Saturday, February 10, 2007

Chapter 4 - History of Youth Work (Singapore)











Incidential to Intentional to Integration

During the 1960s, the youth movement started in Singapore through the various youth ministries Youth For Christ, Campus Crusades, Navigators, etc. which were predominantly para-church organisations.

The church then, was not ready for such intense youth work. As such, many released their youth to serve in these para-church groups. Then came the 80s where we saw big churches rise up in our landscape. They were able to organize themselves and began their targeting of the campus and youth (typically Pre U and Sec Sch) ministries. Of course in this turbulent period, parachurches and church groups were caught on each other toes; both trying to figure out what was best for the Kingdom of God.

By the 90s most medium to big size churches are able to establish their own unique bland of youth work in campuses and schools. This trend of church formed groups causes the parachurch to redefine their roles and mission.

I was first converted and followed up in a parachurch organsiation in the 80s. I shifted to serve in a local church in the 90s till today. But I still have fond friendships with many parachurch groups because we “grew” up through the processs of change.

Through my teaching ministry as well as interaction, I saw many wonderful changes and growth in the church youth groups.

I have seen how we have moved from doing youth work incidentially (i.e. because we had to rather than we wanted to) to intentional youth work (i.e. we want to). It was an era of exciting growth in the 80s-90s, seeing churches rising up to own the discipling of their youth. Since then, the churches have matured in their views of youth work, from taking a glorified baby sitting role to intentional discipleship. Many youth leaders and pastors have come forth through this change.

Yet I am sensing and seeing a new trend is arising. I believe we are about to see youth work moving from not just being intentional but to an integrated formation. Integration would be a key word for the next lap. Youth work, in the 21st century, cannot be done apart from the rest of the church ministries. It, together with the rest, must be integrated to the total church.

I will liken this to a normal growth process of a child. When they are younger, they are taught to master one or two skills. But as they mature, they are expected to be able to do it intentionally. Then the day will come when they need to be multi-tasking.


This is not to be misunderstood as from a specialist (like a doctor) to become a general practitioner – that would be regressing. Instead it is like being able to be both a specialists as well as a CEO at the same time. Yes, it would mean more demands on the church as well as church pastors. But we need to be so to ensure that the total body (the church) would harness the full potential of the BODY and not every parts doing their own things.
It is challenging and I have not seen a fully functional type yet. But I know that would be the reality in the near future for any church and church youth group to thrive.

May God grant us wisdom to do so.

Monday, February 05, 2007

Chapter 3 : Youths - Leaders of Today!


Often we hear these slogans, “Youths are the Leaders of Tomorrow!”, “Youths hold the key to tomorrow!” etc.

They are true and right. But often inherent to these slogans, we assume that youth could only make meaningful contribution to the society when they grow up! i.e. they can only start to lead when they are older, wiser, more mature etc.

No wonder we see youths not being challenged to rise up at all; especially those in churches!

In schools, a 15-yr-old is expected to lead a uniform group (eg Co-Curriculum Activities), run projects, execute plans. They are not treated as a liability! They are treated as an individual who is able to contribute. They are expected to model, lead the way, be trustworthy and demonstrate responsibility.

Yet, in churches, they are meant to be seen not heard. They are expected only to receive and learn. In most situations there is nothing structured or intentionally designed to engage them with their PRESENT abilities. What a pity!

Youths are often looked down in churches.

However, 1 Tim 4:12 says, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."

Even in the days of Timothy, the “habit” of belittling youth existed. Paul challenged Tim NOT to allow such perceptions to limit him. Rather, Tim must, through his life, model as an example to all who believed.

Youths are the leaders TODAY! We should not wait till they are older to engage them in meaningful contribution or service. We need to learn how to tap into the potential and energy within them and stretch them towards maturity.

Yes. They are youthful, immature and easily influenced. There is a limit to how much they can do. Hence there is a need to give to them age-appropriate means to disciple and deploy them.

Youths are the leaders TODAY! We need to allow God to show us how best to engage the 13-16, 16-20, 20-25….

Personally I have seen many youths being “discipled and deployed”. And they delivered what were expected of them. I mentioned that was done in Schools Co-Curriculum activities. I have also seen such examples in Community Service as well.

What could we learn from these examples of engaging youths as leaders today?
I believe there are several principles that we can learn and adapt into our church discipling programs for the youths.

Principle of Environmental Factors - Authority and Discipline (Guidance)
I choose the start with authority and discipline because young people need to know that there is a clear boundary. Unfortunately many grow up without a proper boundary system in their lives. They are used to do what they want, when they want. Apart from existing family systems which are cracking in many homes (Christian families included), schools are also failing in setting good boundary system due to workload, etc.

Thus, there is a great and urgent need to establish such environments from the start. An environment where boundaries are set up to respect authority and instill discipline is necessary for proper learning and growing to take place.

Principle of Affirming Culture - Award and Recognition (Motivation)
Environmental factor (external) and culture (internal).
We need to develop a healthy affirming culture. Notice the word “healthy”. We need to be affirming but our affirmation MUST be healthy lest it becomes mere flattery.
In many circles where affirmation is commonly practiced, I have found them to be human flattery (too much usage of superlative) more than affirmation.

What then is healthy affirming culture?
Firstly we need to know the purpose of Affirmation. It is to endorse, highlight, confirm the positive. Thus there is a need to define what is the positive action, gesture, attitude, etc. A mere statement ie “you are great” means nothing! You need to describe the part which makes you think that the person is great ie “Your selfless giving to the poor is great! I am touched.”

Secondly, we need to promote such affirming action. Youths need to know what is acceptable and what is not. Thus, promoting affirming action done by them is in itself an affirming act. In the process, we are also communicating our values as demonstrated in their actions. Common activities would be “end of camp appreciation” for the youth leaders. We use such moments to highlight what they have done well.

Thirdly, we need to redefine our culture. As in all things good, even good affirmation can erode due to neglect or overuse. Thus the need to revisit and reshape our culture. Culture is defined as the way we do things as a result of our values.

Principle of Meaning and Passion (Motivation)
How do we get the youths to stay connected and committed?
We need to help them to draw meaning from their actions. All of humanity is looking for meaning in life. We are such because God has created us for meaningful passion. We are created for Him. Thus, showing them how the outcome of their action contributes to LOVE (God is love) would spur them on.

Principle of Youth Development (Knowledge, Skills and Values)
For effective discipleship and deployment, we need to ensure that our youths are given the right knowledge and skills (through exciting means). It is important to note that there must be relevance and use (this reinforces the principle of meaning and passion) for the knowledge and skills taught. The lesser the amount we use, immediately, the least the motivation to learn.

Recently, I was reminded that in some under developed countries, how youths were called upon to lead. Eg. a 15-yr-old daughter of a senior pastor preached powerfully to more than a 15,000 -strong crowd; an 18-yr-old lady in China could be leading more than 10,000 members in an underground churches.

What is my point?
Youths are the Leaders TODAY!
Engage THEM!

Email List


Include your email address in the comments section below and I will put you on my mailing list. You will receive an email from me each time I post a new chapter.


Cheers!
CSL

Stepping Stones 2007


I have taken some time to think through how I would like to write this online book. Below is a possible framework which I feel will allow me to adequately share my thoughts and experiences on Youth Leaders. I guess, you could take it as the content page of this online book!

While I will be following closely to this format, this is a work-in-progress and hence your feedback and sharing of experiences will add to this book in a very precious and valuable way. I hope those of you who read my posts will take some time to contribute your thoughts in the comments section. I would really love to hear from you. Along the way, if there is a particular topic that you would like me to share and write about, feel free to let me know. I will try to work it in or even dedicate one more chapter to it, if enough of you feel strongly about it.

Lastly, I must apologise if the Chapters do not get posted on a regular basis. While this is something that I am putting my heart and soul in, I also have other commitments at work, family, ministy etc. What I can do however, is to set up a mailing list for those of you would like to be updated when I post a new chapter. Click on Mailing List under the Categories column and post your email in the comments section. I will get back to you asap.

I hope my sharing will bless you indefinitely and spur you on in your journey as a christian Youth Worker/ Youth Leader in the ministry that God has led you to.

CONTENTS FOR STEPPING STONES

Intro
1 Why stepping stones;
2 Why youth work?
3 Youth – leaders of today!
4 History of Youth work – from incidental to intentional to integration

Youth workers
5 Youth worker is king-maker!
6 What really matters to the youth & youth development?
a. Research on adult leaders who has been impacted by youth ministry
b. Chronos study – why youth are where they are?
c. Felt needs and real needs
7 The challenging 20s, the restless 30s, the giving 40s, the covering of the 50/60s.
a. Challenging 20s; conflict of values

b. Restless 30s; esp upper 30s because of the need to exercise faith, experimenting ideas, exerting authority
c. Giving 40s; desire to give back to the next generation, need to create an environment for growth for the teens to 20s to 30s. guard the truth and provide foundation. Nurturing
d. Covering of the 50/60s; providing umbrella for the next generation to try new things

Encouraging
8 Parents and Youthworkers – parents connnect

The Bigger Picture
9 Evangelising Youth – a Singapore story
10 I HAVE A DREAM!