Pausing the Local YAV Program for One year
- Presbytery of South Louisiana
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Dear Siblings in Christ,
We write to you with an important update regarding the Young Adult Volunteers (YAV) program hosted within our presbytery. After prayerful deliberation, the YAV Board has made the decision to pause the local YAV program for one year. We want to share the reasons behind this decision, express our full support for the Board and its leadership, and invite your continued engagement and prayers during this season of renewal.
Why the Pause?
Leadership Search. The YAV Board is committed to identifying and securing the right YAV Site Coordinator and leadership for the program. Effective, Spirit-led leadership is essential to the mission and health of this ministry, and the Board wants to take the time necessary to find the person best suited to guide the program and its volunteers.
Repairs and Improvements to the Big Green House. The YAV house — affectionately known as the Big Green House — is in need of repairs and improvements to ensure it is a safe, welcoming, and comfortable home for future YAVs. This pause provides the opportunity to make those upgrades without disruption to an active program year.
YAV Assessment/Training/Re-engagement. The Board will use this year to listen and assess the current program with current partners and processes. The Board will use this year to strengthen its resolve to train and equip all YAV leaders and volunteers to ensure these are ready to serve when the program resumes. Finally, recruiting passionate, mission-minded young adults to serve as YAVs requires intentional effort and time this pause will afford.
PSL’s Support for the YAV Board
The staff of the Presbytery of South Louisiana stands fully in support of the YAV Board and this decision. We believe this pause reflects wise stewardship of the program's future and a deep commitment to the well-being of the young adults who will one day serve through it. This is not a step back — it is a step forward taken with care and intentionality.
One-Year Guidelines from the YAV Board
The YAV Board has established a set of guidelines to provide structure and accountability during this one-year pause. These guidelines outline key milestones and expectations for leadership search, facility improvements, and recruitment efforts. We encourage all churches and interested parties to review them. You can find the full guidelines at:
How Your Congregation Can Help
There are several meaningful ways your congregation can participate during this season:
Pray for the YAV Board as they lead this process with faithfulness and discernment.
Spread the word about the YAV program to young adults in your congregation who may feel called to a year of service.
Support financially as the presbytery and YAV Board work to make necessary improvements to the Big Green House.
We are grateful for the commitment of churches throughout the Presbytery of South Louisiana to this vital ministry. The YAV program has been a blessing to our communities and to the young adults who have served among us, and we look forward to its renewed strength in the year ahead. Thank you for your prayers, your partnership, and your continued support.
In faith and service,
Sharon, Jackie, Leigh, & Jeff
The Staff of PSL
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