The Moderator of the Church’s National Youth Assembly tells Thomas Baldwin about the importance of the Year of Young People.

COVER

The Rt Rev Dr Derek Browning, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (left) with Robin Downie (right)

THE Moderator of the Church of Scotland’s National Youth Assembly (NYA) says it is ‘super important’ that the Church gets involved in the Year of Young People.

“It’s a chance for the church to recognise the work young people are doing, and have been doing for years and years,” says Robin Downie. “And to say we should be proud of young people.

“But also, it’s a chance to show nationally what the church does for young people. (For example I was in Taiwan last year for some years the Church of Scotland has been invited to send delegates to a youth event organised by the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan) and it’s not often you get those kinds of opportunities.”

Robin, who chaired last August’s Youth Assembly, says the gathering is ‘kind of like a family’, and is important for young people who may struggle as sometimes the only person their age in their own congregation.

“In terms of my own church back home in the Highlands, I have always felt very welcome there, and encouraged to get involved. I have that sense of belonging and being part of the church and a respected member.

“But I think (feeling isolated) is certainly a feeling that’s widespread, I think if you ask most young Christians it’s something they struggle with.

“NYA shows that it’s not just them: the Church of Scotland is still a large church, that there are still lots of young people.

They like to be part of something bigger, and to be able to meet up with people their own age to chat, drink coffee and worship together.”

Last year was Robin’s third NYA, having first gone in 2015 at the age of 19. He came to faith through a Christian friend at school, and was also encouraged by a local youth worker – “It’s not always through family, often I think it’s friendship evangelism.”

He says that what he would most like to see is young people in the Church of Scotland being encouraged to get involved in leadership roles. “I think if we see another young person being in a respected role, people will see that and will want to be involved.

“Young people want to have their voices heard. If we are going to tackle big issues like (the lack of young people in church) it will be led by young people, although we definitely need help from the older generations.”

He also says that many more of the Church’s young people would be interested in entering the eldership if they were encouraged, but that the word itself conjures up images of elderly people.

“One of our topics at NYA last year was leadership of the church, and one of the things we looked at was eldership. What was significant was there were a few elders (among the young people), but a huge amount more who wanted to become elders or at least to explore it. So I think that’s something young people would want to be involved in, although I think the word ‘eldership’ does put people off.”

But what about the increasing number of churches that simply have no young people at all? Robin says they should keep trying: “Create an event for young people, or go into a school or a youth club, or create a youth club. Try to experiment: even if it fails, it’s at least trying, it’s producing a statement saying ‘we want young people in church and we are proud to have young people in church’.

“But also get involved in national events. The NYA have got people who can come and take a service.

“I think sometimes it looks like churches are just for the older generation, and we want to turn that around and say church is for everyone, old and young.”

And the Year of Young People is an ideal opportunity: “It’s important, I think, to explore young people, to explore their gifts.

We have so many God-given talents, and it’s about showing what we can do: to show that there is a next generation, that the church does progress, that it doesn’t just diminish and die off.”

Robin says that he hopes to look back at the end of the year and see that the church ‘has really connected with young people, let everyone know what young people are doing, and had some really great events to show off what young people can do’.

“Making the most of these events is the big thing, and it’s a chance to show young people at the forefront. We are in a society that is challenging, but young people are still going forward, still doing great things, still overcoming their challenges.

“It’s making sure that we use this year, that we get them across in our churches so we can really look back on it and say ‘yes, young people are making a difference’.”

Year of Young People 2018 Prayer

Welcoming God,

You welcome all of us with your open arms. Inspire and guide us, that we may we never hinder your children from coming to you; and remember that we are all part of your family. Bring us together as a loving community for all, that we may learn from each other as we walk side by side in faith.

Loving God,

We pray for those that have come to know you, whether that relationship is new or if they have made a commitment to you and stepped out in faith; we pray that they would grow in grace and knowledge as they continue their walk with you. We pray for those far away from you. Meet them where they are and give them the courage and strength to make the right decisions, that they may come to know and experience your gracious love.

Caring and Compassionate God,

We pray and ask you to guide and protect children and young people from that which may restrict them on their journey in life and faith. We pray for the day when all children in the world can be just that: children. Be with them as they experience the dangers and injustices that are ever present in our world today.

Nurturing God,

We pray for all those who work with and support children and young people – for those of all ages who give their time, talents and love to create a place in churches and communities that can be the foundation of growth, confidence and a relationship with you.

Calling God,

You call us to follow, to serve, to welcome and to share. We come now to answer your call, to lift our minds and voices to you, and to thank and praise you for all the children and young people in our churches, communities, country and world. We ask that you would walk alongside them and give grant them courage, strength and wisdom as they face the challenges of life.

Guiding God,

As we travel through this Year of Young People and beyond, help us to come alongside children and young people to draw closer to you, to answer your call to follow, to serve, to welcome and to share together, through the Holy Spirit, We offer these prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.