28 Mar 2025, 11:37IM Communications
Jefferson Melki Dedicates Full Focus to Youth Ministry in the Irish Mission
Previously serving as the pastor of Drumcondra Church while also carrying out Youth Ministry responsibilities, Jefferson Melki now steps into a full-time Youth Sponsor role with a dedicated focus on engaging, empowering, and spiritually nurturing young people across Ireland.
Originally from India, Jefferson is passionate about Youth Ministry and has dedicated his life to guiding young people in their faith journey. Outside of ministry, he values spending quality time with his wife, Sharon. They enjoy traveling, exploring new cultures, and engaging in meaningful conversations. He also enjoys staying active through fitness, reading, cooking Indian food, and spending time in nature to recharge.
With his pastoral experience, mission-driven leadership, and heart for young people, Jefferson is excited to bring his energy and vision to the Youth Department. In this interview, we discuss his plans for 2025, the challenges and opportunities in Youth Ministry, and his message for young people in the Irish Mission.
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Q: Jefferson, congratulations on your new role as full-time Youth Sponsor! Can you share with us your vision for Youth Ministry in the Irish Mission?
A: My vision is to create a Youth Ministry where young people truly belong, deeply believe, and confidently become the leaders Christ has called them to be. Through a culturally relevant approach, I want to engage youth in the Irish Mission in a way that resonates with their lives, challenges, and dreams.
Q: What are the key challenges facing young people today, and how do you plan to address them through Youth Ministry?
A: Young people today face significant challenges such as identity confusion, societal pressure, and mental health struggles. Through Youth Ministry, I’ll help them belong by fostering community and authentic relationships. We’ll encourage them to believe by grounding them in Scripture and helping them see their purpose in Christ. Lastly, we’ll empower them to become strong leaders who can impact their families, schools, and society.
Q: Can you share some of the key events and initiatives that the youth can look forward to in 2025?
A: In 2025, we’ll organize engaging events like youth retreats, community outreach, and cultural exchange programs. These events will be designed to create a space where young people feel they belong. Alongside this, we’ll offer leadership training camps and discipleship programs to help them believe and become leaders in their faith journey.
Q: Many young people struggle to stay engaged with church and faith. How do you plan to make church and Youth Ministry more relevant and meaningful for them?
A: I plan to make church more relevant by creating experiences that speak to their real-life concerns—issues like social justice, identity, and purpose. Through interactive events, mentorship, and small groups, we’ll foster a sense of belonging, deepen their belief, and guide them in becoming active disciples of Christ.
Q: How do you see local churches playing a role in supporting Youth Ministry, and what can church leaders do to help?
A: Local churches are critical in supporting Youth Ministry by being safe, welcoming spaces where young people can find belonging. Church pastors, leaders, can play a key role by being mentors, walking alongside youth in their faith journey, and creating opportunities for them to lead, thus helping them believe in their calling and empowering them to become strong disciples.
Q: From your experience working with young people, what are some key lessons you've learned that will help shape your approach in your role?
A: I’ve learned that young people need more than events—they need deep, meaningful relationships. They need a place where they can belong, a space to ask tough questions and challenge their beliefs, and mentorship that helps them believe in their faith and become the leaders God intends them to be.
Q: In addition to events, what other ways do you hope to disciple and mentor young people on a deeper level?
A: Beyond events, I’ll focus on mentorship and small group discipleship. Through one-on-one relationships and intimate group settings, we’ll walk with young people in their spiritual journey, providing personal guidance and accountability as they belong to the faith community, believe in Christ, and become His disciples.
Q: If you could share one message with the youth of the Irish Mission as you begin this new chapter, what would it be?
A: You are not alone. You belong to a community of believers who are here to walk with you. As you believe in Christ, know that He has a unique purpose for your life, and as you grow, you will become the person He has created you to be—strong, confident, and ready to impact the world around you.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As Jefferson Melki steps into this full-time position, there is much excitement about the direction of Youth Ministry in the Irish Mission. With a strong emphasis on engagement, spiritual growth, and community, 2025 promises to be a year full of opportunities for young people to grow in faith, service, and connection.
Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming youth events and initiatives!
Previously serving as the pastor of Drumcondra Church while also carrying out Youth Ministry responsibilities, Jefferson Melki now steps into a full-time Youth Sponsor role with a dedicated focus on engaging, empowering, and spiritually nurturing young people across Ireland.
Originally from India, Jefferson is passionate about Youth Ministry and has dedicated his life to guiding young people in their faith journey. Outside of ministry, he values spending quality time with his wife, Sharon. They enjoy traveling, exploring new cultures, and engaging in meaningful conversations. He also enjoys staying active through fitness, reading, cooking Indian food, and spending time in nature to recharge.
With his pastoral experience, mission-driven leadership, and heart for young people, Jefferson is excited to bring his energy and vision to the Youth Department. In this interview, we discuss his plans for 2025, the challenges and opportunities in Youth Ministry, and his message for young people in the Irish Mission.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q: Jefferson, congratulations on your new role as full-time Youth Sponsor! Can you share with us your vision for Youth Ministry in the Irish Mission?
A: My vision is to create a Youth Ministry where young people truly belong, deeply believe, and confidently become the leaders Christ has called them to be. Through a culturally relevant approach, I want to engage youth in the Irish Mission in a way that resonates with their lives, challenges, and dreams.
Q: What are the key challenges facing young people today, and how do you plan to address them through Youth Ministry?
A: Young people today face significant challenges such as identity confusion, societal pressure, and mental health struggles. Through Youth Ministry, I’ll help them belong by fostering community and authentic relationships. We’ll encourage them to believe by grounding them in Scripture and helping them see their purpose in Christ. Lastly, we’ll empower them to become strong leaders who can impact their families, schools, and society.
Q: Can you share some of the key events and initiatives that the youth can look forward to in 2025?
A: In 2025, we’ll organize engaging events like youth retreats, community outreach, and cultural exchange programs. These events will be designed to create a space where young people feel they belong. Alongside this, we’ll offer leadership training camps and discipleship programs to help them believe and become leaders in their faith journey.
Q: Many young people struggle to stay engaged with church and faith. How do you plan to make church and Youth Ministry more relevant and meaningful for them?
A: I plan to make church more relevant by creating experiences that speak to their real-life concerns—issues like social justice, identity, and purpose. Through interactive events, mentorship, and small groups, we’ll foster a sense of belonging, deepen their belief, and guide them in becoming active disciples of Christ.
Q: How do you see local churches playing a role in supporting Youth Ministry, and what can church leaders do to help?
A: Local churches are critical in supporting Youth Ministry by being safe, welcoming spaces where young people can find belonging. Church pastors, leaders, can play a key role by being mentors, walking alongside youth in their faith journey, and creating opportunities for them to lead, thus helping them believe in their calling and empowering them to become strong disciples.
Q: From your experience working with young people, what are some key lessons you've learned that will help shape your approach in your role?
A: I’ve learned that young people need more than events—they need deep, meaningful relationships. They need a place where they can belong, a space to ask tough questions and challenge their beliefs, and mentorship that helps them believe in their faith and become the leaders God intends them to be.
Q: In addition to events, what other ways do you hope to disciple and mentor young people on a deeper level?
A: Beyond events, I’ll focus on mentorship and small group discipleship. Through one-on-one relationships and intimate group settings, we’ll walk with young people in their spiritual journey, providing personal guidance and accountability as they belong to the faith community, believe in Christ, and become His disciples.
Q: If you could share one message with the youth of the Irish Mission as you begin this new chapter, what would it be?
A: You are not alone. You belong to a community of believers who are here to walk with you. As you believe in Christ, know that He has a unique purpose for your life, and as you grow, you will become the person He has created you to be—strong, confident, and ready to impact the world around you.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As Jefferson Melki steps into this full-time position, there is much excitement about the direction of Youth Ministry in the Irish Mission. With a strong emphasis on engagement, spiritual growth, and community, 2025 promises to be a year full of opportunities for young people to grow in faith, service, and connection.
Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming youth events and initiatives!
