Youth Leadership

A common but misunderstood word in the church is "discernment." What does it mean? Yes, the definition is pretty clear: it’s the examination of spiritual guidance without our personal biases. In other words, it’s how we determine what God is calling us to do. But how can we know it’s what God calls us to do and not what we want to do ourselves? That’s where this step can help.

First‍

Watch this video on discernment. We will see one of the many ways to discern God’s calling, through the Examen.

Now

‍Walk through the Examen yourself. Answer these questions while free from everyday distractions.

1. Where have you felt energy and excitement in your life in the last 24 hours?
2. What has drained your energy and excitement in the last 24 hours?
3. Where do you see, feel or experience God calling you to respond to all this?‍

These questions won’t be answered right away, and years may pass before God’s call becomes clear. But the questions are a great first step toward separating our personal desires from God’s plan for us. Talk through these questions with others and seek their guidance on other ways to discern God’s call for you. They can be friends, family members, your pastor or youth minister, or another leader in your congregation.

Before you go

Listen to what Isaiah has to say in 6:8: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' And I said 'Here am I; send me!'”

A quick prayer

‍

Are you interested in learning more about youth leadership opportunities in the ELCA? If so, contact youth@elca.org.

‍

^{Photo by Tinnakern Jorruang}