After worship, while most of us are relaxing and having a cup of Joe, some of the  NPAs are “working the room.” What does that mean? Every Sunday, a “Non-Parent Adult braves the high school room to discuss subjects of concern to the high schoolers. First order of business: Ask if there is anything that the kids want to talk about. If no one suggests a topic, the NPA “fishes” a subject out of the fishbowl and the topic chosen is the topic of discussion for the morning.  

 What’s it like being an NPA? Let’s ask Cindy Claycomb: “I love being an NPA and feel honored that the high school youth feel that I can be there.  They are a great group of people and I learn as much from them as I hope they learn from me.  Our high school youth are such a great age….on the cusp of adulthood and striving to make good choices for their lives…trying to figure it all out.  I think it is important for people to understand that the high school youth are “driving the bus” when it comes to discussions/topics for the gatherings.  This isn’t a preplanned event…as an NPA you show up and listen to what is happening in their lives and what is important to them.  They aren’t looking for someone to talk at them they are looking to be in conversation with them. 

These are smart people who have the ability to form their own opinions and ideas….they are open to your input but no one likes to be lectured.  I find this to be a highly stimulating environment.” It’s a non-judgmental atmosphere. Any question or subject is welcome. In this no-holds barred environment, high schoolers find out answers to some of the most difficult questions, and more important, they can see how other kids their age handle challenges that they are also facing. After all, peer pressure is just as prevalent as always, and it’s just kind of nice to get a handle on what to do in certain aspects of your life.