MADISON—"A change can only be implemented through the power of the Holy Spirit," said Rev. Barry Whipkey, Madison UMC. "So what I would like to say is, here at Madison, the Holy Spirit is at work." Madison UMC is serving over 100 young adults and high school students each week through small groups and Pastor Charlie Moore's presence at Dakota State University and the local high school.

It all started with prayer.  Madison UMC attended a Breakthrough Prayer workshop as part of the Missional Church Consultation Initative (MCCI).  “We all prayed each day that the Holy Spirit would break through and help us reach the youth and young adults here in Madison. Photo: DWU football team gathers for food and fellowship as part of the young adult ministry at Madison UMC. Photo by Dave Stucke, Dakotas Conference Communications.

The church is located a few blocks from Dakota State University (DSU), a campus of 1500 students. Past efforts to bring the college to the church failed. Prayer led to a breakthrough — the church needed to go to where the students are.

Through the MCCI process one of the goals or prescriptions for the church was to reach to the young adults in the community through outreach.  The congregation decided to hire a second pastor to reach out beyond the church doors. They hired Charlie Moore in 2016.

“We brought on a second pastor. Charlie has been implementing our outreach to our high school, to our college, Dakota State University and to young adults throughout the community,” said Whipkey.

Moore reached out everywhere on campus.  He started by contacting each of the coaches of the sports teams, asking if he could serve as their chaplain.

“We really had no contact on campus,” said Moore. “So I reached out to every sports team and all the coaches on campus asking if I could be their chaplain, and thankfully only one said 'yes'."

The football team invited Moore to be their chaplain. He shows up to practices and every home game.  He is there for the young men to encourage, listen to them and pray with them. Moore leads a team inspirational meeting with a spiritual focus once a week for any player that wants to come. An average of 50-70 young men show up each week.

“I was a little skeptical at first,” said Josh Anderson, DSU head football coach. “We are a state school and we really can’t force kids when it comes to religious things. That is really not what this is about. This was just about helping young men through life.”

Photo: Andrew Gross is super charged to be part of the ministry team and reaching out to young adults in Madison. Photo by Dave Stucke, Dakotas Conference Communications.

Moore has moved on to another appointment.  The church looked among the leaders in their congregation and selected Andrew Gross to be Director of Outreach, College, and Youth. Gross is working on clergy credentials by following the local licensed pastor path.  He attended licensing school in August and is engaging in a course of study.

Under the leadership of Pastor Andy, Madisonn UMC reaches out to young people through on campus Bible studies, a continuing relationship with the DSU football team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Grounded.

The response of the young people has been overwhelmingly positive. “It's cool, especially being from out of state, having somewhere I can go. Someone I can talk to,” said Elijah Colbert, DSU student and football player. Photo Elijah Colbert shares his thought about the young adult outreach ministry of Madison UMC. Photo by Dave Stucke, Dakotas Conference Communications.

Madison UMC is a recipient of a Young Adult Ministry Grant. Grants are available to churches to reach out to young adults and inspire their faith.  Fill out a grant application by November 1.  Click here for the application.

Madison on the Move from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.