Youth Ministry
Nowadays, it is challenging and almost impossible to motivate high school students to participate actively in church life. Born and raised in a digital culture, today’s young people seek a different kind of truth outside of the Bible and Christian religious systems. According to some, this truth primarily revolves around their ability to participate in particular social networking systems.
The pressure of a secular, fast-paced society to “be always in touch and available” is greater than ever. Our children who are born and raised Orthodox are not spared from this pressure. Therefore, it is our obligation and goal to dispel all confusion and doubts that many young children might have about the world we live in, the church community in which we worship, and the social systems surrounding us.
The educational approach to youth ministry cannot include only the rhetoric about Christianity, nor just in-depth study of significant historical and biblical facts. Instead, it needs to include direct invitation, constant motivation, and good listening, hoping that these methods will produce active and voluntary participation in the saving ministry of Jesus Christ. In today’s world, motivating high school students to engage in the life of the Church actively is an increasingly formidable challenge. Growing up in a digital culture, today’s youth often seek a different truth beyond the confines of the Bible and traditional Christian teachings. For many, this truth is entwined with their participation in social networking platforms.
The relentless pressure of our fast-paced, secular society to “always be in touch and available” is more intense than ever. Our Orthodox children are not immune to this influence. Thus, we must address the confusion and doubts that young people may harbor about the world around them, the church community that nurtures their faith, and the social systems that impact their lives.
To effectively engage youth in ministry, our educational approach must transcend mere rhetoric about Christianity or superficial exploration of historical and biblical facts. It must actively involve direct invitations, sustained motivation, and genuine listening. These strategies will cultivate a sense of ownership and enthusiasm, inspiring young people to participate wholeheartedly in Jesus Christ’s transformational ministry.
Join our youth group today. We meet once a month for fellowship and discussions. For more information regarding the Youth Group, please call our church office at 219-322-3355.
