Leadership for the Future Church

 Luke: 10: 1 - (F)

Jesus sent seventy people to the village for his mission and ministry.  The message for this month is formulated from my experience from the 31st National Youth Conference held in Chicago near our church at the Cabrini Catholic Conference Center. By attending the different sessions of the conference, the Holy Spirit has given me a message; that the future of the Mar Thoma church is safe and secure. Like in history, God is with us and he is molding strong and powerful leadership for the church all in the right track.

There were seventy seven youth attending the National Youth Conference, all of them from different parishes of through North America. They were all selected by God himself. The theme was “Credo: This we believe” based on the biblical verse 1 Corinthians 16:13. That is “be on you guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” There was a team of Achens’ who worked with our Thirumeni to guide the growing generation at the conference.

 The history of the American Mar Thoma church is only about fifty years old and thus far there have been many struggles faced. It also appears that there are a lot of social, political and other various issues that still need to be addressed. The problems in America are entirely different than in Kerala. The values, ethics, rules and even life situations are different from that of Kerala. Then the interpretation of the bible is different in this context.

Here in America, the church can develop new leadership to lead the church in America. A thorough study and analysis is needed to identify the situation. The leadership from India can interpret the Bible for this new leadership. It was made aware that 40% of youths are not attending any church, 40% is coming to our church and 20% is going to various other churches. Here, the mission to guide all our people in the proper way.  Many issues have been studied and discussed in the Youth National Conference. Currently the church is studying and addressing all the issues we have in a deeper level other than in a superficial style.

I have observed that all the participants took the sessions seriously and responded to the addressed issues. Various serious discussions and understanding were made.

I truly believe that God will use these people. As a whole these seventy seven will give courage and firm leadership to the American Mar Thoma church.  This is because they know the reality is what the church is; and its possibilities. So this is message to all our families and parishes, that don’t be afraid about the future of our church in America. It is completely safe in the arms of God.

We can pray for the leadership of Thirumeni, Achens’ and these upcoming youth leaders of our diocese. In the coming years we have to join with the mainstream and do a major part in the slow but steady growth of the church.  May the good Lord help us to move forward with strong faith and with strong conviction.