Warmth
Warmth is characterized by displaying Christ's love for all people and a personal
invitation to be part of the community of believers. Everyone, from guest to
longtime member, should be welcomed generously to worship and ministry
programming. While this can look different for every ministry, often we see it in
simple things like calling teens by name, greeting them with a smile, and finding
space to include them. Warmth comes when we show grace and encouragement
every time a teen steps into the church.
Warmth is shown when people across generations are known and want to know
others. As teens navigate important parts of identity development, they need
spaces where adults of all ages engage them with support. Warmth is a welcome
invitation to find that belonging in the family of God where we all receive God's
forgiveness and love. Teens can share their gifts and skills. All baptized members
are consistently reminded and show they are an important part of the Body of
Christ.
Warmth in a congregation fosters an open and honest environment where youth
share joys, questions, crises, and doubts knowing God's Word will be spoken in
love. Warmth can't be performative or surface-level. It comes from an outflow of
the Gospel and our forgiven and loved hearts. Even those in the margins should
feel it. It values every young person we are called to serve. w
Lutheran Life 9
