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.