The Evangelical Alliance is commencing a new drive to bridge the gap between young people and theology. Launching a new web-based initiative entitled ‘essential’, the alliance is hoping that the new project will be able to act as a gateway to aid youth workers engage with young people more effectively with Biblical teaching.
The project director of essential, Phil Green commented, “So often young people tend to know the Christian viewpoint on social and ethical issues, but it appears that far fewer have a solid understanding of foundational Christian beliefs.“My experience has taught me that if you ask a young person what Christians think about abortion, euthanasia or sex before marriage, you get a fairly coherent answer. However, ask them why Jesus had to die on the cross or how we should speak to members of other faiths and many really struggle. essential will emphasise the uniqueness of Christ and inspire and equip young people to engage with the Bible and Christian belief.”
The new website for the project will see input being given by various Christian organisations focused on youth initiatives.
It is hoped that the new drive will fill any holes in existing resources, as well as raising awareness of the importance of theological education.
The Evangelical Alliance testifies that the through the initiative it hopes to “help young people get a good grasp on doctrine so they can share their strengthened faith with others.”
Phil Brown, 17, from Mendlesham Christian Fellowship, who wants to use essential, remarked, “We are often told that young people are the ones who are going to take the church forwards, the ones that are going to really make a difference in the world. But without being able to understand the guiding truth of the Bible it's all going to go wrong.”The essential website will also among other things, allow visitors to download quality course materials, study guides and book reviews, and access FAQs on difficult theological subjects.
David Hilborn, Head of Theology at the Evangelical Alliance said: “This project will encourage young people to see that theology is not just for academics and church leaders, but for everyone, including them. essential offers a fantastic opportunity to help them see that theology is highly practical and of utmost relevance to their faith.”
The Evangelical Alliance plans to showcase essential at various festivals, conferences and training events throughout the year, and the website is planned to launch at the end of July 2006.
For latest news on the new project please click HERE.
