Calvary Church Annual Report AnnualReport2018-web | Page 17

young adults
This past year in Young Adult Ministry (18-34 year olds) was a year of transition and growth. The
College Life community (18-24 year olds) spent the year in a study called Anchored: In Truth, In Hope,
In Christ – learning about how to remain firm in our faith in an increasingly secular world. Last fall,
God gave Calvary a new direction for the community of post-college young adults through the cre-
ation of Generation Rising – a community for 22-34 year olds focused on learning how to study the
Bible and live a bold life for Christ. Foundations (engaged and newlywed young adults) enjoyed a
year of digging deeper into God’s design for marriage and celebrating new marriages along with the
class’ first baby!
As we began the ministry year last fall, we had two Young Adult staff members leave and take new
roles at Calvary. God blessed us with the addition of Kirstin Herbruck as our new Young Adult
Facilitator, and then more recently Lee Bergakker in the role of College Pastor. During these tran-
sitions, we witnessed God’s faithfulness and guidance. Our amazing leaders and volunteers stepped
up taking on larger roles and new responsibilities. Other staff members helped during the transi-
tion, and through it all we saw the power of God’s people coming together to be the body of Christ.
While it was a hard season, God demonstrated how He is greater than any obstacle we face. Some
of the fruit of those trials were spiritual growth within our Young Adult communities, greater cohe-
siveness and closeness, as well as a deeper commitment to welcome new people and to care for one
another.
We topped off the year with our summer series where God guided us to look holistically at what
the Bible says about gender and sexuality. It was a time of looking at the truths in scripture and the
grace of a Savior who died in our place. The series proved to be both informative and formative.
We discovered the goodness of God’s creation and the brokenness of sin. We faced our own idols,
and learned about the beautiful truth in persevering in Christ while extending and receiving grace.
Throughout the study, God worked in our hearts to transform us into a more loving, receiving, car-
ing, and truth-centered community.
In the midst of many challenges and transitions it can feel like we are failing to move forward or are
even regressing, but with a little time and perspective we can truly see how God used all of those
things to grow, mature and shape us. Looking back over the year, it is amazing to see how far God
carried us, led us, and moved us to become more like His son Jesus Christ.
Mason Sherrill, Pastoral Staff, Young Adults
Young Adults Ministry Staff
Mason Sherrill, Pastoral Staff
Lee Bergakker, Pastoral Staff, College Ministry
Kirstin Herbruck, Facilitator
Samantha Heetderks, Ministry Assistant
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