We say it all the time, and I’ll say it again: attending student extracurricular events is one of the best parts of our job in the youth ministries program. Our students are talented in many different areas, like sporting events, fine arts, agriculture, and more. One of the added benefits for me, as a parent of a 2-year-old, is that I get to take him with me to some of these events. Not only are these events built-in entertainment that doesn’t involve screentime, but I also get to witness the ministry of presence at work in his life.
For some background, one of the foundations of the work we do in youth ministry is simply showing up for our students and empowering them to show up for each other. When things are good, we show up for the celebrations and joys with them. When things are hard, we show up and sit in that hard moment with them. We let students know that when they come to Sunday School, the Refuge, or any of our events, they belong simply because they show up. This all falls under the theological concept of a ministry of presence – the idea that a large part of ministry is to just show up for your people. It’s part of why I love this work so much. I love getting the opportunity to simply show up and be a part of what is happening in our students’ lives.
A really cool thing happened, though, when my son Henry and I went to a McLean Volleyball game. Henry got to tag along to this game because my husband was working, and no grandparents were available to hang out with him. We walked in while a group of our middle school girls was waiting for their game to begin, and Henry was greeted with a chorus of “OH MY GOSH HI HENRY!” He was delighted that so many were saying hello and knew his name. He was so excited to be greeted so warmly for just showing up. His smile was as wide as our students’ were because it feels good to know that people show up for you, to know that people know you and see you. It warmed my heart to see our students show up for him in this way.
Whether we show up for student events, students show up for each other, or students show up in big ways for the toddlers of youth staff, a ministry of presence is at the heart of everything we do. If you’re curious about how the ministry of presence can change your life, we’d love for you to come and find out. All that’s required is showing up.
Rebekah Davis
Youth Ministries Program Staff
