Young Adult Conference is a weekend of rootedness, opportunity, and hope

By Luke Haldeman

Anabaptism began 500 years ago when a group of young adults gathered and prayed for ways to follow Jesus in their rapidly changing world–and it continues today as 38 young adults from 9 states and the District of Columbia converged over Memorial Day weekend for the Church of the Brethren’s annual Young Adult Conference. The event was hosted at Brethren Woods Camp and Retreat Center near Harrisonburg, Va.

From Friday evening to Sunday morning, through sermons, small groups, service, and social activities, we unfolded the wisdom of Jeremiah 17:7-8. We explored how strong and well-nourished roots can fortify us in times of drought and heat, nurturing our growth and renewing the hope God gifts us.

Attendees cherished the space to share their struggles, hopes, and talents with Christians of similar age and values, and also to simply have fun together.

I am especially moved by the comments of an attendee from the Mennonite tradition. As some church circles become more secular, he was struck and encouraged by how “Christian” the conference was, leaning into faith and scripture and God, and not shying away with excuses or apologies. He noted that his own denomination doesn’t have an equivalent young adult conference and sees an opportunity for ours to become a space of welcome and nourishment for Anabaptist-leaning young adults of many traditions.

With these reflections in mind, I look forward to what next year, and the next 500 years, may bring.

— Luke Haldeman is a member of the Church of the Brethren’s Young Adult Steering Committee.

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