Several things spoke to me while I read:

1. I am a Youth Pastor at Winchester First UMC in Winchester, Ky. Bishop Davis’ comment about our failure to really get in touch with the younger generation is so true. I am busy with three demographics of teens – the churched, the unchurched, and the unwanted (the skaters, goths, gang members, etc.)

I believe that God raises those of us up who have come through these types of lifestyles to reach these kids. Our congregations have trouble relating, not surprisingly. However, our denomination poses a larger problem many times. In an age of liability and lawsuits, it is hard for us to break down and allow programs to develop that actually present the Gospel to these kids in a real way that does relate. My prayer is that we shatter their expectations, because to be honest, they’re pretty low.

2. One question I have regarding Bishop Davis’ comment on appointments. What does he mean by saying that he looks at whether or not they have produced fruit in their ministry? Our theological perspective is a broad term to use in this case. I would hope that our theology would be relatively the same, and that our styles of ministry may differ somewhat, other than vice versa.

Peace.

Derek Hickman
http://www.derekhickman.blogspot.com