MONROE - Beneath his solemn black robe and colorful, symbolic stole, Pastor Jesse Larson, the new minister at the Union Presbyterian Church in Monroe, may have a crumpled shirttail sticking out beneath his sweater.

Without his vestments, the relaxed, 36-year-old looks and acts younger than his age. His strong, warm smile and handshake reflect his sincerity and commitment to his vocation.

After five years as an associate pastor and serving with the campus ministry of Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames, Iowa, Larson was ready to break out on his own, he said.

Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Larson chose to remain in the region because of "that Midwest hospitality you always hear about."

Only two weeks into his new position, Larson said he enjoys visiting residents in nursing homes and looks forward to the challenge of building up the church's youth program.

A number of things drew him specifically to the church in Monroe, particularly the active congregation. Everyone seems to have their own project or area of work to do - and a key to the building, he noted.

"We have a really good lay leadership here," he added.

This year marks the congregation's 30th anniversary, and Larson said plans are in the works to expand the church's image of hospitality.

"We're a friendly church, but we want to make it seem all the more so," he added.

The church youth program had five seniors graduate last year, and the church is now searching for direction to inspire the upcoming members. Components of the youth group program include fellowship, mission, spiritual growth, and the Family Promise program.

Larson said a retreat to get ideas may be in order, and he'd like to take the high school students on a trip to Mexico.

"I want to give them exposure to ideas outside their community," Larson said.

Part of Larson's youthfulness and his interest in inspiring youths may come from his past experiences in serving the church and performing mission work from the inner neighborhoods of New York City to multiple regions across Africa.

He has served on 10 missions to Africa. The Union Presbyterian Church's unique African hand drum ensemble seemed to be "a sign" for him to come to Monroe, he laughed.

Through Larson's perspective, inspiring youth is not much different than opening up the church to the community and inviting those from all walks of society.

"You have to be creative and have the relationships that can bring them here," he added.

Larson said the Monroe congregation is seeking ways to "continue to be relevant in the community." Those ideas include providing a place for community organizations to meet and partnering with other youth groups.

"This is a great space," Larson said. "Economic situations are changing, and you do not have to be a member to come and use this space."

The congregation also regularly contributes to more than a dozen local and international organizations.

"For instance, we contributed over 300 pounds of food to the (Green County) food pantry from our community garden this year," Larson said.

Though Larson said it was never forced on him, his pathway to the ministry was probably well waxed with good intentions. He is the son of a Presbyterian minister and a social worker. His brother and his sister-in-law are also ministers.

"Talk at home was always about people and how to help them," he said.