challenges of youth in the church today pdf

Being a youth is an experience which would shape the persons level of understanding to life and his or her level of dependency on others. Ten years ago all these issues where buried in controversy. Michael Jackson has always been white.10. During film productions, the characters would be portrayed with cigarette sticks and drugs in their hands making it appear normal on the screen which in turn contributed to the use of drugs by a lot of youths. Churches routinely dole out their scraps to youth ministry, although there are some notable exceptions. As such, it reaches out to people at the point of their need, allowing the material and physical response to bear testimony to a spiritual solution. The Cosby Show, Miami Vice, WKRP in Cincinnati and Dynasty are shows they have likely never seen. Young people who come to faith need help recognising the current world view for what it is not wrong, not always helpful, but definitely there. Local authorities endorsed these laws. For example, a quick flip through your TV guide will show the following in 1999: Buffy the Vampire slayer, X-files, Outer Limits, Touched by an Angel, Teen Angel (comedy), Nothing Sacred, First Wave, Sabrina the Teenage Witch (comedy), Father Ted (comedy), Mortal Kombat, Strange World, and Brimstone. They dont memorise scripture like we did in the old days.. Most young people would not have experienced the typical early twentieth century nuclear family. The usual metaphors used in understanding the character of God may no longer be accessible to Generation 21. These days young people are more often found quoting a pick up line from an Austin Powers movie than a poem or a bible verse. The aims include to redefine marriage and. The youth of today is confronting many serious challenges than their previous generations used to do. Arguably, more than non-Western peoples are facing this unravelling. This means that the gap between those beating the average and those sliding beneath it is also widening. And when we talk of averages, it should be noticed that the cyber-elite are all young and making lots of money on the Internet and in new IT-related growth industries. The Word and the Spirit. Why memorise when its on-line? Postmodernism is not right or wrong it just is! Lets face it, how many of us can do that already? The bishops document agrees: with the advent of social media, this has led to new challenges over the extent to which media companies have power over the lives of young people. Generation 21 is spiritually hungry. Pastors will be teachers and disciplers, preparing the congregation for the work of the ministry. However, it still has got its acceptable explanation. It has gained a firm foothold since the late 1960s. Chicago: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1999. When listed like this, it is quickly apparent that being a disciple of Christ when you have had no previous Christian grounding or experience, is really a tall order, and a daunting prospect. I am sure that we have heard the end of long scholastic debates about predestination, charismatic gifts and dispensationalism. If we set out sights on a target of 1 youth worker per 10 000 school going young people, we would need 1600 professional youth workers. We crossed cultural boundaries to take the gospel to unreached people groups. One of the chief characteristics of modernism was the elevation of the individual. T.H. They have always had an answering machine. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. It happens time after time on camp, through contact at a school, in a youth group or on the street. Most times, it is being influenced by some factors which could include intake of hard substance, personality problems (disorders), physiological deficiencies, and violent media. are there any other types of planes? What one consistently notices is that while it takes different strategies to reach different kids (unchurched, churched, urban , rural, leaders, followers etc), most of them can be reached if one person whom they trust builds tight community (close relationships) with them. Grand Rapids: Wm B. Eeerdmans, 1996. The rules have changed big business and government are no longer the employers of last resort. The drop off is due to a considerable decline in church attendance by the white and coloured population groups. 2, Page 18. http://www.christianity.net/ct/7T2/7T218a.html. The situation is thankfully not yet this bad in South Africa, but current research into South African youth culture by Bill Price and Associates is showing that it is most certainly going to be true fairly soon3. Make your local community, your local parish a better place. We seldom ask ourselves, young or old, what do I owe the family and community who raised me? What it doesnt mean is outward conformity to a previously agreed upon set of standards (action and conduct) for Christian behaviour. Culture can and must be retained in a Christian lifestyle. This will be most fully seen in worship, which to truly touch postmodern Christians will need to be eclectic. This is an estimate only. To reduce the increase of drug abuse in the society, the youth should be sensitized on the effects of drug abuse to their body and the society. Just as it cant be linked within a specific age, its end thereof cannot be linked to a specific activity or what the individual has failed to do. Chicago: Moody Press, 1996. Indeed, in such a cultural context the anthropologist Bradd Shore makes the bold claim that the developmental trajectory of the middle-class American family is about to self-destruct. Wrong and sinful elements of culture become transformed and replaced with a vertical relationship with God and a horizontal relationship with people: Love God, bear fruit in keeping with repentance, love your neighbour, forget the rest! should be the exhortation to young people converted out of a specific sub-culture. I say conformingbecause as the late sociologist Robert Bellah often commentedin doing ones own thing one is not being different or radical but merely conforming to the American cultural value system of individualism (for most are doing the same thing). They need to be taught honesty and integrity when for the last sixteen years theyve survived the streets through shrewdness and movie ethics. Required fields are marked *. Why, one may ask? However, given their cynicism and pessimism, they have lowered their expectations vis-a-vis relationships: their potential duration, the number of significant bonds, and their fervor to create a wide pool of contacts. Whenever a youth(s) is given an opportunity to participate in politics, they usually give it their best with so much willingness, positivity and the intention to effect a lasting change with the opportunities they were given. phillip watson age. But most of us can't concisely describe it. One of the greatest challenges facing Christendom in the twenty-first century will be our response as a community of faith to the multitude of ethical dilemmas already emerging in general society. On a personal positive note, while the members of my local assembly in Liverpool, UK have not met physically since 22 . Indeed, Durkheim found a correlation between mobility and suicide: those who are more mobile experience less robust social connections (loss of community) and are hence more likely to commit suicide. Faith development skills are about making faith work, answering questions, helping young people understand why Gods word says what it says, and how to apply the obvious and work out the implied. Challenges Facing Youth by Edward P. Mulvey, Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine With the increased attention on the rates of serious juvenile crime in the late 1980s and early 1990s, legislatures around the country passed new laws making it easier to transfer youth to adult courts. It is difficult to distinguish Christian Alternatives from their non-Christian counterparts but only when it comes to appearance. Postmodern young people dont need to be convinced of the fact that there is a higher power nor of the existence of the supernatural. Ecumenism. The multitude of youth cultures is no exception. Challenges and Opportunities for Youth in the Church Today In the fall of 2016, Pope Francis announced the theme of the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: "Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment," which recently ended. It is also clear that young people are more open to the Gospel than adults. It must find its roots again in a truly Biblical approach to ministry. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ in the twenty-first century? Often to the uninitiated, different is equated with sinful, but culture has both sinful and amoral elements to it. An Overview: Youth are today's church! How can the Church reach out to people of other faiths, including Islam? As a baby boomer, the question I would like to ask todays youth: What is so bad about staying put? All rights reserved. Its all around us. It is this meaning and function that the church is rejecting, but unfortunately they have rejected the whole concept with their rejection of the way non-Christians use it. Joint appointments between churches, or between churches and youth agencies are strategic. For this program to have a lasting effect, an ecosystem around the youths work should be built. Am blessed and inspired! Menu. Lets not hang onto rationalism and modernism as if they are the world views that came with the Bible. Clem Sunter. Young people in the twenty-first century will know more and have access to vastly greater quantities of information than ever before. I still have eyes and ears, so I still am able to recognize what young Christians face today. In our society today, youth are seen in the streets abusing drugs while it has lead to the mental disability of many. They dont know the difference between a tenet from the Bible and a sonnet from Shakespeare. Communication among young people on the web is cultic in that it promotes only speaking to those who are similar to you. judith myers actress; The paper was a collaboration between Dr Sharlene Swartz (read her bio at LinkedIn or in her current position as HSRC researcher) and Dr Graeme Codrington. It means taking seriously the experiential and the cognitive not merely answering Its in the Bible and so its true but rather Its in the Bible because its true (and best and it works). It no longer even gets a hearing. Specifically, he believed physically moving away from ones tribe was a laceration to the social bodymoving leaves the communal body bleeding. Fantastic article! Furthermore, Christian principles and biblical lessons were taught in schools. Boomers sought relational breadth; [Generation 21] seek relational depthWhat emerges are two generations bonded by blood, but separated by emotion and expectation.. Required fields are marked *. In the black population group there was a steady growth from 27% in 1910 to 75% in 1980 and 77% in 1991. Physically moving often disrupts this whole process. Dr Jay Kesler, quoted in Dean Borgman. Downers Grove: IVP, 1995. As far as many of them are concerned, Christianity was a modernist experiment that has proved to fall short of answering some of the critical questions of postmodernity. At this stage the new convert isnt even sure of what his new family is like. A meal eaten alone is not a meal. As many adult baby boomers have learned from experience (although many still adhere to the American myth of individualism), it is not necessarily greener on the other side. Teens reaching other teens create an atmosphere of trust and affirmation that enables young people who might not otherwise hear a gospel message to hear, and relate, and find release18. These concepts have been adopted by the New Age Movement, and in conjunction with secular humanism have taken on a specific form and meaning. This discussion will help show that even though the challenges we face are different from back then, we still have pressing challenges to face and we need to be willing to overcome them by any means necessary. How does one live with non-Christian parents? The Truth is Stranger Than It Used To be: Biblical Truth in a Post Modern Age. Oh, there is another thing: I still have a Bible, which sheds divine light on the matters of life for young and old alike. Mike Regele. Research suggests that many formal mentoring relationships last less than a few months (Rhodes, 2002), and for the most at-risk youth, that time is even less (Grossman & Rhodes, 2002). They are in need of models, of examples in their life, not just words. The next question to be asked is: Do we say to new converts simply Love God and forget all else? No, because thats not the complete picture of Christian discipleship, but it is a great place to start. No-one continued to sing the hymns while getting drunk. Some scenarios are too frightening to contemplate. Being radically different means having a heart for God it doesnt mean being good enough or spiritual enough, according to anyone elses standards! And it is what we have to contend with. 1. We are seeing a surge in the cases of depression and other mental illnesses, which are mainly linked with high stress. Sacred Heart Major Seminary is a Christ-centered Catholic community of faith and higher learning committed to forming leaders who will proclaim the good news of Christ to the people of our time. An example going to movies and wearing make-up in the early part of the century were thought to be sinful, unchristian behaviour. This is largely due to over-reaction of many traditional Christians to new expressions of faith and culture. Never Mind the Millennium. For the past three years, I have worked as the Children's Director with a church that has experienced physical . We have grandparents who had a Christian belief, parents who have a memory of that belief, and now kids who have nothing2. 21. We have a pragmatic view of religion in our society that relegates our faith to the private sphere of personal values. The security measures of the school should be up to date in other to enable them carry out their activities effectively and they should always be present in schools and school sponsored events to ensure that the students are rid of their weapons and that they do not perpetrate any form of violence at the school functions. Matt Redman is the worship leader and Gerald Coates is a sponsor of the movement. Time has changed the pace at which we live life has accelerated terrifically. The church in South Africa needs to envision a youth ministry culture in which qualified men and women in significant numbers make a career out of youth ministry, either in the context of the local church or through para-church agencies (specialist service agencies). Although it is very difficult to find a simple, concise definition, it is characterised by freedom of choice, rejection of creeds, and a complete agnosticism with regards to truth. Parents on the other hand are being advised to always listen to their children and to pay attention to the changes they notice in them and address it immediately. It was a church norm. The expression you sound like a broken record means nothing to them. But we are not simply talking of money the churchs responsibility extends to issues such as environmental concern, community crisis response, disaster alleviation, justice, community law enforcement and a host of other issues that will require time and sacrifice. liquid modernity, a culture that does not value stability, maintaining traditions, or practicing rituals that express and create familial, social, and ecclesial identity. Quoted in the Natal Mercury, front page story, 5 August 1999. Walsh. This definition was endorsed by the United Nations Assembly in its resolution 36/28 of 1981. One important and difficult challenge youth confront today, therefore, is maintaining traditions, both familial and religious, which previous generations (especially the baby boomers) let slip through their fingers. Unintended consequences: teen pregnancy and abstinence campaigns, The role of women leaders in the local church. Disciplinary actions against school violence: The schools should set up a disciplinary measure which would see that defaulters of the rules of the school and students/ teachers who promote violence be punished. When Khumbaya is not Enough : A Practical Theology for Youth Ministry. They have veered more toward traditional, longer-term relationships. The Disillusioned Generation. April 27, 2020. The liquid society could easily be more solid if young people can find ways to resist individualism, especially in the form of physically moving away, and embrace the opportunity not only to stay attached to their family and parish, but to transform them into even more vibrant places of community, connectedness, reconciliation, worship and Christian service. Before then, they always return false. So why a crash course in postmodernism? My faith must stand questioning, but not having answers is OK. It must work. There were laws forbidding abortion, gambling, pornography, certain activities on a Sunday, etc. The call to return the ministry to the people is one that is consistently gaining volume at the end of this century. A focus on family education, the family as a little church. This is only truly found in relationship with God, and this is where it becomes a tricky balancing act19. Youth unemployment: As the name implies, it means the state where youths cannot find work to do in their communities or nation or there are no job placements available for the youths. Traditional denominations are losing members, on average 19% between 1980 and 1991. The fact that many Black churches, whose white counterparts would be very conservative, are mostly Pentecostal and Charismatic in practice although perhaps not in theology, is another. A church which has no input into the social life and welfare of the community is a church that is out of touch, and perceived to be out of touch, with the very people it claims to serve. Quoted by A. Allan Martin in The ABCs of Ministry to Generations X, Y, & Z, available on-line: http://www.tagnet.org/dvm/ABCs.html. For example we must help youth see that immoral behaviour hurts people it hurts their individual development and it hurts their relationships with others. The high incidence of abuse is well documented in South Africa. In particular, eat meals together, especially the Eucharist. The impact of social media in the lives of young people cannot be understated (#34). I love it. Therefore, anyone who it is in his power to affect the solutions should see that it is done in other to create positive change in the society. defining a youth (was challenging as many people had different opinions as to who a youth is), they could not be classified within a specific age range. Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC, is a Law Student and a Certified Mediator/Conciliator in Nigeria. The youth constantly looks up to the Church for directions, support and encouragement while the Church needs the Youth for continuity and effective movement. Youths are the fulcrum of society. We seek to find the self that God created and that secularisation, and modern philosophy has destroyed. The use of drugs is constantly promoted in movies and in music productions making it look appealing to the youths. Church was never meant to be a showcase for saints rather it is a hospital for hopeless sinners. Challenges Facing South African Baptist Youth Ministry in the 21st Century A Crash Course in Post Modernism It's all around us. CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY CHRISTIAN YOUTHS AND THE WAY OUT RESULT OF THE CHALLENGES: The Word of God warns that in the last days many professing believers in Christ will be "Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof" (2Tim.3:5). Such a culture requires a considerable infra-structure; and more importantly, such an infra-structure needs to be informed and influenced by thinkers whose ideas and writings maintain a sharp edge. The 1996 South African census21 shows that 34% of South African are under the age of 15. Since the outbreak of the pandemicmore than ever beforeinternet-mediated technology now defines how people engage for good or for ill. Lets at least, having learnt past painful lessons, allow room for Christ himself to transcend these cultures. 4. Specialist service agencies, existing solely for the purpose of pursuing youth evangelism objectives, are notoriously underfunded. For Generation 21 outward appearance is not going to be a measure of spirituality. There is no other institution or local community like the parish that has the message of mercy and reconciliation at its core. But the world has changed. These form of violence could happen anywhere ranging from the school environment, school sponsored events and outside the school premises. In postmodern ministry, the primary role of the pastor will look more like the one under the Apostolic paradigm. Physically moving only means starting all over again. The HSRC recently released findings that only 1 in 30 school leavers are likely to find employment in South Africa in 199913. Finally, the sense of self, so easily destroyed in Generation 21 must be restored. 1.Honouring your non-Christian parents: Having a hard time at home because of your faith? Petrol has always been sold 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Amongst other things a youth worker is a missionary, a pastor and a social worker20. They dont remember who Botha is neither Naas or PW. Do I have obligations to the family, community, or parish where I have spent my life up until this point? Both personal and corporate worship are going to change. It is currently estimated that 3 in every 4 American teenagers will experience family breakdown by the time they turn 21. Why do we do it then? All statistics of the United Nations is based on this definition. 18. Although the web has the potential to unite people across geographical distances, the web can also be a place of loneliness, manipulation, exploitation, and violence, up to the extreme case of the dark web. Young people are aware that risks are out there: the duplicity of technology, however, becomes evident when it leads to the development of certain vices. The Soul Survivor9 movement in the UK is a good example of this. Long hair doesnt have to become short and kempt; T-shirts dont have to transform into ties; studded ripped jeans surely dont have to metamorphose into smart Woolworths cotton trousers. What will happen to a generation that has become violence saturated? One of the clearest books on the issue is Greg Ogdens The New Reformation: Returning the Ministry to the People of God. So what does it mean? The youth are faced with so many challenges and difficulties that it almost makes it hard for them to function well in the society, some of these challenges are: 1. Creation of jobs and employment opportunities through a Market System: In providing solutions for unemployment in the society, a market system approach should be taken which would stand to address the root cause of the unemployment problem being encountered in the society, instead of the symptoms which it provides. And then once that culture has been penetrated and youth come to know Christ, lets not demand that young people lose their culture. Political and social issues: Irrespective of the fact that the youths make up the most population in a country, they are the most marginalized when it comes to politics and decision making. him I would miss him. Challenges and Lessons Learned from Mentoring. It was in one sense a return to the scholasticism of the thirteenth century but without a supreme deity as its anchor. Notice: Function is_feed was called incorrectly.Conditional query tags do not work before the query is run. It is a prophetic word for the next generation. But legislative bureaucracy and nervous banks have created a climate that is not suitable for this kind of development in South Africa. 11. Dr Jurgens Hendriks is chairman of the DRC mega-church research group, investigating the reasons that some 80 DRC churches have been able to successfully expand in size when the denomination itself declined significantly between 1985 and 1996. It turns out she thought is was part of Greek mythology. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. 7. Assign each student one of the issues and have them break it open with a semester-long research project or term paper than incorporates some possible responses to the questions. But it is not so today. More opportunities to participate the Political and social scene: The youths of today need real opportunities to function in the area of politics and contribute massively and practically to practical solutions. God has not called anyone to be wealthy at best he has called some to be big earners, so that they can be sacrificial big givers. The church as we know it cannot survive much longer. This research deals with how the youths are nurtured in the church, the activities and need of youth ministry, its scope and how it deals with the youths in a Christian way of life.. The Battle for a Generation: Capturing the Hearts of Our Youth. Research done by youth students at the Baptist Theological College, Randburg, indicates that as many as 75% of people who become Christians do so before the age of 18.

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