Why Young Adult Ministry? Part 3 - God Called Us

Being young adults and feeling the frustrations of this generation first hand, we decided it may just be time to do something about it. Much prayer and consideration went into the idea of starting Off The Coast Ministries. It actually had a different look to it in the beginning, but changed the more Jeremy and I began discussing the need for a different venue to reach out to our peers. Nothing in a church or even connected to one church. Something out of the box, pushing the limits to what has been done before. Something that actually meets young adults where they are. Research showed us there are very few people doing what we wanted to do. So we took a road trip to visit Rocketown and The District to see how they branched outside of the church to reach a different demographic. We also contacted Club 3 Degrees, who responded by email describing how they got started and what has worked for them. Another organization we contacted was local. Wayfarer Ministries, a parachurch organization, that started a Bible study called Engage many years ago targeting young adults and who currently pack out a bar downtown 6 Mondays a semester. With all this information gathered about different organizations doing ministry outside of the church walls, doing it successfully, and most of them targeting young adults, we felt a clear direction from God to move forward!

The economic situation has slowed our ultimate vision on hold of creating an amazing "community center" where young adults can hang out at that isn't a bar. But, it has not stopped us from accomplishing our goal of making a difference in Greenville through young adults by promoting spiritual, community, and individual growth among the 18-35 year olds. There have been trials and hardships moving forward and following God's plan for our lives. Accepting Christ's sacrifice for our sins, which restores our relationship with God, and deciding to follow God's plan for your life is not a decision to take lightly. But it's a decision I made and would not change! Yeah there's times where life is on a roller coaster. It would be nice to actually have some income flowing in. But you know, knowing we're doing what He wants us to do and being able to do the awesome, crazy things God has allowed us to do is amazing and so makes up for the hardships that come our way!

Just within the few months of consistently providing social and volunteer activities, and now late evening Bible studies, it has been amazing to see the lives we've been able to impact. Young adults looking for a place to fit in have begun finding a place to connect with other people. People who have wanted to get involved in the community have been exposed to various places they make a difference. Even business people look at us and are amazed at what God is doing. Only through His strength and wisdom have we been able to get where we are and will be able to continue moving forward. We're not sure what God has planned in the future; we're just hanging on and moving forward with Him.

As for the church thing, don't get me wrong. I'm not against churches. In fact, there are a few great churches in Greenville doing things to minister to the 18-35 year olds. This coming Monday we're hosting a luncheon to bring these various churches and organizations together to see how we can better work together reaching this lost generation for Christ. It's exciting to see these churches realize the need for post-high school ministry and actually do something about it! Thank God they have realized this gap and are actively trying to bridge it.

So, that's why we have begun doing young adult ministry. We'd be happy to share more about this crazy journey over lunch or a cup of coffee if you're in Greenville. If you can't make it here, send us an email. All that info can be found on the website, www.offthecoast.org. 

One last thing to leave you with, if God has called you to do something and you know for sure what you are currently doing is not it, take that leap of faith. Pray about it, seek wise council, but ultimately, jump in! You have no idea who you may be able to impact by following His plan. What have you got to lose if God is on your side? No one or thing can be against you! It's in the Bible, check it.