Next generation is preparing, waiting in wings to lead our church

Too often I think to myself, “I wish others could see what I see! I wish others could experience what I do with the youth of our conference!”
I thought that most recently at Dive N Deeper, our first student leadership retreat, Nov. 17-19 at the H.E.B. Foundation Camp Windsong near Leakey.
As I sat with 30 other youths and adults around a campfire during our Saturday night worship, singing songs and listening to the stories of students, I was struck with just how blessed we are in the Southwest Texas Conference.

I was touched by students like Walt, Wes and Taylor, who are deeply considering God’s call upon their lives as full-time ministers. I was encouraged by Kellie, Amy, Conner and Mitch, who are striving to be all that Christ has called them to be.
I was touched by the testimonies of those senior high youths who at age 12 attended their first Midwinter at Mount Wesley Conference Center in Kerrville and continue to pursue a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.
And then I thought, “I wish our adult conference leaders could witness this scene.”
I was just one of a handful of adults listening to the “church of today”—as these youths like to be called—talk, share and conduct Christian conferencing the old-fashioned way. They gave testimonies, confessed struggles and talked about their dreams to be in ministry for Christ and the church.
And needless to say, my heart was warmed.
As we closed our retreat Sunday morning, I called two of the “church of today” members to serve Holy Communion under my direction. These student leaders will be the future leaders—pastors and laity—of our conference.
As I called on them, I was again touched by their devotion, love for the Lord and commitment to the cause of Christ.
I wish you could have been there. This young generation, with all its struggles, battles and fears, is demonstrating a faithfulness and enthusiasm often missed by most of our church. I wish you could have been there as our newest leaders took a stand and joined in offering the sacraments to others.
These young people would have made you proud—proud to be a United Methodist in the Southwest Texas Conference and proud to be a follower of Jesus Christ. It would have made you proud to know that when the rest of us move onward and upward, we have a generation waiting in the wings to lead “the church of today.”