(reprinted from HRC's Visitor)Following is a brief telephone interview we sub- jected Randy to in between his new duties at HRC:
Q: What future do you envision for the Youth Ministry here at Hopewell?
Most importantly, I hope to see a program that enthusiastically welcomes all kids. I want teens to feel great about coming to youth group, for spiri- tual and social reasons. I hope our program feeds and nurtures teens spiritually, gives them opportunity for Christian growth through service locally and beyond, and is a magnet for themselves and their friends to come and enjoy. Within that con- text I hope teens from our congregation and from the community meet and grow in Christ.
Q: When did you first know you had a calling to work with young people? How did you first act on it?
In a sense, I think I acted on it before I was called. I was dating Lisa, whom I eventually married. She had started a youth group at the Clinton Alliance Church, and asked me to help out. I was pretty clueless, but I said yes. That was 1982 (yikes!).
As Lisa and I continued this youth group for nine years, I experienced an increased awareness of a calling to work with youth. That often manifested itself in confirmation from other believers that our work with teens was going well. Also, Lisa and I really enjoyed being with kids and doing this min- istry. So, one way to discover a calling is to try something and see how it goes for you and how others view your work in that realm.
Q: You've been active with the youth o f Dutchess County for twenty years. What has been your most memorable or rewarding experience during that time?
A few things come immediately to mind. Lisa and I love to think about and hear from kids we've known throughout these years. Similarly, some of these teens are now twenty or thirty some- things', and are involved in ministries of their own. Certainly, the most rewarding piece of ministry is to see teens grow strong and maintain their faith, and minister to others.
Finally, I remember the times I had the opportu- nity to stand side by side with teens who prayed to God for the first time in their lives. I have a great sense of standing on holy ground at those moments.
Q: What do you feel is the most challenging issue that young people have to fate in our rapidly changing world?
1 believe living in a secular yet pluralistic society is a challenge for all of us, young and old. It is hard to see, accept and follow God clearly through the voices and values of our culture. While not always at odds with God's values, our society does not understand or affirm some of the major convictions we share as Christians. Culture has a tremendous influence on us. A simple example comes from a recent sermon by Pastor Holbrook. An 8 year old boy has to choose one pair of sneakers from 101 options. Our culture subtly pounds us with enticing options, all of which can dim our view of Jesus and cloud what it means for us to follow Him.
It is hard for me to see Jesus clearly through the haze of mutual funds, home projects, busy lifestyles, etc. Similarly, it is hard for teens to find fulfillment in Christ through the haze of academ- ic pressures, social pressures, PLEASURE pressures, and more.
I hope and pray that we all can find a way to see Jesus more clearly and discern how to follow Him.