The Role of Youth in Mission
The Role of Youth in Mission
Guest Post by Steve Macdouell
As a youth pastor who is radically passionate about local and global mission, the dilemma of where youth fit into the equation is problematic. It is clear that the average–North American–21stcentury teenager is obtaining information at a rapid rate, whether it be through social media, television or the classroom. While this brings a whole host of negative problems, it provides youth with an understanding of global occurrences, events and needs. I have begun to see an intersection between what students know of the local and global problems and the tangible gospel of Christ. They are beginning to understand both the responsibility of being informed on injustice and the necessary response to such problems. I sincerely believe that the next generation has the capability to address the growing neglect of the poor in their churches and society. The problem occurs through the methods we use to include youth in some of the most vulnerable work in the world. Next Tuesday I will be speaking to the Jr. High ministry at North Park Community Church about the idea of service in the local realm. I will present them with two central questions that need to be addressed in order to channel their desire for helping those in need.
- Why local mission?
- How do we go about serving in our communities?
These two questions are a critical basis for both the church and the youth ministries that reside within them.
Why local mission?
- The first question is often difficult to address in a church culture that is increasingly enthusiastic about the global side of mission. It seems that mission in the context of local cities is not as appealing, necessary or fun. While this may be the perception, the grave need in our North American cities is growing with each passing day. It is absolutely imperative that students serve in a local capacity before even thinking about the global context. This may sound harsh, but it is a message that cannot be said enough. In a past experience, I sat down with a parent and her daughter. An opportunity presented itself for this young, high school aged youth to spend a month in Africa. Knowing that this was one of my passions, they asked me my opinion on whether or not she should go. I asked the young girl if she had any experience serving in the local church community and its local, missional endeavors. The answer was no. I proceeded to ask why she would want to serve in this capacity, amongst the poorest of the poor. Her response is becoming increasingly popular in the North American church. She said, “If I go to Africa, it will change who I am. It will make me more appreciative of what I have, causing me to become a better Christian.” While I could tell that she had great intentions, my response had to be done in grace. I suggested that before she thought about serving internationally, she should really begin locally. We live in a broken world that needs the love of Christ. Yet it is clear that there are different levels of vulnerability. The level of vulnerability for a child, living in absolute poverty, suffering from disease and malnutrition, is substantially higher than that of someone living in the inner city of Toronto. While I do not suggest that one is more important than the other, the needed response is different. This is precisely why local service is imperative for youth to become passionately involved in.
- How do we go about serving in our communities?
- Here are some great ways for youth to begin to participate in the local needs of your communities: Volunteering in community camps, soup kitchens, after school programs and local initiatives of the greater church population. With more experience in the local realm, youth will begin to understand that in the brokenness of this temporal world, everyone needs love. This love comes from a selfless understanding of mission. The challenge of this task begins in the family structure. Mother Teresa uniquely said, “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.” It is essential that parents encourage their kids to become involved in local service opportunities through family participation. At the end of the week, the hours of influence that parents have far outweighs those of a youth pastor. Service begins with a call to be selfless. This is the most important quality to instill into youth when thinking of any form of service. Begin with this central concept, and move outward to your local community.
- Steve MacDouell is the Sr. High Pastor at Grace Bible Chapel in Parkhill, ON. He currently studies at Huron College, specializing in History and Systematic Theology. Steve has had the opportunity to work in both the local and global context, spending time around North America and China.