Engaging Young People in our Churches: Workshop

During the Synod 2022 Saturday afternoon session, there was a joint LYQ & M&M workshop about engaging with and retaining young people in our churches – an increasingly difficult task.

Delegates were told that if we listen carefully, young people are telling us how best to engage with them to grow in faith.

Taking time to listen to the voice of young people and being curious about their world and beliefs will help us grow in empathy and understanding. 

This will equip us to support them and help them grow strong in their faith.

Meaningful connections with peers and adults that nurture faith are vital. These connections flourish and have the most impact when they expand beyond our regular activities as a church. It is crucial that we create space and time for these connections in our congregational and personal lives.

A key part of a young person’s sense of belonging comes from how they are empowered to know, grow and use their gifts to not just serve the church and their world as it is now, but to explore new ways forward within a supportive community.

LCAQD churches have support and resources to help explore this further, including the Young Adult Report, the ministries of Lutheran Youth of Queensland and the Mission & Ministry Department and a four-week online workshop called “Vital Connections” starting in July.

Creating communities where young people are known and belong will result in creating spaces where young people will experience and hear the Gospel.  Relationship is the foundation of the Gospel.

Congregations are encouraged to contact Tom or one of the M&M team members about a six-month facilitated journey entitled ‘Growing Young’, to help explore how you can grow in ministry with young people.