“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.”
Philippians 1:27
Going into the youth fall retreat, I was a bit wary of how I would feel throughout the weekend. I had been serving in my previous church’s youth group for about five years and developed many meaningful relationships with the youth, staff, and fellow leaders. Retreats were some of my favorite times throughout the year because of the extended, undistracted time we had together. So, going into my first Fourth youth retreat, I was slightly afraid of how much I might miss my previous youth group. I was entering a new environment with a completely different group of students whom I had not yet met, serving with a new set of leaders, and embracing new retreat rhythms.
But from the very beginning, my 6th and 7th grade girls excitedly welcomed me with open arms (literally and figuratively)! As the weekend went on, they quickly warmed up to their new small group leaders and became comfortable approaching us whenever they needed us. This sense of comfort also transferred to our small group discussions during cabin time. They eagerly shared their lives with our group and were not afraid to ask questions or contribute their thoughts. They engaged in thoughtful conversations, answered each other’s questions, and encouraged each other through times of sharing.
Through my experience as a youth group leader, both in my previous small groups and at Fourth, I have learned that although I am there to serve, I’ve received so much more than expected. They have encouraged and challenged me in so many ways, whether through the way they show Christlike love to others, the breadth and depth of their knowledge of Scripture, or the thought-provoking questions they ask as they seek to learn more about God and grow in their faith.
Looking back on the weekend, I am encouraged that although I was in a completely new environment, the mission and goal remain the same. We are serving the next generation in the same Kingdom of God “in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). Despite all the changes, the big picture remained the same. We are there to lead the students, learn from and be challenged by them, and together reflect the body of Christ.
I left the retreat feeling grateful and excited for the year to come as we build relationships with them. I look forward to encouraging and challenging them as they, perhaps unknowingly, sharpen my faith through my time with them.
“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.”
1 Timothy 4:12
The fellows at the Youth Fall Retreat!
About the Author
Jean Leong is a member of the Fourth Fellows Class of 2026-2027. She is from Mt. Kisco, New York, and is a graduate of Bucknell University. This year, she is working for Fourth Presbyterian Church in the Children’s Ministry.