Youth Councils Are Here!

by Colonel Richard Munn

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam.”—Psalms 46:1-3.

We can safely say that in the annual rhythm of a corps calendar, the presence of Youth Councils is a true highlight, a bright burst of energy in our midst.

From earnest teens to veteran corps officers to cabinet guests we all look forward to youth councils. And many are soon here, maybe symbolizing the end of a long winter and the beginning of renewed life. There are few more spirited moments than the arrival of a packed corps van and the opening Friday night gathering of youth councils. Summer camp staff are reunited, teens check each other out and the musicians and tech crew go into a frenzied high-volume strobe light tear.

Fun!

At a deeper level, we can see that youth councils have been repeatedly used by God over many years and in many international settings to strengthen His kingdom and bring young people into closer relationships with Christ. Youth councils are a highly effective missional strategy that God consistently uses as a means of grace for The Salvation Army. Teens from Australia to Angola and India to Indonesia love Youth Councils.

This year from mid-April until early-June all 11 divisions in the USA East will host youth councils unified by the theme ‘In The Making,’ based on the life of King David. ‘We love youth councils,’ say our territorial youth leaders, Majors Jay and Leslie Knaggs, ‘God always shows up and lives are changed.’ And they should know, having both led and served as special guests for dozens of youth councils.

So, pray, plan, save, work, and raise the necessary funds to make sure you or your favorite young adult get to youth councils 2023.

Youth council season is here!