In the previous postings, there was a clear emphasis on defining WE. The logical jump, therefore, is to understand youth as the recipients of youth ministry as a THEY or THEM.

The marketers of the US Army understood that this was wrong when they made a generational appeal to the individual, the “one.” And, here’s a jump in theological logic . . . so did Jesus. Of course, Jesus spoke to crowds and to his apostles (a group), but he also reminded his Mother that it might not be his time (yeah, like that was gonna work!); invited some to “Follow Me;” told Zaccheus to come down from the tree and get dinner ready: offered the woman at the well not only insights into her life but living waters; sought out the individual who had touched his garments seeking healing; called Lazarus from the grave; offered “Peace be with you” to the unnerved soul anxious in his presence. . .

It has been said over and over that ministry is not to be about the numbers. In the future, WE will always remember that it is about the number, the One whose model we follow and the one who WE, as members of the whole church, with whom we find ourselves in relationship.