For many of us “older” young adults, measuring commitment amongst “new” young adults is difficult. After all, is it really forgivable for one to miss a meeting as long as they sent a text? I remember a time when you couldn’t reach in your pocket and instantly communicate with someone. We set a time and place and just showed up.
What a great exercise in trust and commitment! It showed how important someone’s “word” was.
Why don’t “new” young adults see commitment this way? Because they never had the practice! If your goal is to run a mile in six minutes and right now you run a mile in 10, then you can’t expect your next run to be at six minutes. Little by little, you push yourself further and further until you hit your goal.
It’s the same with our ministry. Celebrate the small victories and they will become life changes. Today’s example is small groups. Peer support is something many young adults need. However, they might not be comfortable launched into such an intimate experience with no end in sight.
Start new members with “seasonal” small groups. Once the season is done, let them decide whether to stay at this level of commitment or move up to something more permanent.
Makana Aiona is the diocesan coordinator for Young Adult Ministry.