To Everything There is a Season

Since 1987, Teens Opposing Poverty has operated as, well, Teens Opposing Poverty. But the truth is, there are more than teens involved in our ministry. Churches and other groups are dynamic. They change. At least I hope they do. Some churches have gotten involved with TOP through their youth group, but then go through a season when they have no youth group. But even without a youth group, they remain active in TOP’s ministries.

Last year, I was blessed to be with St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Manassas, Virginia when they celebrated 20 years of TOP ministry. Before I stood up to preach, the pastor asked the congregation how many people had gone on a TOP Trip (ministry outreach) to Washington, DC. Over 2/3 of the congregation stood. Then he asked those still seated how many had helped to prepare for a TOP Trip. After they stood up, only five were left in their seats. What started with the Junior High Sunday School class had become a church-wide ministry.

We even have groups plugging in that aren’t youth groups at all. In Richmond, a senior adult Sunday school class is one of our groups. The youngest people in the class are in their 60s. In addition, we recently have seen more involvement from college students and young adults.

I guess you’ve figured out by now that I’m leading up to something. So here it is (drum roll, please).

Teens Opposing Poverty is adding a new name for those in other age groups who want to join us in being the loving hands, embracing arms and encouraging words of Christ to those who are trapped in poverty. We are not eliminating Teens Opposing Poverty. The core of our ministry is still the 50+ youth groups who step out in faith.  We are adding Together Opposing Poverty for those who aren’t teens.

Not much will change in the way we do things, except we will become more intentional about inviting people of other age groups to join us as we answer the call of God to make a difference in our world.

So whether you see Teens Opposing Poverty or Together Opposing Poverty, we’re all the same.  Let us all be a part of what God is doing through His people in the world.

God’s grace to you,

Steve Jennings