'God is doing a new thing among young adults' 
 

There’s been a number of ‘firsts’ taking place among young adults in our Baptist movement. It seems to me God is doing a new thing in our midst - and the younger generations are leading it, writes Isabella Senior

SENT cohort first onsite gathering 

The SENT cohort is a group of about 30 young adults from different associations that went to the SENT global mission summit organised by the European Baptist Federation in Norway last summer. The commitment of the group goes beyond attending the summit to journeying together as part of a three-year learning community. We meet twice a year either online or onsite, and we had our first onsite gathering in Sheffield in March.  

The gathering included times of worship, sharing testimonies and input from guests.  

Marjorie and Nick Allan from the Well Sheffield shared with us that when we understand and accept how much we are beloved by Jesus we adopt an ‘I’ve got nothing to lose and nothing to prove’ mindset.  We are no longer operating out of insecurity and fear but confidence in God. Imposter syndrome doesn’t stand a chance against this!

Mission, disciple-making and ministry are then truly great adventures rather than searches for approval and recognition – of others or even God himself.  

Peter Dunn and Sarah, a young adult connected to Big Life, talked in the afternoon about BigLife tools. We had a chance to practise sharing our stories of meeting Jesus and facilitating a Discovery Bible study. We want to be reaching those who are not yet in our local churches. We are preparing to meet them where they are at, with simple and reproducible tools. 

As the SENT cohort reconnected, it was clear how important to each of them this support community is. It is key to have the space to be with others of a similar age who just get what we are about. There are often only one or two young adults in our local churches and spending time with other young leaders is a gift we don’t always get a chance to enjoy and benefit from.  

Individuals in the group shared their heart for church planting, the joys and challenges of ministry, and their journey of understanding their identity in Christ. They also shared that doors have opened for them to witness to Jesus in their diverse contexts, from the music industry to reading the Bible together with those in the fringes of society.  

 

Young Adults Worship Night – first of many! 

[A group of people in a room Description automatically generated] In the evening of the SENT cohort gathering, we invited young adults from across the whole of Baptists Together to join us for a time of prayer and worship. This was the first of many worship nights that will follow in other locations with several churches having offered to host already.  

From Middlesborough to Somerset, young adults gathered to pray. A passion for our cities and towns started to emerge. We heard from a young adult who had been prayer walking Sheffield all day. We thought about the image of the city of God from Psalm 46 and Revelation 21, which helped us to pray for our cities that they may experience God’s redemption.  

Among some of the things we prayed for were that: 

• students in universities and young adults in general would be formed into good professionals and light-bearers in their career fields; 
• the youth who is struggling with mental health and violence would experience peace and safety;
• and all those facing injustice and poverty would have their needs met.  

Our cities look very different to the city of God, and we believe God is inviting us to partner with Him for their transformation in a variety of ways. We worshipped and asked God together that everyone everywhere would know God’s love, and for His Kingdom to come to all spheres of society – starting with us right where we are now.  

 

Baptist Assembly young adults package – all together in the one place 

We have a wonderful opportunity coming up at Baptist Assembly, 17-19 May to be invest in community, spend time in prayer and worship and receive quality input on range of topics – see Assembly’s programme and the Young Adults and Whole-life Discipleship seminar on Friday afternoon. 

This year Assembly falls on Pentecost weekend and our theme will bePentecost: All Together in One Place based on Acts 2. What a better way to live this out than actually being in the same place seeking God together and being filled with the Holy Spirit afresh? 



Now, if you are aged 18-35, imagine what God can do in our time and generation when we are all together! We are taking this to the next level this year by offering young adults a fantastic opportunity to stay together in the stunning YHA Wilderhope Manor throughout the event. 
 
We are excited to offer a Baptist Assembly package for young adults (18-35) which will include: 

• One Baptist Assembly ticket for 17-19 May in Telford International Centre 
• Two-night stay at YHA Wilderhope Manor 
• Fantastic opportunity to meet and connect further with other young adults in the Baptist movement 
• Breakfast for Saturday and Sunday, and packed lunch for the Saturday 
• All for only £100! 

Places are limited to 40 people so don’t miss out and book now.

 

I wonder if these themes of identity, mission, community and prayer resonate with you too. From where I sit, I can see how God is raising the younger generations to revive the church and impact the world and it’s time to prepare, to train and release. If you’re reading this and your heart is for the same, then get ready and get going!  

Whether you are a young adult or not I would like to invite you to join in prayer, by walking alongside other young adults and empowering them to go to everyone, everywhere. Keep an eye out for The Send UK & Ireland too as together we will be gathering and mobilising a generation into their missional calling.  

I hope to see you at Baptist Assembly, 17-19 May to experience together the new thing God is doing in our midst! 

Isabella Senior (@baptistyoungleaders) • Instagram photos and videos  

Isabella Senior is the Young Leaders Development Coordinator for Baptists Together 

The Young Adults area of our website shares information about relevant resources, internships and stories