How can churches retain their youth? Especially when our buildings are closed and activities are not an option?
I have always believed that genuine connections and consistent interest in the youth produces the desired outcome. So as a new pastor to the Frankston and Springvale Spanish congregations, I wondered how that relationship could be formed.
I learnt that a number of young people were no longer attending church. Then came COVID-19, imposing the challenge of adaptation to the virtual world. After much prayer, we decided to try Zoom and, since April, we have been very consistent with our meetings online. The youth programme is simple consisting in an icebreaker, prayer and group discussions covering topics such as racial issues, relationships, world religions, Adventist beliefs, and mental health.
The meetings have been a success!
The young people are better engaged than before, and they feel comfortable to share in-depth thoughts and personal experiences. They have even started to invite non-Adventist friends to participate.
We have also been mentoring every participant in running the sessions, so they have each taken the responsibilities of organizing the entire programme. We even put together worship services for both churches. Older members are praising the Lord for seeing the young people back in then services.
We thank God for leading the growth of our young people. Though we look forward to being together physically, we believe these Zoom meetings have been a catalyst for a new chapter in the lives of the youth in our churches.
Jonathas Newlands,
Frankston and Springvale Spanish churches.
YOUTH TESTIMONIALS
“This year has been one to remember for everyone. For me personally, it is not because of the impact COVID-19 has had but the impact God has had in my life. When the churches closed their doors earlier this year, I thought it would be for a couple of months and never did I expect it to go for this long. I thought with the churches closed that the opportunities would be few to help grow and strengthen our Youth. However God is amazing and blessed the Frankston, Springvale Spanish and Western Spanish youth with an opportunity that has helped us feel his presence during these challenging time.
When the idea of having a youth meeting on Friday night was presented no one had any idea how it would turn out especially having three youth groups getting together. Again, God is amazing because the blessing I have personally received is incredible. The passion that some of the youth brought and the willingness to want to know more about Him has become contagious and has inspired me to want to have a deeper relationship with our creator. Having our Friday night meetings consistently means that I am less tempted to do other things that would take my focus away from Jesus. Who would’ve thought it would be possible to make new friends while being isolated in your home, but with God nothing is impossible!”
Ian Mercado
Frankston Church
“We always have a laugh have fun, and always learn new things though the discussions and talks Pr. Jonathas has with us”.
Daniel Moran,
Springvale Spanish
“I always thought 2020 was going to be an exciting year, until the pandemic hit and it wasn’t. Not being able to leave home, see family and friends or attend church on the Sabbath – I was feeling lost. But God made sure I wasn’t alone. Through our Friday night Youth Bible Studies on Zoom, I have learned more about God’s plans for us, His Commandments and what it means to be a disciple of Christ. While 2020 has not been an ideal year, God has helped me to overcome my anxieties and to face my fears head on. I find myself being more grateful and patient because I know God will always deliver.”
Geraldine Lam,
Frankston Church
“During our zoom youth meetings I like that we can break out into smaller groups and get deeper into our discussions from the Word. It’s fun when everyone shares about their own spiritual experience based on a bible text and helps me learn more about God.”
Cindy Orellana,
Springvale Spanish Church
“2020 Has been a tough year however I always look forward to meeting with my youth group and studying different topics from the Bible together. It is a place where we can all grow as Christians in our walk with God, holding up our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. God is working to do great things in our youth group, and it has been a true blessing to be a part of. I personally have grown stronger in my faith through it and know that being a part of such a strong group of believers has played a big part in my journey with Christ. Learning from each other and studying together I think we all get a better understanding of what God wants for our lives.”
Paul Salfate,
Springvale Spanish Church