There has been an increase in the longing for deep connections among young people, and churches all across the world are working hard to make that happen. While there may be a decline in youth church attendance, research shows that young adults’ need for genuine relationships within their communities remains strong.
Church attendance among young people is on the decline across all religions, according to studies undertaken by religious institutions and youth-focused groups. The influence of secular forces and modifications to religious traditions are typically blamed for this loss.
Despite this loss, young people have a great desire to build stronger ties within their local churches. A vital part of their religious journey is the sense of belonging, spiritual development, and support provided by these relationships.
According to Pastor Ron Genebago, the Adventist Youth Leader for the Southern Asia-Pacific region, “We have observed that young people are longing for relationships with others with whom they share the same interests.” Young people would want to feel like they belong to a family that cares about them and accepts them for who they are.
This is where Youth Alive! plays a significant role in reaching out to young people, especially in this region. Youth Alive is a discipleship program for youth and young adults that was developed via cross-departmental cooperation within the General Conference. Youth Alive focused on helping the youth become resilient against risky behaviors like addictions, suicide, premarital sex, or violence by encouraging and empowering them to make positive lifestyle decisions. The aim is to make youth feel safe to express their thoughts, feelings and also gain purpose in service. Confidentiality, openness, support, and acceptance are all hallmarks of a safe space found in the youth alive friendship groups. Rather than allowing put-downs, Youth Alive aims to build people up. The values upheld by today’s youth are those of RESPECT, HONOR, DIGNITY, INVOLVEMENT, and DEVELOPMENT.
It's not always easy to bridge the generational and cultural divides that might make communicating and connecting with one another difficult. It might be difficult for many youngsters to reach out to older adults or to keep up with the hectic pace of modern life.
The Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific (SSD) Region recognized the need of engaging the future generation and put into place a number of measures to build inviting and inclusive settings for young people. One of these is the Youth Alive! program. Motivating young people to get involved in their communities and form meaningful connections with others is a top priority.
The Youth Alive Facilitators Training was organized by SSD in collaboration with the General Conference Health Department on July 31 to August 6, 2023, at the Asia-Pacific International University Mission Health Promotion Center in Muak Lek, Thailand. The goal is to equip young volunteers, pastors, health coordinators, and youth leaders to facilitate engaging small youth groups (called youth alive friendship groups). These groups provide fun social activities and service projects that create safe spaces for young people to connect with one another, talk about their struggles and grow spiritually together.
Separation is the primary trigger for longing for a connection. Youth Alive has risen as a light of hope and empowerment in the face of the isolation and loneliness that may drive young people to become dependent on substances like alcohol, cigarettes, narcotics, or process addictions such as pornography, video games, and social media. Youth Alive's vision is a natural fit for the growing movement among Adventist youth calling for more involvement in ministry and service. The group is fighting the harmful practices that affect young people all around the world by cultivating partnerships that develop resilience against these risky behaviors. Youth Alive provides a safe haven for young people who are struggling with emotional pain by providing them with a community that encourages them to choose healthier lives while providing them with the tools they need to achieve their goals and full potential in Christ.
Associate Director of the Adventist World Church Health Department, Dr. Katia Garcia Reinert, shared that the program can be adapted to meet the needs of young people across Asia among cross-cultural communities. "We are harnessing every available means to encourage communities and create spaces where young people can connect, share their faith journeys, and inspire one another to grow spiritually,” Reinert said. “We can make a difference using youth alive to touch the lives of young people in search for meaning and purpose across unreached people groups,” she added.
In her role as Health Director for the Southern Asia-Pacific region, Dr. Lalaine Alfanoso stressed, "Our youth are deserving of the emotional connection that neither society nor their own families have been able to provide. God has given us the responsibility of shaping their personalities via our interactions with them, and of helping them develop their full potential. And we hope that Youth Alive can help them realize that.”
Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department