A Season of Growth: Reflections from Youth Ministry

Dear First Christian Church Family,

After five blessed years serving as your Youth Director, I wanted to share with you all that I will be stepping down from this role, with my final day being June 1st, 2025.

This decision comes after much prayer and reflection. While I feel we have made wonderful progress in connecting our children and youth with the broader congregation, I recognize that I have reached the limits of my abilities to continue leading this ministry forward. It is time to step aside and make way for fresh leadership that can build upon the foundation we've created together.

Celebrating Our Young Disciples

What joy it has been to witness the spiritual growth of our young people! Over these past five years, I've had the privilege of observing their unique gifts and journeys with Christ:

I've watched seniors graduate and lead worship services with a light and passion that clearly reflects a calling to ministry. The way some of our youth preach and share God's word shows wisdom beyond their years.

I've been impressed with thoughtful ideas from our youth, including suggestions to have children lead the children's moment during service—ideas worth exploring! Many of our young people have stepped into roles as deacons, showing dedication to service while balancing other activities like sports and family responsibilities.

Some of our youth shine with bright personalities, easy smiles, and that wonderful glimmer of mischief that brings joy to our community. I've watched them grow in their athletic pursuits—gymnastics, soccer, martial arts—while maintaining their passion for reading the Bible and sharing their reverence for God's word.

Others serve as quiet observers and helpers, always ready to lend a hand when needed. I hope to see them join and eventually lead groups like the Christian Men's Fellowship when their time comes. Our church has been blessed with talented musicians and band members whom I've enjoyed supporting at competitions and performances.

The giving spirits and servant leadership styles of many of our youth shine through in their volunteer work and various projects. Their dedication to sports, school activities, and church initiatives demonstrates their ability to balance commitments while growing in faith.

I've been particularly moved by the curiosity some of our youth show in exploring God's word and how it applies to both everyday challenges and life's bigger questions. Their "nerdy" approach to scripture study often reveals insights that the rest of us might miss.

In others, I've recognized that special spark—the gift of being touched by the Spirit—that suggests a future calling in faith leadership. It has been a blessing to nurture these gifts and watch them grow.

Our worship services have been enriched by youth playing instruments, singing, and offering thoughtful, heartfelt prayers. The honest, pure way some of our youngest members speak to God, wherever they are, reminds us all of Jesus's teaching about childlike faith.

It has been an absolute pleasure to watch our youth develop as leaders through various activities—from marching band to JROTC to color guard—always with Christ at the center of their growth. Their attention to detail and fresh perspectives during Bible studies have enriched our discussions and deepened our collective understanding.

The Path Forward

I strongly believe that fully integrating our children, youth, and young adults into the mission and service of our church is essential to our future. Their talents, creativity, and love for Christ deserve to be central to our congregation's vision and work.

As I prepare to step down, I do so with a grateful heart for being part of these young disciples' journeys with Christ. Watching them grow into their discipleship has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.

Thanks to all the kids and youth of FCC Cheyenne for allowing me to be a part of your faith journey.

With appreciation and faith in our future,

Susann Robbins