The Rev. Jeremy Blythe is looking for young adults looking to become faith leaders.

From June 10-15, his outreach, Ministry Architects, will host Youth on the Way, a special summer camp in partnership with Malone University, on Malone's campus. 

"What makes this unique is this is actually geared toward leadership development," Blythe said. "It's about identifying those youth who have expressed interested in leadership or have exhibited it some way.

"It's talking to those students and walking with them for a week through scripture, and how it intersects with how God has wired us, and how do we think about being faithful to Jesus and who he called us to be?"

Blythe, who has served in youth ministry for 15 years, said the camp will include service projects, meeting Christian leaders in the community "and fun things, of course."

Blythe said the camp is the brainchild of Malone Professor Suzanne Nicholson, chair of the department of biblical theology and ministry.

"The onus is, how do we take these potential leaders of the future, and how do we jump-start that?" he said. "If pastors are looking to develop student leadership team or dynamic, this is a really place to (do) that."

Big miss

Youth on the Way also is designed to keep teens and young adults engaged in the local church. Young people who have no religious affiliation are one of the fastest-growing categories in the U.S.

"The statistics are scary," Blythe said. "Seven out of 10 kids who grow up in church disappear. Some come back when they start having kids, but not huge amount. When they go to college, they're used to having a pastor who cares about them, but in college it's just totally different."

Blythe said the strength of youth ministry is in its ability to connect with and identify those young people who are gifted and passionate about their faith.

"The downside is they can become their own mini-churches,'" he said. "The big miss is, there can be a disconnect with the rest of the church, and they really aren't being treated as a full members of the church."

Youth ministries, Blythe added, must work to balance keeping kids interested while offering substance.

"A lot of time, youth ministry tries to make things fun, which is a good way to reach people," he said. "The downside is it can get watered down, and those who are little more mature miss out of deeper things of faith.

"This camp gives them specific opportunities and experiences aimed at their growth, while giving them space to ask, 'Who am I? Why am I here? What am I supposed to do?'" he said. "They can be with others who are in the in same place."

The Youth on the Way camp also will offer mentoring for each student for up to year.

"It's an ongoing process," Blythe said.

The cost of the camp is $250 prior to Dec. 31. It covers everything except transportation. Campers will stay in campus dormitories. The cost goes to $350 after Jan. 1. Youth pastors also are welcome to attend. 

To register, visit the Youth On The Way website www.malone.edu/youthontheway or for more information call 901-619-7616.

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: @cgoshayREP