Mentoring the next generations
Over the next few issues, I want to continue interviewing people who are investing in inspiring faith in the next generation.
In this article, I’d like to introduce you to Kiara Kosta. Kiara has been the youth director at Evangelical Fellowship Church in Steinbach, Man., for the last three years. Kiara and her husband, Dominic, are Steinbach Bible College alumni and are expecting their first child in the fall. Kiara recently completed her credentialing assignments for the EMC and is waiting for her final interview.
Kiara brings a young and fresh perspective to youth ministry. I began my interview by asking her about the challenges that get in the way of discipleship in the current generation.
Kiara: I think one of the biggest challenges is time and busy schedules. I think their brains are so full that they almost can’t think about anything else, which pushes away the need for them to see that discipleship matters. They’re being pulled in so many directions—sports, music, and drama—that it is hard as a teenager to see that growing in faith is more important than those things. The other challenge is that it is hard for students to find mentors. The mid-life people love to see young people, but it’s almost like they don’t want to make a personal connection, which is what’s needed for mentorship.
I continued by asking what brings her excitement or hope as she interacts with this generation.
Kiara: I get really excited when I see them serve. They are often so quick to say yes: yes, I’ll be on the worship team; yes, I’ll read scripture at youth; or yes, I’ll connect with you and go out for coffee with you. They seek connection.
Lastly, I asked Kiara what’s the one resource you can’t do without in ministry?
Kiara: So, I entered youth ministry with a Bible college degree but without any youth ministry courses, and felt like I entered youth ministry almost blind. I knew right away that I needed a mentor. So I found a mentor, and she has been fantastic. She’s been a God-given gift, someone that I can reach out to and bounce ideas off. I also connect regularly with other youth pastors from our region and from our city. These gatherings provide inspiration and ideas, and you just know that you’re not alone in the challenges. That’s been my best resource: people.
Did you catch the theme? Mentorship is a priority. There was a subtle and yet direct appeal for us middle-aged church folks to make ourselves available to mentor the next generation. Mentorship can be as simple as intentionally taking an interest in others and building relationships. It can also be volunteering in your local youth ministry. Mentoring is the key activity of the church in discipleship. Participation in discipleship is not optional for a Jesus follower, and neither is mentorship an optional activity for the church.
Who are you mentoring, and who is mentoring you?
Photo credit: Monica Melton on Unsplash
Audio is generated with AI voice technology.
Resource Corner
The Good and Beautiful series
This series by James Bryan Smith would be great to walk through in a mentorship or small group setting. The series answers key questions like: who is God? How do I live? How do we live together? and Who am I becoming?
