1. Our Future

2. Some Facts World population is approximately 6 billion Over half are less than 25 years of age 19/20 people (95%) who make a decision to follow Jesus do so before 25 years of age After 25, only 1:10,000 accept Christ

3. Modernism 1750’s – scientific discovery caused man to doubt God’s infallibility Human problems can be solved through human reason

4. Post Modernism Based on Sceptism There are NO absolutes – everything is relative “What I do and believe is up to me” Subjective experience supercedes logic and objective facts “I choose what I believe based on what makes me feel comfortable and good”

5. Post Modernism The nature of truth and God are relative, not absolute “You have your God, I will have mine. Just don’t try and convert me”

6. The Gospel John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well”

7. Education Evolutionary theory Existentialism - No fixed human nature or “essence” - The Individual has to choose his/her being - Those who do not choose but base their lives on “prearranged” moral or philosophical systems are “acting in bad faith”

8. Education Existentialism - God does not exist so there should be no pre defined human nature - Human existence is based on “self consciousness” - Self consciousness allows humans to define themselves - Individuals create him/herself by making self directed choices

9. 21 st Century Youth Changing Moral Foundation “God is open to interpretation”. Beliefs negotiable Interest in spirituality vs. religion and God Changing Family Structure 45% of children will live in a single parent family Isolation, Lack of Support

10. 21 st Century Youth The Media is a Mentor - Desensitisation - Fantasy vs reality - Images vs Logical thoughts. Opinion but WHY ? Disillusioned and Sceptical

11. 21 st Century Youth Desires Instant Gratification - The “now” is the main focus

12. Youth Ministry Where do we start ?

13. Youth Ministry Must start at Home

14. CASA (Centre for Addiction and Substance Abuse) survey of parental behaviour in children NOT using drugs Engaged in teen’s lives Regular sit down meals together Set curfews Drugs are seen as dangerous and morally wrong

15. Youth Ministry Influence of Parents / Family Influence of Peers ? - short termed, choice of dress / music / entertainment - BUT only when parents are negligent do peers exercise more influence than parents in choice of beliefs and values.

16. Family Strength of the relationship between parents and teenagers fortifies teenagers to make wise choices Teenagers from close families are least likely to be involved in high risk behaviour Am Fam Physician 2003

17. Youth Ministry Must involve the family, involve parents in the nurturing of their children. Programming may be family based, but does not replace age-specific youth programming. Unrealistic to expect that all parents will be equipped and prepared to lead their children to Christian Maturity There may be no parental interest

18. Power of the Extended Christian Family Every teenager needs an extended family of Christian Adults The Church should be the primary vehicle through which teenagers are exposed to Adults who make up the extended Family of Christ Mentors and Role Models Supportive to the role of parents, not as a substitute

19. Power of the Extended Christian Family Hebrews 12:1 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. A community of believers who affirm and encourage growth in Christ

20. Extended Christian Family - Strategies Prayer partner program Mentoring Small group ministry Combats isolation, provides a sense of belonging Cross generational friendships

21. Youth Ministry It is NOT about numbers Jesus spoke of his kingdom in terms of Mustard Seed Widow’s mite Single lost sheep

22. Existentialism What is the purpose of our lives ? “The Purpose Driven Life” Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.