Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
Madison First United Methodist Church (MFUMC) has a fresh face at the helm of their youth program. Tallahassee, Fla. resident Caitlin Savage travels to Madison several times a week to spend time with the teens, and they are loving it. “Some of them were introducing me as the new youth pastor before I got the job,” said Savage, who recently spent two and a half years as the youth pastor at First United Methodist Church, in Chiefland, Fla.
Savage grew up in church, since her dad was a pastor. At an early age, she knew she wanted to serve others. She took over the Chiefland youth ministry when there were only five students, and she soon had 30 students attending. Her passion for helping kids maintain a biblical perspective on life is infectuous, and she has no doubt that God will use her to grow the program at MFUMC.
”I let the kids know that I’m always going to hear them and give them a biblical perspective and my best advice,” said Savage.
She is also employed with the Early Learning Coalition, in Tallahassee. Previously, Savage was a preschool instructor at Ivy Hills Academy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Purdue Global University. Her busy schedule doesn’t faze her, and she is excited to see what the future holds.
Some of the plans Savage has for rebuilding the youth program have already started, such as resuming Wednesday night dinners at the church. “Meals bring people together,” said Savage. Also, movie nights are slated to return soon. More importantly, Savage desires to reach the community with the gospel while partnering with other churches. “Sometimes, this job feels like a dream,” said Savage. “I’m honored that I have this opportunity. My job isn’t a title, it’s a lifestyle. I love helping my kids relate to the Bible.”
Savage encourages her youth to be different, to be in the world but not of it. “Their purpose is to become disciples and lead others to Christ.”