St. Ann Jamaica…Chantell Guthrie/JAMU Communication Department
Pastors and youth leaders from across Jamaica were sensitized to the need to pay special attention to the spiritual needs of youth in their early stage of adulthood at an Ambassador Sensitization Seminar on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the scenic Villa Sonate in Runaway Bay, St. Ann.
Themed “Engaging and Retaining our Youth: Understanding the Power of the Ambassador Ministry,” the event addressed the critical need for intentional youth ministry within the Adventist Church.
The Ambassador Ministry helps youth ages 16-21 become actively involved in their church locally and globally. During this period, they are at a crucial stage of development as they transition from adolescence to early adulthood, which involves essential changes in identity, cognitive abilities, and emotional maturity. Therefore, this period is vital for young people to solidify their spiritual beliefs as they question and explore their faith.
“Mentorship is one area that can help these young people to establish a lasting relationship with their spiritual beliefs,” said Pastor Dane Fletcher, Youth Ministries Director of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (JAMU). “Investing in young people during this stage equips them with the tools to navigate the complexities of adult life with wisdom, faith, and purpose.”
Two dynamic presenters graced the session: Pastor Pako Mokgwane, Associate Youth Ministries Director at the General Conference, and Pastor Al Powell, Youth Ministries Director for the Inter-American Division. Their presentations delivered timely insights into the evolving challenges and opportunities in youth ministry, emphasizing the crucial role of the Ambassador program in empowering the next generation of church leaders.
Pastor Mokgwane encouraged and challenged the Pastors to use current approaches without changing dogma and principles. “Come down to their level: Incarnate! Be authentic because the youth can tell the difference between Adidas and Adibas from a distance, and the methodologies of your youth era will not work.” He also highlighted the importance of mentorship, community involvement, and relevant spiritual programming to retain young people.
Pastor Powell’s presentation expounded on the Ambassador program’s practical applications, encouraging leaders to make the ministry a vibrant part of the church’s youth initiatives.
Approximately 70 Pastors attended despite their varied backgrounds. A common goal united them: to equip and inspire church leaders to engage young people effectively.
The program concluded with leaders expressing a renewed commitment to empowering youth through the Ambassador Ministry and utilizing the resources and strategies shared during the event.
