Youth on the Grow The Caring Factor in Disciple-making


By Nathan Ensz


Over the past 16 years of youth ministry at EBC (Dallas, Ore.), I have enjoyed hearing many stories from some of our older folks who recall when they were either in or serving in youth ministry. I hear “good ol’ stories” about cooking for camp, packing an old worn-out bus full of kids, midnight chili feeds, or spending an evening at a farm roasting hot dogs over an open fire. Te thing that strikes me most in all of these memories is the connection be- tween activities and people. I hear about the great youth sponsors of the past and just how much they cared for teens. Tis past January I attended a Sonlife Ministries conference


(sonlife.com). Tis excellent three-day conference challenged me to think in terms of disciple-making (not traditional dis- cipleship). It is a paradigm shiſt of sorts. Te North American Christian culture hears the word discipleship and almost immedi- ately equates it with a weekly program, a book, and an instructor. While this is not necessarily bad, it falls so short of the kind of discipleship Jesus practiced while he walked the earth. Jesus’ brand of discipleship seemed to be more “Come, follow me and watch what I do.” It was living life each day with the Master of the uni- verse, seeing what he valued and how he lived his life. I desire that my youth ministry be characterized by the rich,


relational flavor I hear about from the past which exemplified “Come, follow me and do what I do.” As older, godly, influential


people interact with our youth, disciples are being made. Tis goes well beyond a fill-in-the-blank booklet. It is the presence of wise, older people — people a bit further down the road of life — leading our youth. Consider how disciples are made when a young believer


follows the example of a mature believer helping a widow move to a new home. Tink about the impact when a teenager can consult someone older on how to change the oil in his car. Tink about the imprint that is leſt on the life of the young person who con- fides with an older person some of the hidden secrets she carries. One can be fairly certain much is being passed down in moments like these. Te character of a mature believers is on display, and youth will take note of what example to follow. I still meet regularly with students for one hour a week. Some-


times we even fill in the blanks in those booklets! But I also realize that true discipleship must be modeled in daily life. Sometimes the best disciple-making just might take place roasting hot dogs over an open fire.


Nathan Ensz has served as youth pastor at Evangelical Bible Church (Dallas, Ore.) since 2000. He and his wife Kelsey and their three children make their home in Dallas, Ore.


Dorothy Peters Honored


by Japanese Church On Mother’s Day Sunday, Langham Bible Church had spe-


cial visitors from Japan. One of our long-time members, Dor- othy Peters, spent more than 40 years of her life ministering in Japan. Pastor Hideaki and Kaoru Irizuki travelled to Langham specifically to visit Dorothy and to express their appreciation to our church. Tey are so thankful for the “mission-mindedness” of our congregation and for the support Dorothy received during those years. To honor Dorothy as his mentor and spiri- tual mother over the years, Pastor Irizuki presented a Mother’s Day flower to Dorothy. Dorothy Peters has been retired from the field for over 25 years, but her heart still delights in the ongoing ministry in Japan happening today.


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Fellowship Focus, July/August 2016


FellowshipForward.org


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