Youth Ministry
Over the past year, there have been many changes in the Youth Group.
We are once again beginning another period of transition and we ask
that you be in prayer for us as we seek the Lord's Will and begin
to accomplish it, in Jesus' name.
I will do my best to keep eveyone, youth and parents alike, informed
as to what is happening.
There are plans in the works
and I will do my best to give everyone as much notice as possible.
Again, please bear with us and pray for us as we grow into what God
has called us as a Youth Group to be and do.
I welcome any and all questions, comments, and suggestions. My
home phone isn't off-limits.Thank you for your support.
God Bless You,
Bob Boswell and Youth Sponsors
636-240-6774
|
FACTS
|
Teenagers Change Their Tune
One of the toughest things about kids is that just when you think
you understand them, they change. New research from the Barna Research
Group of Ventura, California suggests that the common wisdom about
teenagers is now passé: a whole new set of perspectives and behaviors
characterizes today's teens, showing significant departures from
the customs of teens as recent as five years ago.
Faith Commitments
One thing that has not changed much is the number of teens who have
an interest in faith. For more than a decade, teenagers have been
among the most spiritually interested individuals in the nation.
However, sensitivity to faith matters has not resulted in a boom
in Christian conversions. In fact, while more than three out of
five teenagers say they are spiritual, spiritual goals and life
outcomes are not among the top-rated goals they have established
for their future.
There is evidence that spirituality has been mainstreamed into teen
life without radically affecting the lifestyles and values of most
teens. For instance, in 1990 Barna found that 31% of teenagers were
born again Christians. In 2001, in spite of increased dialogue about
religious matters, a large majority of teens who cite spirituality
as a major consideration in life, and the highest levels of church
participation by teens during the past quarter century, the teenage
born again figure is virtually unchanged at 33%.
Taking matters a step further, the Barna statistics show that the
percentage of teens who are evangelicals - i.e., those who are not
only born again but also believe in the accuracy of the Bible, personal
responsibility to evangelize, believe in salvation by grace alone,
and possess orthodox biblical views on God, Jesus and Satan - have
declined from 10% in 1995 to just 4% today. This demise is attributable
to growing numbers of teenagers who accept moral relativism and
pluralistic theology as their faith foundation. This decline parallels
a similar drop among adults: 12% were evangelicals in 1994, but
just 5% fit the criteria today.
The Future Church
One aspect of Barna's research explored the types of churches that
are most appealing to young people. The study found that the church
factors that appeal to a young person depend upon their spiritual
inclinations. Teens who consider themselves to be Christian were
most interested in the church's internal culture, the depth of community
among congregants and the quality of the spiritual substance provided
by the church. In contrast, among teens that do not think of themselves
as Christian the most appealing facets are the presence of their
friends in the church, convenient location, the level of trust and
care evident among congregants, and service to the poor of the community.
Real Teens
"In a nutshell, Mosaics are looking for an authentic experience
with God and other people," explained George Barna as he presented
the research to a group of parents and educators who work with teens
in Los Angeles. "Teenagers patronize churches and other event-oriented
organizations because they are seeking a compelling experience that
is made complete and safe by the presence of people they know and
trust, and from whom they are willing to learn and take their cues.
Music and other ambient factors may attract them once or twice,
but those elements will not keep them coming back for more. There
has to be sufficient substance, quality, hope, and genuine mutual
concern and acceptance for them to return."
|
|