I love the story of Samuel because of God’s involvement in his life from the very beginning. Hannah cries out to God for a son at the altar. God hears her cries and sees her distress. Eli, the priest, confirms God’s blessing soon to come upon her, and she vows to dedicate the child to the Lord. It’s a great story. I also love how God works through Samuel at such a young age. 1 Samuel 2:18 says, “Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod” (NRSV). God ultimately raises Samuel up to be a prophet and Samuel brings the word to Israel despite the word of the Lord being rare and visions not being widespread (1 Samuel 3:1). God uses Samuel in a mighty despite his age. When ministering to young people, I oftentimes encourage them with Samuel’s story. I tell them it doesn’t matter their age, stature, or background. God can use them in a mighty way.
This is the message Bishop Easterling gave to the youth at Annual Conference during the confirmation service. As an A.M.E., this was my first time witnessing such a service. We acknowledge the youth in our branch of Zion and award them with scholarships and honors, but I’ve never witnessed a confirmation or commissioning type of service. It greatly moved me, especially the parts of the service that included presenting the youth before the Body and the laying on of hands by the bishop. I think about how I spent much of my teenage years questioning my existence and being doubtful about myself and how a service such as this would have helped me claim my identify and power in Jesus Christ. I think I would have developed much more confidence in the Spirit working through me at an earlier age if I participated in a service like the confirmation at Annual Conference. As a young seminarian, much of my time was spent working to believe the things God said about me and what God called me to do. I’m thankful for the loving guidance of people like the late Dr. Gene Rice, my Old Testament professor, and the late Dr. Cain Hope Felder, my New Testament professor, who encouraged me during my matriculation at Howard.
Bishop Easterling and youth at the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference.
Young people today need people to pour into them, affirm them, mentor them, and provide opportunities for them to walk into their God-given purposes just like Eli poured into Samuel. Oftentimes when we think of church mission, we don’t think of children and youth, but the Holy Spirit is just as active in their lives as the Spirit is active in the lives of adults. They may not be able to recognize God’s voice yet like Samuel, but God is speaking to and moving through them too. It’s up to us to make space for them to learn and walk into their God-given purposes and callings. We also must allow them to grow and develop in the Spirit at the pace God sets. Too many church folks want youth to jump from 10 years old to 60 when it comes to maturity, wisdom, and knowledge. Create space and opportunities for children and youth, plant spiritual seeds in them, water them, and allow God to bring forth the increase.
What are your thoughts? How is your church making room for children and youth to actualize their purpose in God? Are youth included in your church’s mission?