Hannah Harrison

AFA Journal staff writer

October 2020 – “Share Truth. Apply Scripture.” This motto defines the intent of Engage, AFA’s effort to minister to those entering early adulthood. In 2015, AFA wanted a ministry that would engage young adults with biblical truths. So, with a college-to-mid-30s age range in mind, Engage was created.

Powerhouse duo Jordan Chamblee and Cedra Sartin faithfully run the ministry with the supervision of AFA vice president of outreach Wesley Wildmon. Chamblee is head editor while Sartin serves as content coordinator. Together, they oversee the online magazine, weekly podcasts, and create a beautiful magazine of the same title – Engage. In 2020 the magazine morphed into a biannual edition with its latest issue rolling out this fall.

Answering questions
Being a young adult is not easy. Many are thrust into the world and forced to make hard decisions, especially in the COVID-19 crisis. But Engage seeks to be an encouraging resource through means of discipleship and biblical encouragement, as young believers come face-to-face with the world.

“We wanted to create a resource that deals with that specific time of life and those specific decisions a Christian is making because there’s a lot of confusion,” said Chamblee. “These aren’t just questions you wrestle with mentally; these are spiritual things.”

In their 20s, the team understands some of the specific trials and tribulations Christians face during early adulthood. Through the ministry’s blog, Chamblee introduces three weekly articles with topics exploring anything from culture to life, while looking through the lens of a Christian worldview and perspective.

Many Engage writers fall within the 20 to 30 age range and relate well to readers. But that does not mean only those that age can enjoy Engage. “There are things in our magazines and on our website that are applicable to everybody,” said Sartin.

When writing the mission statement, Chamblee sought to explain what he wanted to come from the ministry, which was to actualize theology in the context of biblical principles. He wants readers to be able to read and immediately apply the magazine’s content to their lives.

“We cover a wide range of things,” Sartin explained. “We touch on everything from careers, singleness, families, and protecting life, among other things,” she added. “We try to bring out more than just life lessons. We want to focus on things you can apply to every moment.”

Following Christ
When it comes to following God’s call, the team’s goal is to encourage young adults to seek Christ and grow the kingdom of God, and that is what Engage is doing.

“We [at AFA] are a mix of people who have different abilities, and we’ve come together to create one ministry, but a lot of departments are under this umbrella,” said Sartin. “There are different talents all over the place with one goal – to further the kingdom of God.”

“Some people will be pastors, and that’s how they will further God’s kingdom,” she continued. “Some of us might go down the street to Dodge’s store and get a chicken biscuit and witness to those working there, all while living every day unto the glory of God. Both are furthering the kingdom.”

“In the end, all believers are children of God and called to do the same thing – witness,” Chamblee said.

Engage is sharing truth, applying Scripture, and answering life questions. In doing so, the team is utilizing their call and furthering God’s kingdom.   

Coming soon
Engage is excited to release its first fall edition of the biannual magazine. Releasing next month, it will focus on evangelism and discipleship. Visit engagemagazine.net or call 662.844.5036 x541 to reserve your copy.