Reflection on Discipleship post-events
Having taken up their roles in IMYC in September 2023, Matty and Heather reflect on the last seven months; in particular, their first experience of IMYC events as staff members.
Seeing the events from the perspective of staff has allowed us to appreciate the joy and impact they have on children and young people connected to the Methodist Church in Ireland, but also on the parents/guardians, ministers, volunteers, and leaders who are dedicated to helping their children and young people grow in faith.
These events wouldn’t happen without your support. So, we want to encourage you as parents/guardians, ministers, and leaders in your local contexts. Thank you for everything you do for your children and young people. Thank you for investing, nurturing, loving, mentoring, discipling them, and bringing them to IMYC events. Do not ever underestimate the impact you are having. You are a vital part of their faith journeys as they seek more of God and how to live as a follower of Jesus!
These events are more than just weekends of little sleep, junk food, and time away with friends. They are intentionally designed to disciple children and young people, with the hope that they leave the events having learnt more about God, about themselves, and about being a follower of Jesus; all whilst experiencing fellowship and community with their peers.
At Autumn Soul 23 we delved into John 15 where we looked at the importance of staying connected with Jesus, remaining in Him and the impact this relationship has on us and the world. The weekend gave the young people an opportunity to respond to God in a safe way and it was encouraging to see a passion develop and grow throughout the weekend, a passion that we hope and pray continues in the lives of young people after the event.
During Overflow we were looking at the story of Daniel through the lens of a fictional mentor who encouraged Daniel to stand up for what he believed in despite living in a culture that was so alien to God. We learnt about the importance of mentors in our lives and the impact they can have on us. A personal highlight for me was seeing the young people respond and be anointed in preparation for stepping out and being young leaders in their own contexts.
This year at Soul Mates we were hearing how all of us have a part to play in God’s story. Children from across the island hung their names on a clothesline to signify stepping into God’s story; they walked over tarp as a sign of committing to be faithful to God’s story; and they received wristbands to encourage them to be witnesses for God’s story. They prayed, asked, and learned about what it means to be a part of God’s story.
So, what happens next?
As previously mentioned, we thank you for the role you play in discipling your children and young people. Following on from the events, here are a couple of ideas to encourage the young people and children to keep engaging with the teaching they heard:
Try to create space for conversations around God’s story. At both Autumn Soul and Soul Mates we had Faith Panels, where young people and children had the opportunity to ask their questions about faith and God. There were numerous questions around what it means to be a Christian, how to pray, and being a Christian in difficult times. There was also a wonderful curiosity about favourite Bible stories! Could you have your own version of a faith panel in your context, with members of your congregation involved? Or maybe gather their questions and build a programme around them?
Why not encourage the young people and children to share God’s story. One of the seminars at Soul Mates was ‘Exploring your story’, where groups discussed how Christian mission is ‘God’s love walking in the world’, and each group reflected on how they could do that in their own contexts. Maybe you could continue these conversations in your children/youth groups and identify practical ways your young people can share God’s story in their neighbourhood or with their friends and family.
Consider ways to help young people and children explore the gifts that God has given them. Throughout our Connexion we have young people and children with amazing gifts who are so keen to use them for God. We know many young people are using their gifts in and through their local church, but what about encouraging them to try something new or giving them an opportunity to lead in a different way.
As a team we will continue to pray for you, and endeavour to support you in any way we can. Remember that we are here for you and your children and young people. Please share your hopes, excitements, frustrations, and curiosities with us, we’d love to hear from you.
Thank you
Heather Bailie – Children and Family Ministry Coordinator heather.bailie@irishmethodist.org
Matty McCrea – Youth Ministry Coordinator – matthew.mccrea@irishmethodist.org