to speak to others.
"Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12
On the church youth logo it says ‘Youth, the future is right here’ and I totally believe that – the church needs people of all ages to help build and shout about the gospel message and share their faith in relevant ways, to reach everyone.
Keep going St Saviour’s youth – you have been given so many amazing gifts by God, continue to step out and be bold. It is so exciting watching you all grow in your faith, watching how you are blessing others and the way you serve the church. Thank you.
Sonia Stead Senior Youth Pastor