by Ashley Crawford
This article was originally published in PCJH’s Fall 2024 Pinnacle, “Faith Like a Child”

Throughout the 2024 summer, I had the privilege of connecting with youth and young adults as PCJH’s Summer Fellow. Being surrounded by youth has inspired me with how they pursue a childlike faith while growing into their adolescence amidst many facets of life that can either hinder or kindle their faith. 

For instance, as youth become more involved in sports, school events, work, spending time with friends, learning to drive, and outside pressures, which can be good things, they may start to feel they are juggling so much and being occupied in many different directions. Nevertheless, I have witnessed students kindling their faith by how they choose to lean into more of the freedom and independence they have as teenagers, most notably by surrendering control to God and wanting to invite Jesus into their everyday lives. 

One of the unique aspects of a childlike faith is considering how children may choose to wander off and do whatever pleases them, yet they know they will have more direction and support when they walk with someone who they can trust and will care for them like a parent or guardian. Youth are in a pivotal stage of life, where they rightly no longer want to be called kids. Yet, they show humility by wanting to grow deeper in their faith, be a part of intentional Christian community, and walk with Jesus, recognizing how He will love and care for them further than what they can do themselves. 

This childlike faith is so significant because they choose to make that decision for themselves beyond the faith or lack thereof of their families. It has been incredible to see the childlike faith of youth in their willingness to simply show up to youth group events. For instance,  I have seen students coming to church every Sunday whether their families do or not. It also shines when students invite their friends to join because they want them to also experience the joy they have being together in community.

In addition, youth embody a childlike faith with their natural curiosity and willingness to learn more. For instance, the youth have been doing a 40-day summer challenge reading The Gospel of Mark and many students have wanted to read more scripture and have quiet time with God. Youth also show their childlike faith in their creativity, knowing they may connect with God in different ways. For example, in youth dinner clubs, Sunday School, and other events this summer, students would do devotionals, ask questions, and process ideas in unique ways like drawing.

Furthermore, youth show their childlike faith in their willingness to try new experiences, such as with service and engaging with their gifts and talents. I saw this from the very beginning of my time at PCJH when students led worship for the Milestone Sunday service. Students also live out their faith regarding 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” This was a key verse I held onto as I prepared for my summer Fellowship, knowing I would be the youngest in Ascent (PCJH’s young adult group). I have seen the youth live this verse out by their humility, recognizing that others may be older and have more experience, but also acknowledging that God may be calling and want to use them regardless of age or particularly because they are young. 

During Middle School Service Week, most of the students just finished elementary school and were going into 6th grade. Nevertheless, they did not let their young age stop them as they had meaningful connections with residents at Sage Senior Living and Community Entry Service. This childlike faith to say “yes” and serve was also evident in Vacation Bible Adventure (VBA) with 15 amazing youth leaders, who shared their uplifting presence.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the PCJH community this summer and for how everyone welcomed and cared for me in many ways. It was such a blessing to connect with youth and young adults. Similarly, in Matthew 18:5, Jesus calls all of us to value those who are young as He says, “whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Every person in the PCJH community matters greatly, including those who are young, and we can continue to learn from them about pursuing a childlike faith.