Recently eight leaders and 25 youth gathered at Rosewood Christian Reformed Church in Bellflower, Calif., for the Timothy Project. “The Timothy Project has had a big impact on keeping youth involved in the life of the church as leaders and not just as spectators,” explained organizer Carl Kromminga, Jr., pastor of New City CRC in Long Beach, Calif. The retreat was attended by youth from Bellflower, Long Beach, and Artesia.
Since 1999, Classis Greater Los Angeles (a regional group of churches) has been inspiring young people to get and stay involved in the ministry of the local church through weekend retreats that include workshops, worship, and encouragement. For youth not already involved in ministry, a spiritual gifts survey helps them uncover their talents.
Kromminga cited several examples of that impact: the current youth leaders of both New City CRC and Long Beach CRC attended the Timothy Project when they were in high school; another previous attendee is working with people who are homeless and a CRC church plant in Sacramento.
This year’s weekend speaker, AJ McCloud, attended the Timothy Project when he was a student. He now serves as an elder at Los Angeles Community CRC and is in the evangelist training program of the classis, preparing to enter full-time ministry.
“My hope was that those in attendance this year would recognize that our Lord is forever at work in our lives, and that seeking his glory gives us vision and purpose,” McCloud said. “Youth and young adults all desire to find their purpose and find where they belong. I truly believe the Lord will provide the ‘what’ he wants us to do when we seek his face through faith and obedience.”
About the Author
Tracey Yan is the Banner's regional news correspondent for classes British Columbia North-west and British Columbia South-east.
