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Some Facts
World population is approximately 6 billion
Over half are less than 25 years of age
19/20 people (95%) who make a decision to follow Jesus
do so before 25 years of age
After 25, only 1:10,000 accept Christ
Modernism
1750’s – scientific discovery caused man to doubt God’s
infallibility
Human problems can be solved through human reason
Post Modernism
Based on Sceptism
There are NO absolutes – everything is relative
“What I do and believe is up to me”
Subjective experience supercedes logic and objective facts
“I choose what I believe based on what makes me feel
comfortable and good”
Post Modernism
The nature of truth and God are relative, not absolute
“You have your God, I will have mine. Just don’t try and
convert me”
The Gospel
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me. If you
really knew me, you would know my Father as well”
Education
Evolutionary theory
Existentialism
- No fixed human nature or “essence”
- The Individual has to choose his/her being
- Those who do not choose but base their lives on “prearranged” moral or philosophical systems are “acting in bad faith”
Education
Existentialism
- God does not exist so there should be no pre defined human nature
- Human existence is based on “self consciousness”
- Self consciousness allows humans to define themselves
- Individuals create him/herself by making self directed choices
21st Century Youth
Changing Moral Foundation
“God is open to interpretation”. Beliefs negotiable
Interest in spirituality vs. religion and God
Changing Family Structure
45% of children will live in a single parent family
Isolation, Lack of Support
21st Century Youth
The Media is a Mentor
- Desensitisation
- Fantasy vs reality
- Images vs Logical thoughts. Opinion but WHY ?
Disillusioned and Sceptical
CASA (Centre for Addiction and Substance Abuse) survey of parental behaviour in children
NOT using drugs
Engaged in teen’s lives
Regular sit down meals together
Set curfews
Drugs are seen as dangerous and morally wrong
Youth Ministry
Influence of Parents / Family
Influence of Peers ?
- short termed, choice of dress / music / entertainment
- BUT only when parents are negligent do peers
exercise more influence than parents in choice of
beliefs and values.
Family
Strength of the relationship between parents and
teenagers fortifies teenagers to make wise choices
Teenagers from close families are least likely to be
involved in high risk behaviour
Am Fam Physician 2003
Youth Ministry
Must involve the family, involve parents in the nurturing of their children.
Programming may be family based, but does not replace age-specific youth programming.
Unrealistic to expect that all parents will be equipped and prepared to lead their children to Christian Maturity
There may be no parental interest
Power of the Extended Christian Family
Every teenager needs an extended family of Christian Adults
The Church should be the primary vehicle through which teenagers are exposed to Adults who make up the extended Family of Christ
Mentors and Role Models
Supportive to the role of parents, not as a substitute
Power of the Extended Christian Family
Hebrews 12:1
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
A community of believers who affirm and encourage growth in Christ
Extended Christian Family - Strategies
Prayer partner program
Mentoring
Small group ministry
Combats isolation, provides a sense of belonging
Cross generational friendships
Youth Ministry
It is NOT about numbers
Jesus spoke of his kingdom in terms of
Mustard Seed
Widow’s mite
Single lost sheep