by Roger Alcaraz

It’s sobering to think about Lighthouse without her youth members. Sobering because a year and a half ago, I couldn’t recall many interactions with them, but now it’s hard to walk throughout church without seeing each of their faces and reflecting on how they’re growing. The youth ministry is very active but is often tucked away in its own Bible studies, Sunday schools, and activities. This summer was a time of transition with our beloved youth pastor JR Cuevas moving with the church plant, but as he has said, “All who know me well can attest that I am the furthest thing from an indispensable minister. I have always been aware that the growth of the youth depended not on my strengths and talents but rather on God’s sovereignty and love for them – and He is more than capable of raising up another leader to accomplish whatever purpose He has for them.” So by the strength and grace of God, we’ve continued studying His Word with our studies of Jesus’ “I am” statements in the home of one of our staff leaders. We also developed a proper view of salvation and angels through our continued systematic theology series.

But these only describe various programs we have in Lumos, and as Pastor Patrick shared, people come before programs and so it is with Lumos. Perhaps you’ve seen their bright and young faces around church and have wanted to get to know them but have asked, “What do I, a collegian or single adult have in common to such an energetic youngling?” You’re asking the wrong question. It’s easy to worry that you’ll have nothing to talk about with this new generation and veer toward people you’re more familiar with. However, I can attest that these youth members treasure the friendships they have with older men and women. Also, what better way is there to apply the Titus 2 principle then with the youth at Lighthouse? I was once intimidated by the youth but after getting to know the Lumos bunch, I realized the tremendous opportunity to welcome them and represent Christ to them.

The dynamics of Lumos have changed. No longer are we a group entirely made up Lighthouse members’ children or even believing parents. Some have started attending because their Lighthouse friends invited them and they are discovering the message of the gospel. Some have been in Lighthouse their whole lives and are committed and baptized Christians. Still, some lie in between, having recently become Christians and want to take the gospel to their families. Each youth member is unique, and at times they’re all that the youth staff talks about when speaking together. It’s invigorating to be part of a ministry that takes so much joy in the people we serve and witness to. Since we take so much joy in our youthies, we want let you join the fun despite your business schedule. That is why we’ll be starting a Beacon series dedicated to better knowing them. We want you to see their goofy and fun side but we also want you to see how each one is growing and being challenged by the gospel.