For this month’s article, the Project Noah team covered what it’s like for younger youths to start out in ministry. More specifically, how the community is like in each ministry and show the hospitality that they also provide when you join them. I hope you enjoy this month’s article and also feel more certain towards whether joining a ministry would be a good fit for you!
Miriam’s first IRL MTM!
-Miriam-
Does the idea of serving in church scare you? Does the thought of meeting new people, especially older ones, make you want to run away? If yes, then keep reading, because this was written just for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For those with no idea what happens when you first join a service area in church, and you’re afraid that the first time you meet everyone will be very awkward, don’t worry, let me tell you what’s up. Just to give you a bigger picture, during our pre-covid days, we’d typically meet up before/after service and just get to know each other through meals and activities like games. But even with covid, guess what? IT’S STILL THE SAME. But just an online version lol. And that was exactly how the CD team welcomed Miriam earlier this year!
First, everyone met up on zoom and talked for a bit to introduce themselves. Then, they played ‘code words’ and Miriam thought it was super fun!!! Adding on, everyone also managed to meet up in real life as well, and one of the things they did was a calligraphy challenge, where they paired up with one another to decorate the CD quote “Celebrate God, Celebrate Creativity” within 5 minutes. As you can see, when you first enter a service area in church, we don’t just sit and stare and be awkward. Besides, people in church are really not scary. Don't believe me? Well, here’s what Miriam had to say about the people she met in CD. The three words she gave to describe the people there were, “entertaining, talented and enthusiastic”. By the way, no, I didn’t force her to say good things, so no! cap!
For those who are interested in joining the CD team specifically, know that they constantly and thoroughly push themselves creatively and that’s something that you can look forward to as well! After asking more people to describe what CD is like in general, the most common word I got was “fun”, because everyone gets to explore different techniques and not just be confined to the one they're the most comfortable with. They do things like photography, videography, and come up with designs for infographics and posters, so idk bout you but that sounds super cool!!!! They’ve also shared that it’s really interesting getting to know different people from different backgrounds, with different strengths and hobbies. So like if you’re sick of your DG right, then joining a service area can definitely help with that :D
Okay but all jokes aside, all in all, I hope this helps you see for yourself that there’s really no need to feel intimidated. And if you want to try serving in church, just go for it! Don't let your fear of awkwardness or fear of being judged stop you from serving. Also, know that every other person who’s serving has been through exactly what you feel right now, so I’m very sure that they’ll do their best to minimise the awkwardness for you :) So just go for it and everyone will definitely welcome you with open arms!
Written by Janabelle
-Tze Hung-
Being the only one from his DG to join WOAH, it was a little intimidating for Tze Hung at first, since it was his first time joining a service area and he did not know most of the people there. Maybe you feel the same way too - having to work with many new people, taking up new roles and commitments…it could be intimidating and so maybe you’d rather not serve. But I hope reading this will help to put your worries to rest and assure you that you will be warmly welcomed into the service areas and things will turn out just fine!
When Tze Hung and other new youths joined WOAH, there was a Zoom call for the whole ministry to play some online games together and help break the ice for the newcomers so it would not be so awkward when you join. On his first day of serving in WOAH also, the community in WOAH was very friendly and welcoming to Tze Hung. The other youths helping out were very nice and showed him around about what to do so that everything went smoothly and Tze Hung was glad to have been part of WOAH. Rest assured, the people there are very chill and would be there to help you!
Even though Tze Hung has not gotten to know anyone new yet in WOAH as he has only joined for a short while, he is fitting in well. Moreover, there is going to be a bonding event for the ministry which will be a good opportunity for the community to get to know each other better. Incidentally, Tze Hung is helping out with the planning, and serving together with the ministry is another chance for him to become more familiar with the WOAH community. With all this, I’m sure things will become less awkward for Tze Hung. And if you were in Tze Hung's place, you too would not have to worry about being shy or not being able to fit in with the community because the WOAH ministry will gladly welcome you.
If you still feel uncertain about serving, try serving together with your friends, and if you feel shy to approach older youths to begin serving you can try signing up with the sign up box in the next article to start with small acts of service first!
Written by Joseph