As individuals, we may be aware of parts of ourselves that are a contributing factor in how we mingle around a room, or how we are received in daily interactions. For me, when I began my journey into the candidacy process, that is, the process to become a pastor, I became aware of my age. Not all at once, rather, it was gradual. I met my seminary cohort and I realized I was the youngest person in the Master of Divinity program. While most of my classmates were in the process of leaving a career behind to head back to the classroom, I felt as if I was starting from scratch. Another time of being made aware of my age, I wore a collar out in public, and someone who was old enough to be my grandfather said, “Hello father.” My eyes widened as I took control of my reaction. Then I smiled, greeted, “Hey son” as I inwardly found humor in the dialogue.
But chip by chip, self-awareness of my age, and all that it may bring, started to weigh on me. I thought, “I’m going to be like a Catholic priest in marriage counseling”- someone with no marriage and no kids, trying to have wisdom, or at least relatability, for the married with kids. I dwelled in the reality that I will have to contextualize the gospel to generations cultivated by shared experiences that have had no role in shaping me. I pondered the reality that I have little past career experience that has strengthened and refined skills for a clergy career that is oftentimes taxing and of many hats. On top of all of that, there is the simple reality that I am at an age that can easily be dismissed or looked down on as naive, or as lacking the necessary maturity. I can go on.
But I have to remind myself that those perceived deficits are only half of the equation. While I do believe it is important for me to be aware of how my age may impact how I’m received, or how it may come with hurdling blocks, I must also be aware of the gifts it brings. Does my age come with new eyes? Does placing my generation in positions of leadership help the church bring the gospel to my generation, which is disproportionately churchless? Just as people who have come before me have molded the church, and continue to magnificently shape the church, is now my time? I like to think yes. And my value as a young adult does not simply apply to me. Rather, just as I have value for the life of the church, so do the youth at Lord of Life.
In the coming Sundays, we are celebrating youth in the church. Little ones will be taking communion for the first time. We’ll celebrate our high school seniors, as they will soon graduate and move onto the next chapter in their lives. Confirmands will affirm their baptismal vows, and become voting members in the parish. Each of these is a reminder that youth are not the church of tomorrow, rather they are the church now. From adorable little ones to young adults, the Holy Spirit is cultivating their gifts for the life of the church, and what a blessing it is for us to be witnesses. And for me, what a good reminder!
Your sibling in Christ,
Pastor Alec (he/him/his)