By Nathan J. Hill, DisciplesWorld contributing writer

INDIANAPOLIS (7/31/09) — It didn’t look like a proper forum for theological conversation, but with plates piled high and cold beverages in hand, over 150 young adults kicked off General Assembly 2009 with an opening party at Rock Bottom Brewery in downtown Indianapolis.

For the Young Adult Commission, a group of leaders working with Disciples Home Missions to organize and support young adult ministry, the theme of the Assembly was connections.

“Our goal for the Assembly was to provide opportunities for young adults to connect to each other,” said Diana Batzka, moderator of the commission. “We want to offer places where those connections could be made. We didn’t want to do things that necessarily interfere with other events but to allow young adults to be full participants in other aspects of the Assembly.”

A key part of that organizing and connection throughout the week was YAC’s booth.

“At the booth, whenever a young adult comes by, we introduce them to the Young Adult Commission and invite them to be a part of the network. Instead of using a piece of paper, we are doing everything online,” said Mayon Marcelino, commission member. “We are getting everyone’s personal information, contact information, cell phones, and email, so we can email and text through the General Assembly about what young adults are doing. It’s our way of being green and hi-tech at the General Assembly.”

Including a logo that features YAC’s goal to “broadcast to a new generation”, the team also unveiled their new website which will be a central gathering place for young adults in the church.

“One of the challenges we face is letting people know we exist, that we are working in the church and connecting with other young adults,” said Jack Knox, commission member. “I am excited about the website, getting that up and having it out there for that purpose alone.”

YAC will also lead a workshop on Saturday that will give space to the concerns and needs of young adults.

“Our aim with the workshop is to help start the discussion and create space for conversation about how to get young adults more involved in the church, specifically the congregational level,” shared Batzka. “It will consist of interviews with young adults that we have done at General Assembly – how and why young adults are involved in the church – and allow participants in the workshop to talk about their own experiences.”

And for at least one member of the commission, being there is a worthy goal in and of itself.

“It’s good to get together with other people, especially coming from places in the church where young adults have not been as strong as I would like them to be,” said Eli Rolon, commission member. “It’s been a good way to connect with other people and try to get something going.”

Whether on Wednesday night or during a Thursday night Guitar Hero competition, the excitement and possibility generated by the small group of leaders was evident.

“I am really excited about the future of young adults in this denomination. The sky is the limit,” said Tod Iseminger, Disciples Home Mission Liaison with YAC. “With the new website and 200 young adults showing up on Wednesday night, there is a lot of momentum. I want to get out of their way and let them do it.”

“Oh,” added Rolon. “Jesus rocks!”