This past May, PUC alum Aren Rennacker joined the Pacific Union Conference as Director of Growing Young Leaders. From Sacramento, CA, he graduated from PUC with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2011 and later earned his Master’s in Theological Studies from La Sierra University in 2017. Afterwards, he was the youth pastor for Oceanside SDA Church for five years, before moving and becoming the youth pastor for Calimesa SDA Church, both in the Southeastern California Conference. In 2019, Aren ventured into being the youth director for the SECC before working for the Pacific Union Conference. 

Growing Young Leaders is a new, innovative department in the Pacific Union Conference that supports young people as they find their purpose and make the church a place where they can find their calling through mentorship and career assistance. They also offer scholarships for education and theology majors and provide scholarships for education and theology majors. 

Since being director, Aren has found the most rewarding part of his job is meeting their scholars who are studying towards careers in education and ministry. “They are all so bright and creative,” he said. “The church is in good hands.” He graciously shared more about his experience as the GYL leader and his time at PUC. 

As a new department, how has it been leading this group and connecting with young people? 

So far, it’s been amazing. I have loved the challenge of developing this program and slowly building it into what it can become. The best part has been meeting individually with over 40 current GYL scholars this summer and hearing their unique dreams and stories.

How do you approach young people in getting them excited about ministry? 

I think it’s a lot more important to talk with young people about their “why” as opposed to their “what.” What our church needs is a lot of young people passionate about their field of work because of the difference it makes in our world. That won’t be a ministry for everyone, and that’s okay. However, I believe that teaching and pastoring can be extremely fulfilling for many children who may not realize it. Therefore, I like to share my story and explain that if it’s theirs as well, here are some ways the church can support them. But most of all, the church loves you no matter what work you do. 

What do you think young people need to stay active in church and feel welcomed? What has surprised you the most about young people since working with them? 

When I graduated from PUC in 2011 and began as a youth pastor, I think I had a rather low opinion of young people. They were so lost, and it was my job to save them. Fourteen years later, I think they’ve done a lot more to save me. Young people have a unique ability to see and share the love of God in ways that we adults—who carry a lot more baggage—struggle to. I think we all could learn a lot from our younger generations if we only listened. What they need to stay active in the church are adults who truly believe that. 

You are also involved with the Growing Young Leader Scholarship. Please tell us about this scholarship. 

The Growing Young Leaders scholarship is great. It’s up to $20K/yr for 4 years, offered to incoming education and theology students who aspire to serve as teachers or pastors in the Adventist Church. Each of our Union’s seven conferences can reward a max of two scholarships per year (up to 14 total). We expect 21 GYL scholars at PUC this coming year, including five freshmen. We’re really excited!

Did you know you always wanted to work in ministry? 

No, I aspired to be a sports writer and studied Journalism at PUC. About halfway through my time there, I felt a lot more fulfillment when serving in various ministries, especially those with young people.

What drew you into pursuing a journalism degree? 

My first love as a young boy was sports, and my second was writing. I still remember retrieving the soggy newspaper from our front yard every morning and flipping open to the sports page. I loved studying journalism at PUC, and although I pursued a different career field, the communication and writing skills my program fostered have been extremely useful.

What made you decide to attend PUC? 

It had everything I was looking for: A good community, personal professors, and a stunning campus. I was also fortunate to play on the basketball team for four years, something I would not have been able to do at a larger school. 

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at PUC? 

There are so many. The greatest memory is living in the dorm with your friends, many of whom I still speak with daily. I will forever cherish my days in Grainger. I also loved Sunday waffles, playing for the Pioneers, classes in Irwin Hall, and spontaneous Giugnis runs.  

How did PUC impact your future and career? 

In every way. As I mentioned, even going into a different career field from my major, I was able to cultivate skills in my program that have shaped the leader I’ve become. I was also able to create important professional contacts that continue to pay off. Personally, the relationships I made at PUC are some of the greatest gifts in my life. I wouldn’t trade those four years for anything.