Ministry groups offer ways for young adults to cope

By: Julie Pearson
Posted In: News

Abstinence. Drug use. Sex. Drinking. These are all issues that teens today are faced with. Church youth groups around the world are combating these negative forces with meetings and activities. Many area churches on Aquidneck Island are doing the same for the youth of Rhode Island.

At Calvary United Methodist Church in Middletown, Rhode Island, a youth group meets every Sunday night from 6-7:30 p.m. The group, which is open to youth in grades 7-12, and to members of other churches, currently has about eight to ten members. Betty Serls, the youth group leader, encourages youth of all denominations to attend the meetings, hoping to bring stability and encouragement to all children. Members of the group are encouraged to bring friends to meetings and events.

The youth group combines scripture readings and fun activities during meetings, along with service projects for the church and community. Thanksgiving food drives, sunrise Easter services on Easton’s Beach, summer mission trips and serving food at local soup kitchens are just some of the services the youth have provided to the community.

Serls believes that youth groups are important, especially in today’s society, as children and young adults are being pulled in many directions. With a fast moving society and much more risky material being shown on television, Serls believes youth need to be reminded of what is expected of them as Christians.

With a strong support group and a sense of community, the leader hopes that youth will be able to live a good, Christian life. Her main goal is to instill the, “core Christian values of love your neighbors, and to love your enemies,” said Serls. “We’re all one.”

The leader does, however, recognize that it is sometimes difficult for youth to talk to adults about some subjects. “Drug use and sex outside of marriage are hard [issues] to talk about to Ashley’s mom,” said Serls, referring to her daughter. She believes that younger adults might allow the members to speak more openly about issues they would otherwise not discuss with her. “People have said to me, ‘I can’t work with youth,’ and I always tell them to help them find the answers,” said Serls.

Tim McDowell, youth leader of the Middletown Baptist Church, holds many of the same views as Serls and believes many of today’s youth are being pulled in different directions, all of which are pulling youths away from the religious responsibilities of Christians.

McDowell’s youth group meets in the winter every Saturday from 6-7:30 p.m. and during the summer on Wednesday and Sunday nights from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The group usually opens with a fun activity, such as throwing a Frisbee around. They then focus on a scripture reading and, at times, issues that are affecting the youth. Events such as September 11, and gay marriage, were special issues that the group focused on, McDowell said.

The Baptist youth group focuses on issues that are affected today’s youth and what they can do to combat these issues through the Bible. McDowell preaches abstinence until marriage, urges the youth to read the Bible and to stay away from bad crowds. Recently the group helped two members confronted with the issue of dating non-Christians. Their partners were encouraging the members to drink and act in un-Godly ways. The members decided, with the support of the group, to discontinue their relationships.

Non-Christian friends of the youth, and those who don’t practice actively practice their religion, are encouraged to attend youth meetings. The main goal of the group is to help the youth to “lead a Godly life,” said McDowell.

McDowell, who views his position as a youth group leader as a blessing from God, took over the position of director in January, after much debate and prayer. McDowell believes that a person must have heart to work with youth. Without a steadfast love for youth, a person would never be able to fully give themselves to servicing children.

Salve Regina has its own type of youth ministry on campus. Campus ministry is located in the administrative wing of Miley Hall and offers many services to students. Jose Del Val is new to Salve and is the only member of the ministry team that is not a priest or nun. He is originally from Argentina and studied there before coming to the United States. Del Val holds two master’s degrees in philosophy and theology. At Salve, he helps to make the Salve experience fun and interesting for students. He enjoys his job mainly because he can interact with the students.

Del Val believes there are four basic needs in life: the love of belonging, power, freedom and fun. He concentrates on the fun aspect with Salve students. When his group of about ten students comes together, they are looking for a fun and relaxed atmosphere that they feel comfortable in.

Del Val’s goal is for a student to experience, “personal growth that come through personal relationships and relationships with others.” He also counsels students and helps to guide them spiritually and as individuals on a whole. His task is trying to help students to know themselves better and to realize their full potential.