Happy Thursday, Grace!
Summer often feels like a time of transition, with many families moving from one school year to another—a pattern that is largely followed by our own rhythm of ministry.
This particular summer has brought with it additional transition for our church family as we move forward without two long-serving members of our team.
We know that with transition comes many questions. So, we wanted to share the below update on plans for our student ministry. These are words directly from Paul Brandes, our Student Ministry Consultant:
Hello all!
My name is Paul Brandes. I currently serve as the Chaplain at Sterling College, and this summer I’m pitching in at Grace as Student Ministry Consultant. I have a background in student ministry, having served in a variety of churches and roles related to middle- and high school students. I love students, and I’m thrilled to have a chance to help the Grace Student Ministry reach its full potential.
I have three aims for my work:
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Grace Student Ministry
Recommend programming direction for the upcoming school year
Help launch the search process for Grace’s next Student Pastor
All three of these areas of focus are underway to some degree, though there is much still to be done!
In the meantime, two questions that I am sure are on your mind:
When will the student ministry program launch for the fall semester?
Who will serve as the point person for the ministry while the pastoral search is ongoing?
Both are fantastic wonderings. The current plan for the fall Igniter program launch is Sunday, September 13, after Labor Day. We believe this launch date is most prudent based on the transitional nature of the ministry, as well as COVID-19 complexities. Regarding the Wednesday night Refuel program, conversations are ongoing with Awana leadership and volunteers. Be on the lookout for more information on that coming soon.
We know how vital it is to secure the right point person to lead the Grace Student Ministry during this transitional period. I have recommended searching for a school-year Student Ministry Intern that can serve in that role September 2020 – May 2021, and we are proceeding that direction under the authority of the Elders. We're excited about this option for several reasons. One, it gives Grace a chance to develop a young leader who is beginning their journey in vocational ministry. Two, it provides a longer runway for the pastoral search, taking off the pressure to have to rush through that process. We have some interested candidates already; please pray that the Lord provides the right person for this next chapter.
This is a key moment of change for the Grace Student Ministry. And while change can be challenging, the Lord often uses it as a catalyst for His purposes. I deeply believe that the best days of Grace Student Ministry are ahead, and I’m thrilled to see how the Lord brings it all together!
All the best,
Paul Brandes
Student Ministry Consultant