By Rev. Chuck Pickrel, Director of Student Ministries
As the new Director of Student Ministries, it is my job (among other things) to plan and execute spiritually meaningful programs as well as fun activities for 6th- 12th graders throughout the year. Ideally the work we do here will have a positive and lasting impact on our students.
I’ve been working in professional youth ministry for a little over ten years and in that time I have found that my most meaningful work is done in the summer. With church camps at Tall Oaks (Talloaks.org), regional and national youth events, and mission trips I spend more time out and about in the world nurturing the spiritual and physical well-being of students than I do with my own family at home. While at times it feels as though I’m going in several directions at once, and I sleep in my own bed a LOT less than I’d like, the immersive environment that summer offers is great for building positive, meaningful relationships with the young people I so love to work with.
This summer promises to be especially meaningful as we spend time being the hands and feet of God right here in Kansas City and in Nicaragua. In preparing for these trips I research the areas in which we’ll be working so that I have a better understanding of the people and their culture. Part of my research for our high school trip included the Nicaraguan flag: blue and white horizontal bars with the national seal of Nicaragua proudly displayed in the middle. The seal includes a rainbow and rays of sunshine that represent hope for the future.
While I firmly believe that our young people are and should be a part of the church today, they are also just that, hope for the future. As we go about our busy schedule this summer I hope we can inspire a little hope not only in our own circle, but in those we serve as well.
