‘We are ready to lead now’
My name is Sara Martin, a fourth-generation United Methodist and a certified Lay Servant. I currently serve on the General Board of Church and Society.
Why do I follow Jesus?
Because I believe in His power to transform and restore our world.
My journey began in the local church where I was baptized, nurtured, and confirmed. In the summer of 2014, I began discerning my call to ministry.
I immediately immersed myself in the work of ministry by completing my Lay Servant training at CYME, a youth leadership camp whose mission is equipping young people to be effective leaders within the United Methodist denomination. It is offered each summer for high school students.
It allowed me to start gaining practical experience and deeply confirmed my call to ordained ministry.
Since I became a Lay Servant, I’ve had many opportunities to play a variety of roles in the Church: writing devotions, preaching, and teaching the Gospel. I’ve had the chance to preach to a wide age group, from children to adults.
The Conference Council of Youth Ministry has allowed me to learn to write camp curriculum, lead small groups, facilitate conversation, and organize event planning.
Last summer, I served as a leader-in-training at both CYME and JEM camps. JEM is our summer leadership camp for junior high students.
Now, three years after receiving my call to ministry, I am enrolled as a freshman religious education major at Oklahoma City University.
With an endless urging from deep within my soul, my purpose is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
The youth and young people aren’t the desired future of the church — we are ready to lead now.
The direction of my call to ministry centers around the desire to offer hope, love, and grace to the people I serve. May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
(Youth member Sara Martin spoke at the 2017 Oklahoma Annual Conference on May 30. She was lay delegate for her home church, Prague UMC.)
Communications Ministry