As mainland China society’s rapid development, the youths are facing numerous changes and temptations, causing the churches to emphasize more on developing youth gospel and pastoral ministries. In the latest issue of China Horizon published by Christian Communications Inc., the main topic of analysis is “Youth Ministries in Mainland Churches.”
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The special topic said that although in recent years the contents and forms of mainland church gatherings have become more abundant, the youth ministries are still very few among the different church ministries. The definition for a youth ministries is that under the guidance of Christian faith, according to the youth’s heart and spiritual specialty, motivational needs, hobbies and likes, the co-work uses the biblical truth, theories of mental counseling, methods and techniques to help the youth make it through this special period.
The author assured that Christian faith can help youths find self-worth and position, helping children understand the meaning of life and satisfaction. Through youth ministry, the church can deeply understand the confusions and struggles that youths face, provide them with the proper value systems, views on life, create a safe and proper environment, guide and accompany youths to peacefully walk through this key stage of life.
However, the development of youth ministry also faces various challenges, and the author listed four of them:
1. Active Thinking, Complicated and Diverse Family Backgrounds
In the church, youths are active thinkers, have complicated and diverse family backgrounds, so the responsible co-worker not only needs to be passionate, patient, but also sensitive and caring. And it is important to make every event active and lively, strong in interaction, participation encouraged. “The church should become the youth’s ‘home’, giving them a feeling of peace and belonging.”
The author pointed out that the actual problems that youth ministries confronts are how to actively guide children who were from a Christian family to experience the realities and goodness of faith, how to bring those from a non-Christian background before Christian faith, how to deal with the numerous doubts and questions in faith.
2. Numerous Personalities Amplifies Shortage of Pastoral Counseling
Youths have many personalities, so it is best that the co-workers should have proper theological educational background and need to understand youth’s mentalities, be equipped with youth counseling experiences.
In particular, the author remind that in the process of interacting with youths there should be overflowing amount of care, guiding according to the situation, shouldn’t only focus on the mission objective, but should help youths develop personality, establish morals, expand their perspectives through ministries and biblical principles.
Moreover, when developing youth ministries there should be a broad kingdom perspective, and the purpose is to gain this person’s soul for Christ, even if he/she temporarily didn’t commit before you, but your words and actions will inadvertently instill and influence him/her, and it will unconsciously influence his/her understanding and realization towards Christian faith.
3. Lack of Resources Disclose the Weakness of Power of Continuation
