Christian Youth Work: More Than Just Bible Studies

Churches have struggled to attract young people in the UK for countless years, but unfortunately remained static. According to Young People Now magazine, Christian youth work is no longer just about Bible studies anymore.

|TOP|After attending a Christian rock festival and camping weekend with Youth for Christ three years ago, David Metcalfe, 19, was changed.

"At first I thought they were Bible-bashers and talking rubbish, but I gradually realised that they were doing what they did because they cared - it wasn't just a job," said Metcalfe.

He was so inspired by the group that he has become a youth worker in a Bradford learning support unit. "I probably would have ended up involved in crime and doing drugs if I hadn't got involved with Youth for Christ," he admits.

Youth for Christ reported that about 225,000 young people from across the UK attend its projects each month, despite the fact that monthly church attendance has largely remained static at 1.7 million people.

Phil Hulks, activities director at Christian youth organisation Crusaders, believes the Church has become less connected to youth culture, but says a new focus on spirituality means many are interested in exploring faith if it's presented in a way that they can connect with and understand.

"You can't just go and preach at people and expect them to change their world view," explains Hulks. "It's about doing good deeds rather than just preaching about them."

|AD|Simon Hill, youth worker at St Saviours Youth Project in Bournemouth, believes there's a significant difference between Christian and non-Christian youth work that is apparent in its approach. "Unlike secular groups, there's a spiritual dimension to our work and our opinions are sometimes different - we look at relationships from a Biblical perspective and don't believe in sex outside marriage, which young people often want to talk about," he says.

"Young people are quite willing to talk about religion," says Hill. "They're usually respectful and curious - some are surprised I even go to the pub, so we talk about that."

In February, The Church of England unveiled plans for a new initiative to spread Christianity to rappers, nightclubs and the “hoodies” of the shopping arcades.

The new form of priest called, “pioneering ministers” are part of the “Fresh Expressions” initiative, which has been backed by the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury.

The new ministers received special training before ordination, preparing them for their mission field- not the traditional parish church, but the housing estates, skateboard parks, pubs and cafes.