Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Jan/73

Contributor - Al Visser

Title - What is an acceptable and effective Youth Service?

Topic - Youth

The need or demand for Youth Services in our churches has, and is, rapidly growing. With the social demands of youth to be heard and listened to in their day to day environments, also came the feeling that church services catered largely to the "Older Generation". The young people of today feel that they have something to contribute to church life in general and church services in particular. The one problem that often arises to limit the contribution of youth is the lack of guidance and understanding of those with more knowledge and experience (i.e. the consistories youth leaders, and the mature adults, in general).

To answer the given question, we must first understand what 'a church service really is and what purposes it is intended to fulfill. In my opinion the primary purpose of a church service is a fellowship of believers joined together in the praising and glorification of God. This means that Christians are going to church primarily to give. The second purpose of church services can be summed up as the revitalization of Christians, with added knowledge to renew their strength for daily Christian living in a world of sin.

A Youth Service is to meet these same criteria. Youth Services should be organized and initiated, maybe in a different way, to meet these same objectives. When Youth Services were first introduced, the basic difference between a regular church service and a Youth Service was that young people were taking part in the established service. Young people would relieve the minister of such duties as scripture reading, leading a hymn sing or leading in a prayer. The young people even relieved the deacons of collecting the offering. The format and content of the service had not really changed, only the involvement of certain people had. In time the young people felt that more changes were necessary to make the services more "interesting". Guitars and other musical instruments along with a more modern type of music were introduced. The Youth Service has now developed further to a format of the above with personal testimonies put in for added effect. Sadly enough these ideas are mainly those of the youth which the older members of the congregations have, at times, relunctantly accepted. This does not mean that I disagree with the Youth Services as they are, but rather I disagree with the attitudes of people towards these services.

To have an effective Youth Service it is not necessary to do something new or different but rather to have a gathering where Christians can glorify God and learn more about Him. Youth Services are often geared for conversion or changing lives. We must remember that we can not convert people. We can give the facts or the knowledge, but it is only the Holy Spirit who can lead a person to acceptance of Jesus Christ. We must also remember that something new may be interesting but it may not serve the purpose.

To draw people into a church by a new gimmick serves no purpose, unless this gimmick is an effective method of Christian witness.

One of the most important parts of a Youth Service is planning. This does not mean that the young people simply sit down and figure out what they want to do. Before attempting to discuss a Youth Service, prayer is essential. Ask the young people and other organizers to pray, very sincerely, about the task ahead. Then sit down with the minister, youth leaders and a few other interested persons of the congregation, as well as young people and explore the possibilities. Don't be dissatisfied and discount ideas all because they aren't different. The key is presentation. To take an old idea and present it with new vigour often leads people to realize what they have been missing.

If the person or persons leading can show the love they themselves have for Jesus Christ in what they are presenting, you won't be disappointed.

One important consideration is to consider what type of people are attending the service. If the attendants are unchurched people a simple approach is necessary. If the attendants are primarily members of active young peoples' societies and have been exposed to church life the approach may have to be a little different with more emphasis on application of the Christian faith on daily living.

When deciding on a speaker or speakers careful attention must be given to the ability of the person or persons to reach those present. You need someone who can talk to the young people and who wouldn't preach at them. Someone who can inspire them to be involved in the service.

The last, but yet very important consideration is follow-up. Does your church offer active and educational programmes for its youth? Are strangers invited and made welcome? This is extremely important, and a small seed planted at a youth service must be nourished to allow it to grow to maturity and bring forth fruit. This follow-up should not come only from the young people to other young people. A Youth Service should also be of meaning and purpose to older people. Young people must also be willing to give and share with these people and conversely adults with young people.

The ingredients mentioned above are not really a detailed list of what makes up an effective Youth Service. An attempt has been made to portray the broad outlines and attitudes necessary. A particular type of Youth Service may be effective or seemingly effective in one instance while it may appear a complete flop another time. The thing to remember is that if the best possible attempt is made, God will bless. Be willing to listen to what God wants of you. Don't be afraid to spend a lot of time preparing and don't let the little seed that is planted whither away and die out. When we have done our best the question of acceptability becomes very minor, if the Youth Service is effective and serves the purposes set, God's glorification and the enriching of Christians' lives, it can be judged as being acceptable.

Organizing a Youth Service is not a problem, it is only one of the many blessings God gives us, for which we should be thankful.

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