Anglican Youth Choir Mozambique

Gathering of the Saints

Diocesan Youth Co-ordinators, Workers and Chaplains will be gathering in Johannesburg from 27th to 29th June 2008. Please pray for this event. We will be dealing with :

1. God's vision for the Ministry to Young People across the Province and how we can unite the youth behind a common cause.
2. Finding ways we can be equipped and skilled to effectively deliver this ministry to God's glory.
3. Finding better ways of communication and conversation so that we can build deeper relationships and be able to support one another in Youth Ministry.

We invite you to comment and to add your own views. If there is anything you would like us to consider, please hit the "comment" button and key in your thoughts.

Thank you and God bless.

From Generation to Generation

Are we as adults doing enough to ensure that the next generation (of young people) are adequately prepared especially in the area of spirituality? Are we passing on our faith (from generation to generation - see Deut 6) ensuring a strong moral, ethical and Biblical foundation is laid?

What could we do better? What could we do more of? What should we start doing?

A church without a strong Youth component is a dying church

It is said that a church without a vibrant Youth component is a dying church. No prizes for those who agree. However, if we do not recognise the urgent need to develop and nurture the next generation of worshippers, we could be faced with a very empty church in the not-to-distant future (and some say that we already have parishes with very small numbers attending on a Sunday!).
Therefore, are our existing Church leadership equipped enough to build a younger congregation? Can an ordinary parish exist without a Youth Pastor? How important is it to have a full time Youth worker in every parish to help build the next generation of worshippers?
What should our priorities be in this regard?

WHO ARE THE YOUTH IN THE CHURCH?

If you could describe or define Youth as it pertains to Youth Ministry - who are we talking about? Are there clear criteria which defines the Youth? Do you have suggestions?
I have been amazed at the various opinions and perceptions of who the youth are and what they represent. One of the interesting observations is that some think that because you are not married, you would still qualify as "youth" (regardless of your age) and would be entitled to attend "normal" youth meetings and ministries.
Is age (or age groups) a defining criteria for describing youth or "categories" of youth? Are there any other criteria?
What do you say?