Vision Statement
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5
The Apostle Paul wrote two letters to his young disciple and son in the faith, Timothy. His encouraging, yet challenging words to Timothy speak to the truth that the young man had a place in the story of God and the building of Christ's body, the Church. It was critical that Timothy not neglect the gift that had been entrusted to him (1 Timothy 4:14); that he fulfilled his ministry. Two thousand years later, these words ring true for this generation of young adults.
For the most part, we are all concerned about the decline of young adults in the life of the Church. Much can be (and has been) said about the direction and actions of older generations; the need for the Christian community to engage culture and become a relevant voice in society. But the full weight of decreased involvement of this generation in the local body of believers cannot be placed on our parents and grandparents. Indeed, there is and has always been a specific call on the lives of twenty-thirty somethings. Maybe we never knew it. Maybe we have been demotivated. Maybe we got distracted. Regardless of the why, it is still our responsibility to "set an example for all believers". It is time for young adults to RECLAIM their place and become the Church that the world needs for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Reclaim Gatherings exists to communicate, embody and champion the message that there is a place for young adults in today's Church. We began this journey at the Reclaim 2010 Gathering at First UMC Winter Park with over 100 young adults from across the state of Florida. We will continue this journey during the fall season with regional gatherings in the Northwest and Atlantic Central districts with more regional gatherings planned for the winter and early spring season in 2011. We then hope to gather for what we are calling the Reclaim Main Gathering at First UMC of Coral Gables April 8-10, 2011.
Our goal is ministry for, to and with young adults...twenty-thirty somethings, single and married...full time ministers, young professionals, missionaries, post-graduates and more. We desire to cultivate a community of leaders and laborers who share a collaborative vision of who the Church can be in our day. Reclaim gatherings are open to young adults from all walks of life, perspectives and denominations. We invite you to join the conversation as we embrace our individual and collective callings...to the glory of God.