A paper
presentation by Elechi, Udochi Alegua at St. Michaels Ang. Church Imogu Ikwerre
Archdeaconry, Diocese of Ikwerre, on Wednesday 23rd Dec. 2015 by
10:00am prompt
Introduction:
The various issues surrounding youths are as old as humanity. However,
the issues facing youths in the 21st Century are far much different from issues
of youths in the yester centuries. The youths in the 21st Century Church, of
course, are not exempted from this dilemma. The dangerous phenomena that
characterise this 21st Century are far numerous. Globalization, overpopulation,
abortion, gay rights, poverty, disease, war and terrorism, global warming,
power in international relations, increasing popularity of digital formats for
entertainment media such as movies and music and the advancement of technology
are the major issues that characterise this 21st Century.
However, to say the affected category of people is mostly youths, is
never a gainsaying. The African Youth
Charter (AYC) defines “youth” as “every
person between the ages of 15 and 35 years”. Every Christian youth needs to
keep him or herself abreast of the current issues in the world and learn how to
tackle these using the Holy Bible as the standard. This is because these forces
and factors impinge upon, affect and shape the lives of young people in every
sphere of life.
The 21st Century Church and Her Youths:
The relationship between the Church and young people have been, and
probably will always be, a catalyst for disagreement and tension unless some
quite dramatic changes take place.
There is need for a positive willingness to face realities, re- order
priorities and implement change that will restore the glory of the church - salt of the earth and light of the world.
The church is actually in its last days as Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “But know this, that in the last days
perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of
money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful,
unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal,
despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather
than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from
such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV). The 21st Century Church and
her youths have been experiencing these
phenomena at an alarming rate like never before.
Youths and Technology
The world has changed. Time has changed, events have also changed – the pace at which we live life has
accelerated terrifically. Young people in the 21st century know
more and have access to vastly greater quantities of information than ever
before. They have lots more information at their finger tips than those
teaching them. Which means they are less
likely to accept authoritative and definitive answers.
Youths and Secularism
Christian youths live in a world which is now more pluralistic than ever
and the need to equip and enable them to live as those whose faith is
integrated and reflected in their everyday living is vital. The dangers of
dividing life into the secular [weekday] and the sacred [Sunday] must be
avoided. There is a real need to face the issue of culture, to effectively
contextualise the gospel, to understand the difference between Christian
tradition and Cultural traditionalism.
If the our young people in the church in this contemporary time will
live and have the ability to become catalysts for change in the world, and also
prepare for the next generation, the above obstacles must be overcome.
THREE
FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS OF THE 21ST CENTURY YOUTH:
1. To see good examples from adult Christians
Paul told the brethren in Philippi, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me,
these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9). Older
brethren owe it to the younger ones to set the same kind of example that Paul
did. As the same apostle instructed Titus, “in
all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works” (Titus 2:7), so
lives of older brethren ought to be an exemplary model for the youth. As youths
are taught God’s truth, older Christians ought to live it in their own lives
(Romans 2:21-23).
2. To be loved:
That is a basic human need at each stage and age of life. Youths
may never directly say, “Please love me,”
but, in fact, they have a tremendous need to be on the receiving end of agape
love – the kind of love that wants what is best for them. They need to know
that they really cared for. Youths deserve to be encouraged and complimented
for good efforts, serious zeal put in and for attaining certain heights. The
Church must be committed to telling them what they need to hear for their
personal and spiritual development. That includes discipline in two phases: first,
education about proper conduct in God’s sight, and second, when needed, a
word or action that warns or rebukes. Jesus
rebukes and chastens those whom He loves (Rev. 3:19). There are times when
youths need “tough love,” but it should be approached with respect and
compassion.
3. To be given opportunities to use and develop
their talents
Servants of the Lord, at every age level, have abilities. As the
Parable of the Talents shows us (Matthew 25:14-30), our Lord wants us to use
for His glory the abilities and blessings which He has placed in our hands.
Yes, He wants us to be faithful stewards (1 Corinthians 4:1).
Young saints
need to use and develop their talents. That takes time. It also takes
experience, but one cannot gain experience unless he/she is granted
opportunities. Like involving in visiting widows, performing tasks around the
church building, reaching out to members who have left their first love,
distributing literature, leading in divine worship, helping teach kids, and
many other aspects of the Kingdom. A lot of time should be taking to work with
them and train them. It will pay great dividends both now and in the future.
Having considered the needs of the youths of the 21st
Century, below are some panaceas for the plights of the Youths in the 21st
Century Church.
1. Harnessing
Technological Advancement for Youths’
Spiritual Growth and Development
Instead of mourning the past, the church should capture the present and
use it for the education in Christian values of young people according to the
tenor of the times. The Church should encourage her youths to creatively
harness Information technology via the internet.
2. Provision
of Qualitative Leadership by the Church
What do young people expect from the church as far as assuming any
leadership roles? My little experience in church affairs clearly reveals that
many churches are generally reluctant to seriously consider leadership
potential amongst the young or to develop ways of enabling youthful leadership
to emerge. It is impossible, and dangerous, to consider the spiritual in the
lives of young people and at the same time ignore what is happening to them in
terms of their development in other spheres of life (most especially their
gainful employment).
It is no exaggeration to state that ministering to the spiritual needs
of young people requires different styles and approaches as compared to those
used with children and adults. Effective youth work is no longer a soft option.
It demands more than one night a week. It requires a leadership which is free
from other church roles and commitments. It needs the precious commodity of
time - time to be there, time for relationships, time to be available and time
which is not slotted or programmed into an hour or two once a week.
3. Back to
Basic Christian Education
King Solomon, the richest, wealthiest and wisest man that ever lived
challenged the Israelite nation to “Train
a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it”-
(Prov. 22:6). It is not only the responsibility of parents to give such
discipline and training, but also the church. The church must educate,
train and prepare the young generation to carry on the burden of
leadership and management of nations and resources of the world.
How then can the church encourage its young people to stay close to God
and make a life-long commitment to Him by rendering obedience to the Gospel and
staying faithful in this decayed world? We must ensure that they receive a
steady diet of "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20: 27). We should
eschew the tendency seen so often in the world of "soft-pedalling"
on sin, and instead point out the many ways in which the lifestyle being
promoted to teenagers is in contradiction to God's Word.
4. Establishment
of Spiritual and Functional Youth Group
Young people should be encouraged to seek out the right kind of company.
The Bible tells us "Be not deceived:
evil communications corrupt good manners" (I Cor. 15: 33).
Sound spirituality must be encouraged amongst the youths. It is
absolutely vital that churches encourage and cherish an active and vibrant
youth group, whether it be a formally organised group or simply occasional
gatherings and outings. The time and effort expended on these should be
regarded as valuable and well-spent.
5. Providing
a Nurturing Environment
We must understand that discipleship is more than mentorship. Mentorship
is part of the process of discipleship. But it does not equate with it. The
word “discipleship” is the process by
which one learns or follows a Master with the purpose of becoming like Him.
A mentor and his/her mentee must remain Disciples of Christ. The role of the
mentor is to help and encourage his/her mentee to always make the right
decision.
We have heard and seen so many cases that even the mentor fall from the
grace because of ‘I have arrived’ syndrome. Both
the Mentor and his/her mentee must never graduate out of the school of
Discipleship. One who graduates from the school of discipleship ceases to
be the disciple of Christ. This is the reason discipleship is more than any
activity or program set up by any church. It is a life long journey. It is a
path that must be followed throughout one’s life. The youths of this generation
must be willing to follow the path.