Youth intern program develops student leaders

By Rachel L. Toalson
Managing Editor
The Rev. Rusty Freeman has watched many of his youth summer interns become leaders in the church.
Some are serving as youth leaders and directors in local churches. Others changed career plans when they heard God’s call to ministry. Nearly all are involved in ongoing church ministry.
“Whenever you invest yourself and resources in the lives of young people, you see the fruit and reward of your labor,” said Freeman, youth ministries director for the Southwest Texas Conference.
“Some will become pastors, others strong lay leaders in churches. The impact the Board of Ordained Ministry is making, along with CCYM in sponsoring and funding (youth interns) is wonderful. It results in the development of students who feel called to serve Christ and the church.”
Kendra Glass of Sierra Vista UMC, San Angelo, and Taylor Kittleman of First UMC, McAllen, were chosen as this year’s summer interns.
Several youths applied for the intern position, Freeman said. Evaluation of interns for the following year begins about now, he added, though formal applications are not submitted until the fall.
Youth interns serve under Free-man’s direction, leading the Servant Team (14 members this year) and helping out with summer camps and other youth events. Interns begin work during the annual conference session in June.
Both Kittleman and Glass have been “deeply involved” in conference events and CCYM for many years, Freeman said. Kittleman currently is serving as CCYM president, and Glass is vice president.
“They have shown their commitment to Christ and their love of reaching students through conference youth ministry,” Freeman said. “They are both committed to a relationship with Christ and sense a call to ministry of some sort, and by developing them as leaders, we are investing in two very quality people who will, in turn, serve the church for life.”
Both Kittleman and Glass said they sensed God calling them to apply for the internship.
“I truly enjoy working with all the campers,” Glass said. “And hopefully I’ll learn something more about God’s plan for my future.”
“I hope to really see what it’s like to lead for an entire summer—to see if it’s part of my calling,” Kittleman said.
Freeman said the youth internship helps prepare students for ministry leadership.
“It’s deep immersion in the youth ministry of the conference, leadership development of students and a strong connection to worship and discipleship,” he said. “The purpose of the internship is to invest in the lives of those who have shown potential to impact the kingdom of God through ministry to students in the local churches.
“We are a training ground for helping develop quality student leadership that will enhance the discipleship and evangelism of other youth in local churches.”