Commissioning Youth Small Church

Jonah Lee

Hi, I am Jonah Lee most of you probably know me because my dad is Pastor Ming. When my dad first told me that we were going to do a small church for the youth, and Ellis and Hannah were going to be shepherds I was surprised and glad, but then he said that I would also be a shepherd. At first I was not very happy because it seemed like a lot of work like leading a group through praise, and wordtime and just leading people in general. I thought about it for a couple days but I still didn't want to be a shepherd and in 1 Peter 5:2 it says "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve. Obviously, according to this I was doubtful on becoming a shepherd.

So I continued to pray and realized that I would get a chance to reach VIPs and form relationships with people that I don't normally talk to. I also came across this verse Proverbs 11:14 "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers" this made me think that two people is not enough so I eventually decided to take on the role of the highschool shepherd not because I was voluntold but because of the opportunities I would get and how I would become a better example to others.

Commissioning Youth Small Church

Noelani Lee

I’m Noelani; I'm going to be the 1st middle school Youth Small Church shepherd. There were some times that I felt I really needed help like when I almost drowned but my brother was able to grab me. Or when I'm having days when I cry because someone ate the food I was going to eat. God has helped me get through that and other personal things with friends. These things have helped me believe that God will answer or save you in ways that may seem like a coincidence or random. Like when you're feeling sad or lonely and your friend or family happens to text or talk to you. God is helping me right now by sharing this. I hope you can reflect on things that God has helped you do even if it was only a little bit. Or pray for things that he will help you do.

Commissioning Youth Small Church

Hannah Tan

Hi, my name is Hannah Tan, and I am one of the Youth Small Church shepherds. I was born in Seattle, but I currently live in Renton with my mom and grandmother, who also attend CBC.

Throughout my life, I’ve been involved in various children’s and youth ministry programs. In many ways, being part of the CBC community has been a huge blessing to me. Now that I’m older, I want to serve God by serving at church. When the church started making plans for Youth Small Church 2021-2022 and the opportunity came up for me to become a high school shepherd, I felt that God put it on my heart to volunteer – and so I did. I experienced a lot of anxiety and self doubt because I didn’t feel like I was capable of all the responsibilities. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). I prayed to God, and He gave me peace and assured me that I would not be alone.

Commissioning Youth Small Church

Hannah Tan

I’m excited about taking on the role of a shepherd and working with my peers to achieve the vision of “Big Church Small Church making disciples”. As Christians, fellowship with one another is not only essential to our spiritual growth, but we are also called to be united so that we can work together to build the kingdom of God. “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up! Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) God does not want us to work alone. He wants us to care for one another and share our successes and sorrows. I hope that the fellowship found in Small Church will be encouraging and uplifting to our youth, helping us to be living testimonies for Jesus.

My small church is for 9th-12th grade students living in South King County (cities such as Renton or Kent), and our goal is to reach VIPs in our schools and communities.

Commissioning Youth Small Church

Ellis Ma

Hi my name is Ellis, and this past year Pastor Ming had asked me to become one of the youth small church shepherds. At first I was hesitant to say “yes'' to him because I did not know if I was ready to take on the big roles and the responsibility that goes with it. Also I was scared I might not do a good job . As I prayed and thought about it more I eventually said “yes” and that I would commit to be one of the shepherds. Maybe God told me to take this leadership role as he knows this will help me with my future career as a possibility of me going into ministry.

I am excited to work with the other high school shepherds as we reach VIPs and do the vision “Big church Small Church Making Disciples.” As the Bible tell us in Mark 16:15, “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” As youth group transitions into Youth Small Church format I hope we can reach more VIPs from our schools and neighborhoods so that we can grow and multiply.