Notes from a talk given by Ian Fry on ‘Youth work in the UK’ at the Capital Youthworks youthworker training morning, with input from other youth and children’s workers, and likely my take on what he said. He gave us three handouts, one was a 15 page paper (with 85 footnotes!) to take home and read, plus two single page handouts which formed the two parts to his talk. For more on this subject check out his talk from the Theology of Youth Ministry Conference.
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Part 1: An impressionistic overview of youth and children’s work in the UK
Based on his personal experience and observations. In my limited (compared to Ian’s) experience of youth ministry I’ve come across points 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9.
1. Concern for the outsider - specialist youth club approach which meets their social needs, separate from Christians with focus on fun and games (showing outsiders we’re normal because we know a Nintendo Wii is).
2. Youth and children’s work is a training ground for ‘real’ ministry. The notion of being in youth ministry for 10, 15, 30 years is not there. That’s not to say that this is not appropriate for some individuals.
3. Historically often done by parachurch (e.g. Crusaders (now Urban Saints), Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade, Campaigners, Scripture Union, Youth for Christ). Quality youth work done by evangelicals in 40s, 50s, 60s was done by parachurch organisations. Today they don’t have the influence they once had.
4. Church-based youth ministry has strong focus on fun element, with fear of losing those from Christian homes the driver. Pressure comes from Christian parents desperate that their kids don’t leave the church. Bible teaching is boring, they want games attitude! Parents are unable to face the fact that their kids aren’t regenerate.
5. Children’s work often largely reliant on females = functionally the case because often at same time as services making men not easy to recruit. Sunday School on the whole was implemented by women. The idea of removing males from the service to look after children is not there. The biggest drop off of boys is at age 10 and 11 which is no surprise as they don’t want to be taught by women.
6. The answer to the key question: “What is your vision for youth and children’s work?” is often discipleship but with little idea of what this looks like or it’s often numbers driven.
7. Parents either sidelined or encouraged to hand-over to the church a la schooling. The church is expected to bring them up spiritually.
8. Focuses. In conservative evangelical circles the focus is on correct understanding and information, and in charismatic evangelical circles the focus is on experience.
9. Isolation of children and young people from the rest of the church.
Part 2: What needs to be done?
Some suggestions of how to respond to this.
1. Acknowledge that God in His mercy uses perfections. This is a way of assessing areas where there is fruit even though it’s not theologically right. It’s also a relaxant for when I don’t get it right. God is generous in creation, redemption, and work in my life.
2. Get a proper vision. Psalm 78 is probably the best place to go. Give them a vision of a great God they can know and trust.
3. Focus on the heart when teaching. This is one area where we don’t get it quite right. Not saying don’t make them well informed, but also make sure you engage with the whole of the child’s life. Apply it to their week. Application can be both action and admiration.
4. Aim high/have confidence in God. Education says only teach what children are capable of understanding. Rather we want children to experience heart of praise to God which they see as adults worship God.
We’re not worried about children understanding the offside rule before we take them to see a football match. Don’t just think in terms of cognitive ability. Great truths about God is catching! Have confidence that as you proclaim the greatness of God they will get it!
5. Involve/equip/encourage/train parents to work in partnership. You are helping parents. Encourage parents to ask you what’s going on. Parents evenings when you tell them what you’re going to be teaching. Actively encourage parents to be involved in different ways.
6. Seek integration of children and young people into congregational life and corporate worship. Don’t do youth services as a way of doing this, which gets young people to perform.
7. Ministers need to teach regularly on this. Pastors and vicars need to be behind you and believe passionately that parents have the responsibility. If you are the only voice you won’t be heard.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I think you mean imperfections?
On pt 4, maybe we have had low expectations of kids and almost taught them to doubt by getting them to question whether or not they are really regenerate. On that basis I’d doubt I’m regenerate much of the time! :)