July 1, 2008 by PastorDarryl.

God’s Vision for Our Youth

By Pastor Darryl Riehle

My family and I would like to thank you first for your continuous warm reception of us as ministry leaders, as well as your encouragement and commitment to pray for us! As God has called us to this specific work at this specific time, we are excited to see what He will do through us as we stay open to Him knowing that “His thoughts are not our thoughts nor His ways our ways.” We have been a part of this church family for over seven years. We feel honored to serve God and you and look forward to our exciting future together!

We just want to give you a brief update and answer a few questions that we know are being asked: First, the seeds of vision for our youth: Luke 3:51-52 infers that the “teenage” life of Christ was a time when He increased in both “wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” and was in subjection to the authority of His parents. So, as we move forward designing a program that meets the needs of our teenage brothers and sister in Christ, we will continuously ask ourselves: Is our program helping them grow in wisdom (God’s Word) and in maturity (actions/behavior)? Are we seeking to know God’s heart? Are we fostering an environment of subjection to authority and honoring parents? We believe that if we plant these seeds, the fruit will be great!

Why have we integrated the youth group into the adult Wednesday service for the summer? A vital part of the vision for the youth in this church is to foster a culture of honoring the God-placed authority of parents as well as recognizing and utilizing the power of multi-generational discipleship among the body of believers. We feel the Honor’s Reward series lines up with this vision. What better way to begin to study honor than alongside the very people God intends for us to honor (our parents and elders)?

Are their any events or fun activities for youth taking place this summer? Our focus this summer is to understand and implement God’s vision for the youth in this church. We ask that you endure with us as we take this time to organize goals and vision, train leadership, and do some logistical planning. We feel fun events will be the fruit of a healthy youth ministry, and we seek to build a solid godly foundation in which this fruit can and will grow.

On another note, my wife and I also feel strongly led to begin a new ministry in our church that will meet the needs of young adults age 18 to mid-twenties. In 1 Thessalonians 2:11, Paul gives us a glimpse of what his ministry in Thessalonica looked like: “We were exhorting and encouraging and imploring.” It is our desire to begin a discipleship group in which we will exhort participants to cultivate a deeper study of the Word, encourage them with tools to assist them in life purpose planning, and implore them weekly through rich testimonies to pursue a life fully dedicated to the Lord.

We ask that you prayerfully and patiently bear with us as we continue to wait upon God for direction and as we take steps of obedience as He unveils His vision for the youth in our church.

We encourage you to communicate with us about any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have.

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May 1, 2008 by admin.

We are thrilled to have Pastor Darryl and Bobbie-Jo Riehle leading our youth. Pastor Darryl is currently attending the Assemblies of God School of Ministry and expects to receive his first level of ministry certification this June.

While living in California, Darryl was a leader for three years in Cleansing Stream Ministries, a healing and deliverance ministry through the Church of the Way in Van Nuys.

Since coming to Leominster Assembly of God in 2002, he and his wife, Bobbie-Jo, have served together in ESL and in two young adult small groups, and they have assisted with the Gospel Explosion USA and Alpha Ministries. Darryl also served on the deacon board from 2006-2008.

The Riehles have two children: a six-year-old son, Noah, and a seven-month-old daughter, Micah.

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