Making Room for Young Voices

“Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

— Philippians 1:27

There is something wonderfully hopeful about seeing our young people step forward to lead worship this week.

When we invite them to pray, read Scripture, choose music, speak, create, welcome, or lead us in ways we may not have thought of ourselves, we are doing much more than giving them “a turn.” We are recognising that they are already part of the Church and that God is already at work in their lives.

Paul encourages the Christians at Philippi to live the Gospel together, side by side. That includes every generation.
Sometimes churches speak about young people as “the Church of the future.” But they are the Church now. They bring questions we need to hear, gifts we need to recognise, and perspectives that may help us see God and our world with fresh eyes.

So when our young people lead worship, perhaps our task is not to expect them to do everything exactly as we have always done it. Perhaps our task is to make room: to encourage them, trust them, walk alongside them and to allow ourselves to be surprised!

Faith grows when it is given room to be practised.

And who knows? As we encourage our young people to find their voice in worship, God may use their voices to speak something new to all of us.

The Church is at its best when every generation has a place at the table, a voice in the conversation, and an opportunity to serve Christ.
To God be the glory always!.

Blessings. Rev Carmel