A place. A space. A home.

We recently updated our youth space in the basement. We have a coordinated area to eat, all together, during our weekly youth meetings. The kids were so excited to see the makeover. They loved the color scheme and felt like it was cool and exciting. Much more their style. However, I overheard a conversation between the kids at a recent talk where several mentioned that they didnʼt want to be “stuck in a dark, dingy basement” all the time. Sure, the paint and chairs updated the space but ultimately the kids want something more. They need something more. In the last few months since Iʼve been in my role as youth minister, these kids have taught me so much about Jesus and love. They are desperate to get out and “be” the Church. They want to work, to serve, to love outside these walls. So, why then are we updating a building? Why do it if they want to be out? You see these youth want to serve. Because they’ve seen it. This world, this time, their friends...are a mess. Theyʼre dealing with so much more than you or I ever thought about when we were teens. Suicide, addiction, bullying, stress, anxiety, mental illness, the list goes on and on. That messy, broken, ugly world out there needs a place to come. A place to drop their fears and worries. And that place should be the church. We should be a place where the kids want to bring their friends. Where they seek solace. Where they come for answers or a hug or a shoulder to cry. When the world gets to be too much they should come to us. When they are overwhelmed by the fear or pain or loss. They should feel welcome. Does the paint color matter? Probably not. But does it matter if they have a space that makes them feel included? Wanted? Respected? Cherished? Yes! The church is for them. With them. The proposed renovations are vital for us to be able to meet our kids where they are. And for those children growing into the messy world. Itʼs for them too. So they know they matter. They have a place. A space. A home.


Rachel Long, Youth Minister