05210
April 19, 2005

'With Christ’s enthusiasm' 

Moderator cites energy of young Presbyterians

by Rick Ufford-Chase
Moderator, 216th General Assembly

LOUISVILLE — As I travel across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), I am hearing many folks speak about “the younger generation” as if it is of one mind, theology, and interest. In fact, Presbyterian young adults are as diverse as the rest of our denomination.

     What Presbyterian young adults do have in common is that they want to make a difference in the church and in the world. They want action. They want to find ways to transform our worship experiences, to live Christ’s example in their communities, and to do mission.

     Many young adults have shared with me their weariness of being told they are “the future of our church.” In reality, they are providing dynamic leadership now. Here are some examples at a few of our PC(USA)-related colleges:

• Eighty “activators” at Austin College are providing top-quality youth retreats for junior and senior high students across the Southwest.
  
• Students at Knoxville College are employed on campus and in their community. The school is committed to graduating economically
  disadvantaged young adults debt-free.
  
• Students at colleges like Davidson, Maryville, and Warren Wilson are highly committed to volunteer service as an integral part of their education.
  
• At Montreat College, some students have developed a non-traditional worship group that meets in a bar in Black Mountain. They are a thriving community of faith of more than 100 young adults.
  
• Participants in the Young Presbyterian Scholars’ programs at Tulsa University and Westminster College are transforming their student bodies. Since Westminster’s 150th anniversary, the school has offered up to 150 scholarships of $11,000 per year to attract Presbyterian students.

     I am encouraged to see how several of our Presbyterian-related schools are seeking stronger connections with the PC(USA). In a secular culture, strengthening that tie is counter-intuitive and perhaps even risky, but the payoff can be great.

     Presbyterian young adults are changing the face of our church, and they are doing so with the enthusiasm of Christ.