Youth Discipleship Program

The youth face many difficulties and challenges as they grow up, and these difficulties are even greater for Christians, particularly as there is a clash between traditional culture and the desire for youth to be modern. Unfortunately, there is very little support for the youth, with both the community and church generally offering criticism rather than constructive dialogue. Youth have many questions or issues they would like to ask, but feel they do not have the opportunity or freedom to do so.

It was decided the best way to support Christian youth would be to create a written discipleship programme, which would guide and instruct the youth on an ongoing basis and provide a forum for discussions and guidance on the real issues they face. This programme is geared toward providing continuing and lasting support to the youth.

The aim of the program is to assist the youth to deepen their commitment to Jesus Christ, and give appropriate and practical guidance on Christian living. The aim is to help youth understand Jesus' teaching, to then put what they have learned into practice, and at the same time encourage others to do the same. The emphasis is in helping the youth to have an owned faith, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ which impacts their lives; to read and understand the Bible, and to equip the youth to apply what they learn to their daily lives.

There are three main principles central to the programme.

1. The first is that the programme should be self-sufficient. The manual should include all relevant information (Bible quotes, etc.) so the youth can meet and study without the need of additional resources.
2. The second is that the meetings should be in a place where the youth an support one another. The group should become like a family, caring and looking after one another. It should be a 'safe place' where youth know they will find people that love and care for them.
3. The third is that the group members should be 'outward looking', sharing what they have learned with other youth. In order to promote this, the programme has a built in growth strategy, to help the youth to focus on evangelism and discipleship, obeying Jesus' last command:

   Go, then to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.

   (Matthew 28:19-20)

How The Programme Works

When one group finishes going through Book One, they split into two groups, each group of four recruiting four new members and go through Book One again. When they finish this time, the original group members reform together and begin Book Two while the recruits now recruit four new members, and go through Book One again, and so the cycle begins again. In this way,the "learner" learns the material and then becomes a "teacher", before moving on to another book. The aim is to encourage small intimate groups where the youth are free to share their questions and learn to support each other. Because the programme is written, it can be adopted easily throughout the diocese with a minimum of expense. The intention is to create three different versions of the manuals to cope with the divergence of educational opportunities of the youth.

The diocese is divided into six zones, and in each zone around six programme supervisors, called Ambassadors have been selected and are undergoing training. These Ambassadors help to support and monitor the groups, and together with our field staff help to ensure proper supervision of the groups.

Aims of the Programme

	To create a model of learning that encourages group participation and discussions, allowing all the youth in the group to work together
	To equip individuals to engage with the Bible, so they can better interpret its teaching, making the Bible relevant and a practical help for daily living.
	To encourage the youth to grow to spiritual maturity, allowing them to understand and live out their faith, equipping them to actively meet the needs of the community.
	To provide a time for the youth to come together to pray and support one another

Progress

We have produced 14 youth programmes which were aired on the local radio station. These programmes were warmly received and a second series is planned.

Past, Present and Future

With the Lord's help, the NWAS and FTA manuals will be a lasting and significant resource, which will practically and directly address the needs of the youth.

A series of workshops are planned, the first being 31 August - 2 September, 2006. A second workshop is planned in December, and another soon after that.