Growing Faith Through Risk: Reflections from Our Youth Fellowship Retreats
In February and March, the Youth Fellowship team joined the Falls Church Anglican on their Breakaway retreats at Rockbridge for the first time. It was a great experience, and one that caused me to reflect on many levels. As soon as we traveled down the winding drive and pulled up at the Blue Ridge cabins, I was hit with nostalgia remembering my own days in high school going on retreats and staying in these very cabins. As the girls lugged what seemed like an impossible amount of luggage into the cabins, I hoped that this experience would be as meaningful for them as it had been for me.
When I look back on those retreats, besides remembering some amazing experiences listening to sermons and bonding with friends, what stands out are some of the free time activities. I remember navigating the ropes course, my heart in my throat, and climbing the rock wall, determined not to give up. These activities stand out not just because of the fun and adrenaline involved, but because they took me and my friends outside of our comfort zones. We may have been intimidated, but we were able to overcome our fears and do them anyway.
During both the high school and middle school retreats, we talked about risk. Leaders asked students how they had taken risks that weekend, and affirmed them for the ones we witnessed. During one of these conversations, Annie, a middle school girl, looked at us curiously and asked, “Why is it important to take risks?” It was a GREAT question! The leaders and I explained that taking risks is how we grow, and especially how we grow in dependence on God. Students were encouraged that if they felt God was inviting them to take a risk, it could be a powerful way to grow in their faith. As Nathan Horner, our Church-Planter-in-Residence put it, “Without risk there is no faith.” Since the definition of faith involves trusting in something we do not see, risk is a prerequisite to faith.
Over both retreat weekends students stepped out of their comfort zones and took several meaningful risks. Like me, they stepped out in faith on the ropes course and braved the rock wall. They flew from great heights on the screamer swing, participated in sports tournaments, formed friendships with strangers, and hopped up on stage to participate in club games. Most importantly, students opened up and shared vulnerably with one another and their leaders, creating opportunities for new levels of relationship. I could see the pride and empowerment on their faces when we talked about these experiences. This is the power of offsite events for students: they are able to take risks outside of the bounds of their everyday life, within the safety and care of Youth Fellowship. Being able to step outside their comfort zone is a great gift to students, one that stretches and grows their faith in a God who is always faithful.
We are excited to give students more opportunities to take risks and grow their faith this summer through our Summer Service Trips. These trips will allow students to take risks not only for themselves, but in the service of others. In my opinion, this is one of the most life-changing trips that a student can take. They will have the opportunity to not only hear and talk about their faith, but to live it out boldly. Students are bound to take risks at some point in their lives, and service trips are a great way to encourage healthy risk-taking as they continue practicing their faith.
Laren Bleam
Youth Fellowship Assistant