Last month, I was able to attend the Orange Conference online for my first time! While I was excited at the idea of participating in this conference and knew the purpose of the conference was to inspire and provide education opportunities for those in youth and children’s ministries. I had no idea what to expect beyond that. 

I was amazed! The conference theme, “Here For It!” was all about saying yes to being present for the faith of the next generation. The speakers talked of providing the next generation with a strong faith and a future that transforms others and the world. These speakers were not only encouraging, but innovative, motivating, and were on fire for the faith of our future generations.  One speaker reminded us that youth and children are most at risk before they even step one foot into their high school years. As the body of Christ, we can make a huge impact just by showing up in these kids' lives. The children we see every day at church and in our community can be drastically impacted by our presence in their lives, even in the smallest of ways. 

One speaker, Leslie Mack said, “Jesus reminds us the church is going to last.” She asked, “How can we make our faith relevant to culture right now? Culture is a mirror offering us a chance to see where we can innovate.” She asked a powerful question that can be asked of each and every one of us in the church body, “Do our actions of today match our hopes for tomorrow?” This question feels like a wonderful starting point for investing in our children and youth. It is such an important reminder that every action we take is a choice that we make.  I reflected on this question quite often in the weeks following the conference. Additional challenging questions flooded my mind as I thought about it. Am I seizing opportunities as they come my way to connect and serve when possible? Are my actions and choices reflecting the future goal to build the faith of our future generations here at Pinnacle? Am I strengthening my faith in order to impact others? Am I acting as a model of faith and God’s love for the young people around me? All things to consider as we work to lay a faith foundation for the children here. 

I encourage each one of us to ask ourselves Leslie’s question in a personal way, “Do my actions of today match God’s hopes for tomorrow?” God has given each of us unique qualities and gifts that when we chose to be here for the children, those skills and characteristics can allow us to make a positive impact in the faith formation of our youngest.  

There are so many small choices we can make to be here for the future generation. These might look like getting to know a young family on a Sunday morning. Shaking hands with the families and children as they walk in the door. Dedicating a few extra minutes of prayer each week for the children in our Pinnacle Kids ministry program. Helping behind the scenes with upcoming events. Joining our welcome team for a half hour on Sunday mornings to greet children and their families as they walk in the door, and even sharing a special skill with the children during a Sunday School lesson. What does your “here for it” moment look like?