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teen, supporting both and helping ease communica- tion. Older adults bring a wealth of experience and joy to young people. Often this is a space where mentoring and reverse-mentoring work best. It can be a bit more difficult to connect youth with adults outside of youth ministry programming, but no less valuable. Faithful adults can come from anywhere. In fact, many of the adults who champion or care for teens come from unexpected places. As you look for adults outside of youth ministry volunteers, you may find that adults feel too nervous or embarrassed to start that conversation. It is good to remind them that it is not easy to meet new people in any circumstance. Encourage them to be the kind of adult they had or wish they had when they were in high school. We should not let our own anxiety keep us from engaging with young people in our congregation. Teens are just people who want to be seen and known, just like you. If you have adults in the congregation who want to en- gage youth, one encouragement is to have them start with a name and a question. They should learn a teen's name and use it in greeting them, then think of a ques- tion to ask them. Encourage these adults to listen well to the answer and file it away. They could even add such answers and details they learn to their phone's note app if they are worried about forgetting. The next time they see the teen, have them follow up and ask a new question. They should continue this pattern until they find points of connection with that young person. For example, ask a teen what they are looking forward to this week. If they respond that they have a basket- ball game, ask about the result of that game the next time you see them. And then add a question about what position they play (especially if you understand basketball). Keep at it until you find out that you are both big fans of the movie Space Jam because the con- versation develops and grows over time. Engaging supportive adults doesn't have to be com- plicated for it to be effective. More than anything, it requires adults who are willing to make an investment in the lives of teens. When they invest consistently, they will find God can use them in powerful ways to care for young people and share the Word of God with them. The investment we work for here is a long-term payoff, not a quick return. But it is worth it as young people deepen their resilient identity as baptized children of God. w Lutheran Life 27

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