A couple of months into the role here in early 2023 the Holy Spirit came upon me as I drove by swarms of high school pupils leaving Hillpark High School.
I pulled over the car in tears and I was marked by God’s heart to see the emerging generations turn to Jesus and see them turn from the things of this world.
Each day here serving our young people is an adventure. I often descend to the prayer room and seek the Lord first thing. Looking after P7s – late 20s means seeking God’s will and a lot of differentiation/creativity in planning. We take time to mix pizza and snacks fun with worship, discipleship and spiritual renewal. This means that most days involve a combination of planning between myself, our brilliant youth leaders and our older youth. Our volunteer team of youth leaders give so much of their time, gifts and heart to Jesus in serving our youth – and cover my many blind spots!
During term-time we run 2 fortnightly lifegroups: P7-S3s (Sundays) and S3-S6s (Sundays) which involve games, fellowship, Bible study, prayer and ministry. We also run our weekly Young Adult Hub which is a space for young adults to grow in fellowship, encounter Jesus through His Word and presence and to be equipped, activated and released into the mission of God in their context. Taking place between church and homes this involves slowing down to be present with Jesus and each other.
On Sunday mornings we have our youth group which meets during the service. This involves myself and a team of youth leaders setting up in the Point from 9:30am and delivering a lively session with fellowship, a game, worship, Bible teaching, group discussion and prayer. We as a team enjoy checking in with as many youth as possible to hear about school, hobbies, key life moments, mundane weeks, their faith journey and often to chinwag about the football results. It is also a joyful part of my day when I get to connect with our amazing team of youth leaders. We pray, plan and reflect together – and we get to do life together! This has facilitated a deep culture of discipleship where we encourage one another and build each other up in Jesus.
Tuesday afternoon is our staff meeting where we meet to discuss plans and reflect together. An hour or 2 most days is spent checking on rotas, WhatsApp messages, phone calls and emails. Weekly admin is devoted to Magnitude worship nights, the Magnitude summer festivals and our youth weekend away.
Throughout the week I also have the pleasure of meeting with a couple of the young lads here and pouring into them. I enjoy sharing life with them – listening, advising, reading the Word together and praying. This takes place in the church, in cafes and homes. Sometimes we head out together to share the good news of Jesus with those around us. I am also mentored by two amazing men of God (one within QP and one out with).
Partner ministries through the week provide support to fellow youth leaders by praying and connecting. I also support youth and young adult ministries which work to bless the body which includes zoom calls.
Study – for the past year I have had a day dedicated to theological study which I have loved. This has involved lots of reading, learning in a weekly evening class and online zoom tutorials. Writing has ranged from Christology to 4th century martyrdom and from church leadership to man and woman in Genesis.
My heart is for all young people to live and know the truth of Psalm 34:8 – “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” To know Christ and Christ crucified.
I also long to see young people moving in the power of the Holy Spirit in all areas of their life, including being led by His voice. Jeremiah 1:7 says- “But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”
This move of God that we see is inviting us to put Jesus on the throne of our lives with a faceless church that points to Him. Young people are driving this!
A Week in the Life of Josh Silver
