CR05 Finding and keeping the next generation
Finding and keeping the next generation:
Prioritise and develop a youth ministry to enable every church to grow as a renewal and revitalisation strategy
PROPOSED MOTION
Submitted by: Botany Lutheran Church, Auckland
BE IT RESOLVED:
That youth ministry is a missional strategy to reach the youths, counter the decline of faith among them, and revive the church.
REASONS FOR THE MOTION
- Church revitalisation: Young people are our future and an essential part of church growth strategy. They are not the ‘church of someday’; they’re of the church today.
- Faith formation: More than 80% of Christians make a commitment to Christ when they are young. With that in mind, it is important that churches should be finding, investing and keeping young people.
- Gospel awakenings: God has often begun awakenings with school, college and university students. Young people are open to faith. While
census data confirms their decline in religious affiliations continues, their hunger for spirituality and practices are increasing. - Church attendance: Youth attendance at church is staggeringly low. On Sundays, many pews remain empty of youths.
- Passing on the faith: The most powerful influence on the faith lives of young adults and teenagers is the religious lives of their parents. Focusing on youths could also strengthen families.
- Mission field at doorsteps: There are about 100,000 international students studying in New Zealand. They are our next-door neighbours. Effectively, the mission field is literally at our doorsteps.
- An urgent call: The remit serves as a reminder why youth ministry is important to the Lutheran Church of New Zealand. When the church and congregations prioritise youth ministry, the young people will be able to both hear and see their value, role and place in the church. This call should be communicated to them regularly and reinforced with practical actions.
SUBMITTING BODY DETAILS
This has been approved by the authorised body at a duly held meeting and is confirmed as an accurate and complete version of the agreed proposal.
Submitted by David Pang, Chairperson
Date of meeting (online)where approved Tuesday, 22 April 2025
Name of submitting organisation Botany Lutheran Church
