By Mariah Beverly
Seattle Medium Intern
Pastor Carey G. Anderson of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in Seattle has a unique connection with the youth of his church. While Anderson is able to connect well with the general membership at FAME, it’s his unique ability to appeal to the youth of his church that’s laying the foundation for the next generation of servants, worshippers, and leaders of Seattle’s oldest African American church.
In a day and age where many youth don’t express themselves to adults for various reasons, the youth in Anderson’s congregation connect with him in such a way that they feel comfortable talking to him about anything.
“It’s easy to talk to (Pastor Anderson) because we know he’s been in our shoes before,” says Alexis Williams when asked why she feels she can talk openly to her pastor. “He did the same thing we’re doing now, and he doesn’t judge us.”
According to Williams, Anderson has remained focused on the youth of his church, building a unique and strong relationship with each of them on an individual level.
Within his church, Anderson spends a great deal of time involving himself in multiple youth-supportive programs. One of those programs is The Richard Allen Brotherhood, founded to keep young men involved in church activities and community service. The brotherhood creates a gateway to many opportunities for the young men involved, including scholarships and tutoring programs.
Another program that Anderson promotes is the Young People’s Department (YPD), an organization that provides a forum for young people (ages 3-26) to learn about youth ministry, community service, mission trips and fundraising. The YPD is its own entity within the church, promoting and pursuing the independent spiritual and religious growth of young adults as they mature and form their own opinions.
“I think church is about young people,” says Anderson. “I’d like to see them take advantage of their full potential, mind, body, and spirit.”
When talking to young members of his congregations, it’s apparent that Anderson not only wants the youth to be comfortable within the church, but to also be able to create their own sense of companionship and familiarity with their religion. He also encourages youth from the surrounding community to come and discover how beneficial some of the churches organizations and annual events are, such as the Youth and Law Forum, or the “Spirit of Christmas” — a free family event devoted to mission and outreach to the community, providing support for families with gifts and a safe environment.
Aside from being involved in all of these programs designed to enhance the development of the youth, Anderson adds that he prides himself in being able to actually talk to the young adults in his congregation outside of the church setting.
Cyprus Richardson, another youth member of the church, recalls running into Pastor Anderson downtown and not being scared to say hello.
“I wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed, and I didn’t care that my friends laughed,” said Richardson. “(My pastor and I) have a great relationship.”
“I’m glad (they) feel comfortable talking to me if I see them on the street or out in public,” says Anderson. “When they come and ask to just sit down and chat with me for a little bit, I let them know all prior judgment is out the window. I’m here to help them know themselves and strengthen their relationship with God.”
Ana Sneed, a young member of Anderson’s congregation, can attest to the fact that Anderson’s strong connection with the youth is not like that of other pastors she encountered because he doesn’t just talk to them but seeks out positive relationships and maintains contact with them.
“I love (Pastor Anderson’s) open door policy, ” says Sneed. “If you drop by the church and you just need someone to sit down and talk or pray with you, he’s always available.”
While some churches focus on keeping the appeal of the older, more traditional members, Anderson seems to have a slightly different approach. Every 4th Sunday of the month is reserved for “Youth Sunday” in which the youth of the church have complete control over the order of the service and the message portrayed to the audience. Anderson encourages his church to dress comfortably, arriving in jeans and a blazer just like the rest of the kids and teens involved. Youth Sunday often includes local kids showcasing their talents in the form of praise dancing, spoken word, or singing. Keynote speakers or guest ministers often come and preach in place of Anderson.
“(Youth Sunday) is fun because we get to control the whole thing,” says YPD member Andre Grady. “We pick the speaker, the entertainment, even the theme if we want to.”
Although Anderson has a different approach to how he interacts with his congregation and community, one thing is for certain; he strives to make sure that young people are an integral part of his congregation. He takes pride in the fact that he is not just watching them grow up physically, but mentally and spiritually into young men and young women who will have a positive impact both inside and outside the church.
“These young people are the platforms of our future,” Anderson says. “These are the people we’re leaving our church too, it’s our responsibility to make sure the platform is sturdy.”
