Bridges Over Kansas City

Earlier this week I spoke to about 50 Young Life staff from the Gateway Region (Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska) about the crucial relationship between Young Life and the Catholic Church.  Nearly every staff person in the region reported that Catholics represent a significant portion of the kids that they minister to every day. Saint Louis, as an example, stands as the second-most Catholic city in the country, per capita (Boston being the first), a place where tons of Catholic kids are deepening their faith in Christ through Young Life. None of us can neglect the importance of engaging these Catholics with respect, sensitivity and intentionality.

At the end of my presentation, I asked the staff, “Who among you wants to be a bridge-builder? Who among you wants to create an environment within Young Life that is safe for every kid? Who wants to help Catholic kids deepen their relationship with Christ and be the best Catholics they can be? Who among you is serious about building the bridges that will ensure young Catholics continue to grow and serve in their local Catholic parishes?” I think every hand in the room was raised. Young Life staffers are ready and they’re serious about collaborating with the Catholic Church to serve kids.

Yesterday morning I spoke at another gathering of 50+. Yet this room was filled with Catholic priests, youth ministers, diocesan officials and business people, all pulled together by a dynamic Catholic deacon from the Diocese of Kansas City, KS who is passionate about kids knowing Christ. Deacon Dana Nearmyer is an ardent fan of Young Life and believes that the incarnational model of our mission represents a critical component of Catholic success in the new evangelization. The gathering was absolutely electric – Catholics passionate about Christ and kids, meeting Young Life staff who want to do everything they can to connect Catholic kids to their local parishes where they can continue to grow.

After the meeting, local Young Life staff shared their sincere passion to connect Catholic kids (who had fallen away from the Church but were being re-engaged through Young Life) with local Catholic youth ministers who are equally passionate about continuing the relational investment in those young people. It was incredible. And just today I was copied on an email from Jon Schaffhausen, the Kansas City, MO diocesan director of youth ministry, inviting all local Young Life staff together to pray, to know one another, and to begin to strive together to reach kids for Christ.

The bridges are being built before my eyes.

Bridges of relationship.

Bridges of trust.

Bridges built by a common love for kids.

Bridges uniting our shared mission in Christ.

These are the bridges that will unite the body of Christ in the mission of reaching every kid, everywhere, for eternity. What about you? Are you a bridge-builder? Pray with me today that God might use you to bridge the tragic gap that separates us, bringing us together so that Jesus Christ can be known and magnified.