One of the main purposes that we have at The Texas Wesley is young leadership development. Students that get involved in the Wesley come with varied experience in being leaders. Some have been strong leaders in the Chruches in youth groups. Others have shown leadership in groups and organizations that are not necessarily affiliated with Christianity. Then there are those who have not necessarily seen themselves as a leaders. We take ‘me however they come:)
We quickly invite students from all of these categories to get involved in some area of being able to lead and serve. It is very exciting to see students step into various leadership roles within the Wesley. Soon, the Holy Spirit is using these students to encourage, challenge, and empower others in the Christian walk and life in general. Students plan the activities of the Wesley, lead our small groups, and catch a vision to share the good news and love of Jesus Christ with others in the UT community and the world. Once students get a taste of helping others in the name of Christ and seeing fruit in others’ live, it becomes addictive. Students then want to give and serve more people in deeper ways.
Finally, we see The Wesley as a missionary preparation and sending place. Many students graduate and go on to missions and ministry throughout the world. Others go on to their jobs in various careers and are involved in lay ministry in churches and ministries where they utilize what Christ had developed in them during their time at the Wesley.
My encouragement to them and to young people in regards to ministry and the church comes from Paul’s encouragement to his young mentee in ministry, Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. “ I Timothy 4
God has a desire to use each person in love and ministry in this world. When we come into Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit moves in and through us to develop in us the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit in order that we would be a blessing to many. It is very exciting to see young people experiencing this call and affirmation on their lives at an early age. Let all of us continue to pray for and encourage young people that Christ has called them to be witnesses to his love in this world.