Ministry Update: Sacramento Youth For Christ
By Ed Kaczmarek, Executive Director of Youth For Christ Sacramento
I can't help but think that one of the most critical missions in the world is reaching lost kids with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Now, reaching kids is a dying art. Who can fathom the mind, heart, and soul of teens today? There appears to be an increasing separation between generations, exacerbated by the rapid and exponential growth of technology and its increasing accessibility to teens. Social media, AI, gaming - all technological pursuits that are not inherently evil in themselves, but these are pursuits that nonetheless steal quality time, interfering with and stunting genuine relationships with peers, adults, and the Lord himself. Why should a kid leave the privacy of their bedroom when an entire virtual world is available to them at their fingertips? Clearly, the studies show that unhealthy attitudes, beliefs, and actions increase with the increase of addictive technologies.
Enter Youth For Christ.
An international mission that has been geared to the times but anchored to the Rock (Jesus Christ) for more than 75 years, YFC reaches kids with the Good News, helping them become followers of Christ and then discipling them to become part of the local church. In the Sacramento area, over 100 YFC staff and volunteers make it their business to encounter, engage, and empathize with youth. YFC makes a tremendous difference in the lives of kids aged 11-19 by walking alongside them, building relationships, and sharing a life-giving Christian faith. We don't necessarily compete with technology and entertainment, but we offer something different, intriguing, and irresistible: authentic Christ-sharing relationships.
You see, kids still have a void in their hearts that can only be filled by human interaction - and new life in Christ. Though they may not be able to verbalize the void, they know it's there... and when they get a taste of heaven through authentic relationships, they are compelled to engage.
The Third Space
One of our strategies as we minister anywhere and everywhere between Elk Grove and Nevada City is to offer youth a safe place, a third space (not home, not school) where they can encounter caring Christian adults - perhaps for the first time. These safe spaces can take the form of church activity rooms, public facilities, family living rooms, garages, and/or teen centers. YFC-owned teen centers are a great idea due to our ability to control the safety, atmosphere, and schedule. What is the best form and location for a teen center? At YFC, we believe there are good, better, and better-yet answers to these questions.
Enter Barnabas
Recognizing a need for change to keep pace with the times, we approached the Barnabas Group for guidance in determining our next steps regarding our teen center strategy. Should we sell a 20-year-old West Sacramento warehouse-style teen center in favor of purchasing one or two, or even three, other properties that are better located to serve youth traffic? It's a complex question that involves strategy, finances, real estate, permits, and numerous other factors. The Barnabas Group possesses the experiential capital necessary to navigate these kinds of processes and decision-making.
Recently, YFC initiated discussions with a local church that is interested in purchasing our West Sacramento building. Barnabas helped us connect with vendors and a realtor to prepare our organization for potential sale. Barnabas also helped us determine our asking price and sales strategy. And Barnabas connected us to a potential property in Rancho Cordova that is better suited for our ministry style and modern needs. Conversations with Barnabas members are ongoing. I am personally grateful and eagerly anticipating what the Lord will do through YFC and through the many new relationships built at Barnabas Group. And Barnabas members love to make a positive impact in kids' lives through the exercise of their gifts.
About The Author: Ed Kaczmarek
Ed Kaczmarek, M.S., worked as (of all things) a geologist in the oil industry before making a 180-degree faith leap into what has become his lifelong passion: Christian parachurch youth ministry. Ed has logged over 30 years of experience in Christian camping, parachurch youth ministry, and Christian education, with more than 15 years serving as Executive Director of two separate Youth For Christ chapters. Ed personally experienced the powerful impact of a parachurch outreach on his own high school campus, and now endeavors to create similar opportunities for kids on today's campuses. As a longtime executive leader in ministry, Ed identifies with the "Level 5" leader (Collins), having the passion and insight to lead and improve teams and organizations for the expansion of God's kingdom.