Macon Magazine

August/September 2025 | maconmagazine.com 105 youth are tuning in. Not only are students astounding us with Otis Redding Center performances and coding breakthroughs at Mercer Creative Computer Camps, but they are also passionate about spiritual practices. I had the distinct honor of a conversation with young leaders about the ways they learn, care, and invest energy. Maeisha Clark, youth leader at Bibb Mt. Zion Baptist Church, gathered teens and their ministers to share unique perspectives on faith and community. I reminded students that their perspectives are welcome gi s. These youth are not the future of the church; they are the church now. Their amplitude of excitement about what they love made us all lean in: "God has a purpose for everybody on this Earth, on purpose." "I know I matter to my faith community because of how much support that they give to us and how they'll check on us." "I am a natural born leader." I believe them. These students know they matter. They feel called to impact their communities and move boldly from deeply held beliefs. "We got to live like how Jesus lived. We have to strive to be like Jesus. We got to do what he would do in really every situation. So, I try to do that with everything that I do," said 11th grader Taelyn Nelson, a junior deacon at his church. He reminded us, "God created us how he wanted to create us, and it is not our place to judge. So we can't judge based on appearance or beliefs or sexualities." Research says to empower them. Communities are better off implementing "positive youth development," an evidence- based public health approach engaging youth as collaborative partners in their lives. This helps us avoid "adultism," the assumption that wisdom lies only with elders. Welcoming wisdom is important to the Quaker community. Kellie Divis, founder of homeschool support program Divis Educational Services, is informed by Quaker values. "Ideas such as continuing revelation, experiential learning, equality, mindfulness, stewardship, integrity, and the importance of community all contribute." Bibb Mt. Zion youth shared how, along with reading, studying, and dancing, they What moments resonated with youth that you know lately? Send pictures featuring your family for our FACES section. are making space for creative interests. "Knitting, welding, carpentry. I've done it all. I am able to adapt," said 12th grader Jordyn Amest. An adaptable outlook is just one gi our youth can offer. They can toggle easily between demands and cultural fluency. They can o en articulate boundaries better than adults and feel connected in transformative ways. Students also feel limited in what they can do. Anxiety, pressure from expectations, and peer perception weighs on them. Seventh grader Ariel Abrams named a heavy fear of failure. Nathan Amest shared a brave truth – one hurdle is "my perception of myself. I think that's one thing that limits me from doing everything I want to do." This kind of vulnerability might make some adults look away or lock into some predetermined agenda. But I saw something amazing happen. I watched an adult leader attune to the frequency in real time. A student shared his struggles with anxiousness and self-perception. Minister Keilah Womble interrupted and shaped a holy moment. Womble turned to the boy and asked us to pause. She made space for his experience. "What do you need from us, and how can we help you navigate through that?" Shi ing this moment made all the difference. The students shared how connection could offer support. Texts, calls, showing up at sports events were named. The heavy feeling seemed li ed, tears and smiles exchanged. The turn toward his humanity is a shi that makes space for growth. "As leaders, when we see ourselves as part of their circle versus as their directors, we can follow their leads," said Laura Sugg, disability coordinator at Centenary United Methodist Church. Sugg leads Grounded Kids Yoga and recently led the yoga for Macon Interfaith Camp. "Children and teens always have fresh and creative ideas. They will organically contribute to the growth of our faith communities when we listen with intention." Leadership that breaks the mold can enliven a faith community. "Some people have this look of what a person in ministry looks like. Of course, we all have room for improvement, but you can't change someone. God called us how we are, for, by, and who we are," said Clark. Collaboration and care means changing plans to make room for "creating meaning in our own lives and for contributing to our families and larger communities in an informed, loving, and giving way," said Divis. Peace Hodge, a 10th grade student with Divis Educational Services, said, "As teens we develop some doubts as our lives rapidly shi and we go through so many changes—mental, emotional, and physical. Because of this we sometimes feel the need to explore and find what seems to fit. If adults would guide us through that curiosity and ensure that we know that God loves us unconditionally, that doubt could decrease." Flexibility makes an impact. "If they tell us they need a quiet space, we can create that for them. If they need movement, we can create that, as well. Then, when they feel heard and seen, they become confident and willing participants in their faith communities," said Sugg. Young people participate confidently when they feel loved and known, like when Minister Womble paused to listen. "I wanted him to know that we care, we hear you, and let us know what did you need? Because what he needs may be different from what I need. And I've learned a lot of that." The resonant frequency that impacts our community is turning toward one another. Being vulnerable moves us to change our posture into seeking understanding. Tuning in with compassion and care may amplify the wisdom and passions of our young people. Maybe it shatters glass, or maybe we see the beauty that happens when "every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low" (Isaiah 40:4). "I reminded students that their perspectives are welcome gifts. These youth are not the future of the church; they are the church now."

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