I don’t have to see them. I don’t have to know their names. I don’t have to know anything about them. But I know that when I get to work with them, I’m going to feel privileged to have the opportunity.

“They” are the youth and young adults of the RPCNA who are committing themselves to endeavors like RP Missions, Theological Foundations for Youth, and the International Youth Leadership Training Conference. I’ve had the blessing of getting to work alongside dozens of these young men and women, and I do not cease to be impressed by their commitment, their eagerness to learn, their willingness to work hard in pursuit of a ministry goal, and their desire to grow. They want their lives to make a difference for Christ, even if the cost is high.

What older adult, like me, wouldn’t be inspired by witnessing that? The beauty is that these are not young people from a particular congregation or area; they are Reformed Presbyterians from across the U.S., from Canada, and from other countries. They are seeking intensive training in theology, mission, and ministry. The fact that they are seeking this out shows the quality of their covenant upbringing in RP homes and churches.

The secular world spends lots of time hand-wringing about the younger generations, and they have reason to do so. But when it comes to the future of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, I am optimistic. I could almost wax prophetic, because I know that God will complete the good work He has begun and nurtured in them.

We see an example of that in Rob and Jess Edgar, who moved to Scotland right out of college to fill a ministry need there. But I want to urge us to act on the words of counsel that Rob has given us out of his experience. He says, in essence, that we need to be challenging other young adults to consider a commitment to some mission or ministry need upon graduation from college. We should not blindly assume that the best thing for them is to settle down and settle in. For some that will be God’s plan; for others it will not. We need to demonstrate and teach a continuing desire to seek God’s direction and not move by our own dead reckoning.

I also want to take seriously the example of Airdrie, Scotland RPC in seeking to disciple not only every member but also every participant in Bible studies and every visitor as well. It’s a big objective, but we serve a bigger God. I know that, as an elder, my expectations of what I can realistically do are too low.

But the overall message I want to send in this editorial is, Be encouraged, congregations of the RPCNA. Each member (including singles who also are helping to disciple our covenant youth) is clearly taking seriously his/her promise expressed each time there is a baptism in your church.

May God continue to be gracious to you and to us, and to supply all the needs of our youth and young adults according to His riches in Christ Jesus.