Rev. Jennifer McDonald, left, and Jett Wharton, at St. Paul's UMC. Photo courtesy of St. Paul's UMC.

While many young people are stepping away from the church, Jett Wharton, a high school student, is serving as the church council chair at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Jamestown, North Dakota. 

The United Methodist Church (UMC) encourages involvement with high school students through various avenues, including scholarships, faith-based programs, and community engagement, aiming to support their education and faith development. Youth are often viewed as future leaders or the future of the church. Few congregations encourage high school students to practice leadership in their local congregations. 

Wharton sees things differently, "What inspired me to take the position as the council chair was to have adults look at high school kids as not just kids but people who could join in groups that they usually wouldn't be in. And to change the view for those adults on high school kids for the future," he said.

Many congregations find recruiting people to serve on church councils or committees challenging. 

"I think St. Paul's is like a lot of congregations. We have tired leaders who have served faithfully. We face a leadership void. People are skeptical to lead because of tensions around political issues," said Rev. Jennifer McDonald, St. Paul's UMC.

After no one stepped up to serve as the council's leader, McDonald turned to prayer and conversation with Rev. Kris Mutzenberger, Northeast District Superintendent. 

"Kris encouraged me to look at everyone, even youth who had leadership experience in other organizations like 4-H," said Pastor Jennifer.

Jett was looking for a way to practice his leadership skills. He was a 4-Her. Wharton helped create a positive culture for his confirmation class and is very engaged in his faith. As a high school football player, he was part of a football leadership group that served as a liaison between the team and the coaches.

"God is doing a new thing here at St. Paul's. Jett had training in how to run a meeting. He has served in several leadership roles. He was willing and looking for an opportunity to serve his community for the National Honor Society. It was a natural fit," explained Pastor Jennifer.

Some may find the role of council chair intimidating, but it is manageable. The primary responsibilities are to plan the agenda and lead the monthly and any special meetings that may be needed.

At the first meeting, Jett shared, "I was kind of nervous about it. But my responsibility is to keep everybody on track and work with Pastor Jennifer to set up meeting agendas. I am willing to go out of my comfort zone and try new things to see if I would like them."

A challenge for both McDonald and Wharton is practicing safer sanctuaries guidelines.  

"Because Jett is a high school student, I always include his parents in e-mails, texts, and any communications. When the two of us need to meet, I make sure there is another adult around," said Pastor Jennifer. "His parents are super supportive."

 Jett sees a challenge in others' perceptions of his leadership abilities because of his age and experience. 

"I might be looked at differently because of my age in these meetings. Another challenge I see is the experience I have in my faith. I am not as experienced as others on the board," Jett said.

We are all called by God to serve, using our gifts. Jett, who has served as a leader in other organizations, is living out his call by stepping into a leadership role outside his comfort zone.

"It is a chance for our congregation and other churches to see that young leaders can lead. People, no matter their age, can be living into their gifts. It is a joy to see and grow Jett's leadership gifts. He is joyfully serving," said Pastor Jennifer.

St. Paul's UMC seeks to be a family-based church growing in their love for God and neighbor. Jett sees his leadership role as a chance to grow closer to God and his church family. 

"This role could help me grow closer to God in many ways. Being the head chair of the council opens many opportunities for me to grow closer to God. We discuss what we hear in the sermons and how we envision, create, and evaluate the success of new ministries," Jett shared.

He also sees it as an invaluable experience for his future and the future of The United Methodist Church. 

"If other young people join their church council, there could be many great outcomes. This can go on my job resumé. It could help me with college applications," said Jett. "Young people leading in their churches gives them a way to practice using the leadership gifts and talents that God gives them. It's a safe place to practice and develop greater skill and confidence."