When it comes to congregational ministry, beginning a new program means spending time discerning the movement of the Holy Spirit. In discerning a faithful response to that movement, it is quite human to allow the questions of who, what, when, and where to take on more importance than that of why.

Madison Presbyterian Church, situated in an antebellum town in northeast Georgia, wrestled with these questions for over a year. The people believed that God was calling them to minister to the growing young adult population in their community, but they did not know how. As with other congregations, they spent lots of time on who, what, where, and when rather than on why. Why begin a young adult ministry? Because the good news of the gospel has something to say to young adults trying to find their way back to church.

After much wrestling, a small group of young adults spoke up: “Let’s just start a Sunday school class this week. Let’s invite people and see who shows up. Let’s ask them about the aspects of Christian faith that they want to explore.” Eleven young adults showed up the first week. More followed. Those young adults decided to join each other on their journeys of faith. Now they are studying, hanging out, and serving together. They do not know what the future holds, but they trust that the great Author of faith has an incredible story to write. In the midst of uncertainty in the church and world, that is certainly good news!

Northeast Georgia Presbytery is home to 55 congregations.

Let us join in prayer for

Presbytery Staff

Elder Edith C. Covert, acting general presbyter/treasurer

Reverend Joseph W. Berry, stated clerk

Katherine N. Gunter, office manager/bookkeeper

Linda C. Turner, administrative assistant

Anita C. Green, resource center/youth ministry assistant

Rev. Andrew Cooke, campus ministry, University of Georgia

Rev. Jeffry L. Reynolds, chaplain, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Zenia Baker, FDN

Ilana Barach, PMA

Let us pray

Dearest Father, stepping out in faith to do your will is daunting at times. May the Holy Spirit forge a path to the ones in our communities searching for a church that cares, loves, and serves. Amen.

Daily Lectionary

Pss. 5; 145  Pss. 82; 29

Gen. 2:4–9 (10–15) 16–25

Heb. 1:1–14; John 1:1–18

For more stories like this, order your “2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study” today. Order through the Church Store or call 800-524-2612.