Growing young adult ministry

VICTORIA – Young people are looking for spiritual life and they’re looking for spiritual life made for them. At St. Barnabas, they’ve had the gift of young adults, seeking a rich tradition of worship and faith, pouring through the door. Nearly every week, there’s a new young adult wandering into the hall with a story about seeking a richer faith. Just as often, they see that young adult coming to their next event and joining a growing community.

The St. Barnabas young adults’ group, newly minted “Sanctum,” is led by young adults for young adults seeking a rich tradition of faith. The Anglo-Catholic tradition offers young people a tie to a deeply sacramental expression of Anglicanism. It offers something real and tangible in a world consumed by image and performance. As young people seek identity amidst the fractures, the sacramental life offers a connection and belonging that nothing else can. The group believes that fostering scriptural and theological integrity connects people.

Every week, they gather a little differently. The mainstay is the theology study group, in which they discuss scripture, theology and faith practice. The key point for outreach is the biweekly social group. Oftentimes, the group meets in local pubs or around kitchen tables. Other weeks, they’re having campfires, dinner parties and hiking excursions. Regardless of what they do, there’s a focus on ministry and creating a place where people feel they belong.

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