Seminar 2: Youth Development Understanding the Youth

Seminar 2: Youth Development Understanding the Youth

INTRODUCTION The world of Youth Technology digital Virtual world Life style Life in different world We need to make journey in their world

OBJECTIVE OF THE SEMINARY Understanding Jesus example in regard to cultural accommodation Discovers the challenges faced by young people Understand the world in which youth live Know steps to be acquitted with youth environment.

DIFFERENT BRAINS « Teen brains aren't finished yet. » Abigail Baird Being a child Two Worlds Being an Adult

JESUS SHOWED THE WAY Jesus came down “Have this mind among yourselves, . Christ Jesus, who, . did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. . Philippians 2: 5-7:

JESUS SHOWED THE WAY (cont) Jesus mingled with people “And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.” Matthew 9:10-13

JESUS SHOWED THE WAY (cont) He won their confidence Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. Luke 15:2

EXAMPLE OF PAUL To gain people for Christ “To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law . To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God ). To the weak I became weak, . I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:20-23).

FROM THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY Use the method of Christ “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (Christian Service, p. 119).

FROM THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY (CONT) We need to save the youth The youth are objects of Satan's special attacks; and the manifestation of kindness, courtesy, tender sympathy, and love, will often work the salvation of those who are under the temptations of the evil one. (Pastoral Ministry, p. 275).

THE YOUTH ENVIRONMENT The social climate in which they are immersed affect : Their desires, Their needs, Their sensibilities, way of dressing, appearance, understanding of spiritual life. Identity in conformity to the world around them.

THE YOUTH ENVIRONMENT (cont) Environmental impact of the on the youth : They live in a world different from that of adults. They feel of not being taken in consideration by the church They isolating themselves They critique the programs, music etc.

SOURCES OF INFLUENCE ON THE YOUTH Train given Life at home Neighborhood Friends Teachers School mates School programs Comm unit y School TV Internets Social medias Play stations etc

THE DESIRE OF THE YOUTH A RESPONSE TO their moral, social, and spiritual needs. Our Young people are : 1. Seeking for recognition 2. Looking for adults with whom they can confidently communicate the realities of their lives 3. Looking for framework and opportunity in which they can say what they think without being punished

THE DESIRE OF THE YOUTH (cont) A RESPONSE TO their moral, social, and spiritual needs. d. Looking for new ways and innovations and seeking out leaders capable of bringing changes that take their opinions into account. e. Willing to defend their dear church her in their environment so far as the actions of the church are worth being proud of.

TWO STEPS TO FOLLOW Enter in youth culture Create a framework of Youth involvement

Organize Discussion meetings with them on facing problems Organize informal program and activities for youth. 1 5 2 ENTERING THE YOUTH UNIVERSE 4 Tolerate their language and behavior 3 Make space for Listening-based Dialogues Allow Expression of emotion and feeling

ENTERING THE YOUTH UNIVERSE (Cont) Young people, in general, are not interested in Remember hearing adults’ experiences of yesteryears. They yearn to see condescending adults and leaders this ready to understand and accept them in the context of their world. Leaders should identifying with the struggles and hopes of young people. If you listen to their stories, they may listen to yours, if you find relevant ones and learn to tell the stories “in their language.”

Create Experience where ideas of youth are accepted Let Youth lead Program in the church Create Free environment for Youth Encourage youth informal meetings 1 6 5 FRAMEWORK FOR YOUTH INVOLVEMENT 2 3 4 Create Intergenerational activities Organize forum for exchange and decision making by youth

Be like Jesus . If Jesus was able to come close to us in order to understand us in the context of our world, we can also do the same with our youth. Be compassionate in your dealings with youth Ask the Lord for wisdom and passion for youth work Remember the goal is to help them develop a close relationship with Christ.

Activities: Part 1 1. Two factors that most influence the youth of your church 2. The musical trend of the youth in your church 3. The value placed on the church by the youth 4. The leisure activities of the youth 5. Their favorite media 6. The influence that church leaders have on them 7. To whom they talk about their problems with confidence 8. The main complaints about the life of the church 9. The heroes they would like to resemble 10.Their understanding of Christian living

Activities: Part 2 Use the methods outlined above to get involved with the youth of your church for a quarter. During this time, find out how close you were in your original answers to the statements, without interrogating the youth. The aim is to crosscheck the depth of your knowledge vis-à-vis youth-adult relationships. If you were mostly correct with your Part 1 answers, congratulations!! If not, you know what you need to work on, and no doubt you have come much closer during the quarter of learning what your youth really think about and how they feel.