Where have all the young people gone?
by Bishop John E. Privett
I am writing this after returning from two meetings in London, Ontario. The first was the initial meeting of the Youth Initiatives Task Force of General Synod, and the second was the Board of Ask and Imagine, a youth leadership program jointly sponsored by Huron Theological College and the Anglican Church of Canada. Both were inspired by people of faith, energy and a deep concern for young people in our Church. I want to share three things about the meetings with you.
Firstly, there are many signs of wonderful ministry with, by and for young people in our Church. From stories of creative confirmation classes, to the traditional youth group, to new ventures in meeting young people in after school gatherings and through innovative websites. We are gearing up for another year of summer ministry at Camp Owaissi. Every summer about 200 children and youth participate in our summer programs on Lake Okanagan. Sorrento Centre has for many years been a welcoming place for young people. Although we can become discouraged by the absence of young people in our churches, there are many places where there are inspired and inspiring young people actively participating in the worship of God and in Christ’s mission in the world.
Secondly, there is a concerted effort by some in our church to develop and encourage youth ministry. The Youth Initiatives Task Force is looking at the training of youth leaders for the church and encouraging parishes and dioceses to work together to support ministries to and with young people. It is likely that the task force will meet in Kelowna in September. In the 9 years it has been operating, nearly 200 young people have participated in the Ask and Imagine program which is an intensive, passionate engagement with the faith and life of young people. Today many of those same young people are giving leadership in their home parishes, serving on Diocesan and National Committees, or are enrolled in seminary. There will be a program for young people in Grades 9 -12 held this coming August and a program for young adults in May of 2009 (For more information go to www.askandimagine.org). If you know of young people who might be interested in attending from our diocese, please encourage them. I would love to hear from them. Generation 2008 is a national conference for youth leaders from throughout Canada. This conference will focus on the support and education of brand new, as well as seasoned, youth leaders and the development of a support network for youth leaders. It will be held in June in London, Ontario and 6 people from our diocese will be in attendance.
Thirdly, I was reminded again that youth ministry does not necessarily mean youth group. Many of our congregations are small and the numbers of young people also small. Nevertheless, youth can be encouraged to share in the life of the whole church through their participation in worship, in outreach, and a place made for young people in our social events. I found myself startled when a young person said, “We need pastoral care as much as seniors! We need people to know our names, hear our struggles and share our stresses. If I am not recognized or pastoral care not offered when I am healthy and alive, I certainly won’t want someone coming to see me when I am sick or dying!” That is a challenging but honest statement that helped me recognize again that youth ministry is much bigger than “a program for the young people” or a way of “keeping young people in the church”.
In my view, young people are a vitally important part of the life of the church now and have many gifts for God’s work in the world. They also have needs for care, support and for a faith that makes a difference in their lives and in the world. May our vision of the church include youth and create room for their presence in our midst.
Faithfully, +John
