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Youth peer ministers selected

By Melodie Woerman
Editor, The Harvest

Nine young people have been added to the ranks of peer ministers to help lead the diocesan youth program during the coming school year. They join 11 youth who are returning for another year.

Peer ministers are senior high school students who will act as leaders for other youth in the diocesan program. They receive training for ministry during two leadership retreats during the year and function as leaders at diocesan youth events and worship services.

They also are expected to develop a practice of personal daily devotion for spiritual growth.

Peer ministers are selected through an application and interview process and serve until they graduate from high school.

In announcing the young people selected for the coming year, diocesan Youth Coordinator Chad Senuta said, “This is a crucial part of diocesan youth ministry. The peer ministry program gives our youth an opportunity to serve as leaders and learn more deeply what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.”

Senuta said that peer ministers routinely remain active in ministry in the Episcopal Church after high school.

“Many former peer ministers actively volunteer in their parish, diocesan youth programs, in campus ministry and in parish youth ministry. Some have even gone on to seminary. Peer ministry is a wonderful training ground for students and gives them an opportunity to take a big step forward in their faith journey.”