It is so uncommon for young people to engage or even get near the circle of church groups nowadays. This does not only exist here in Sweden but it has become a worldwide trend.
There’s a possibility that this was actually the “not so good effects” of media, social networking sites and globalization, things which are actually related to secularization. Some would also point at misconceptions about church that the youth may see it as boring.
But there’s still hope, the Church can use several means to counteract with this worldwide phenomenon. One profound example would be the very typical Swedish Fika.
Fika is often described as light snack in between major meals but has more of a cultural and societal meaning of sitting down and relating with other people by sharing ideas, thoughts and good humor.
Good humor attracts young people to come into a group and that’s what they enjoy in every meeting.
Within a month of exposure in Västervik Forsamling, located at southern part of Sweden (Part of Linkoping Diocese), hope can be seen beaming and rising with the sight of young people gathering every Monday afternoon.
Aside from good humor, the young people also look forward to the weekly meetings due to the home feel and friendships they share with each other.
Fun is what they always share when coming together while playing games like mini-golf and bowling. Oftentimes, they share stories, insights and experiences which could help strengthen the bond between young people and the group, as a whole.
For the youth group leaders, it could not be hard to draw more youngsters into the circle because of the shared friendship. Yes, if the Church has been commanded to be fishers of the young, the best net to be used is friendship.
Aside from their own home and school, the Church can also be should serve as a home, an abode where they can express more of themselves.
In addition, another factor that could encourage young people to join the group is to do away with the boring matters, their usual perception about church.
Various activities scheduled in a weekly basis boost the young people’s interest to attend youth group meetings. Incorporating the importance of an active lifestyle, engagement in sports and physical activity are yet very helpful ways not only to develop young people but this is also a proof that a church group is not a boring organization.
Engaging the youth in activities like sports, canoeing, mini-golf, mountain climbing, hiking spree, treasure hunting and other fun games, where everyone can participate and enjoy enlivens the life of the youth group.
Young people would also love to share about their interests and join in adventures and being open to such suggestions make them feel welcome as with their opinions and thoughts.
Presenting the youth group as an interesting organization can be the most effective way to draw more young people into the church circle.
In this way, doing away with the boring things would make the young people think that church is beyond going to Mass and is more of building friendships, family, support, comfort zone and safe place for a young person to be nurtured in all aspects of human growth.
At the end of the gathering, the youth members were called at the upper room for the evening prayer. During that point, one can’t help but be moved while witnessing young people singing youthful hymns, lighting candles, praying and reflecting as they end the weekly routine.
Honestly, it was unexpected because they all had been having fun, talking, playing, running around but suddenly, there was time to be silent and for prayer.
Within those days of seeing the gatherings, there is that familial spirit clearly manifested in the way they are treating each other.
Though the group is not really that big but I see their faithfulness and it was good than having none at all. Again, there’s hope for the future with those young people in the church groups.
//Klein F. Emperado is one of the exchange students in the exchange programme ”Young in the World Wide Chuch” 2014. During three months he will be spending time in Sweden, sharing life, faith and every day life. Klein is a Mass Communications graduate from Silliman University, Dumaguete, Philippines and also he works as Editorial Assistant for the said university. In the exchange he represents the Philippine Independent Church/Iglesia Filipina Independiente. His line of ministry is focused mainly on Liturgy and Music for the Diocese of Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
// Klein F. Emperado är en av deltagarna i utbytesprogrammet Ung i den världsvida kyrkan 2014. Under tre månader delar han vardag, tro och liv med människor här i Sverige. Under sin första månad spenderar han tid i St Mikaels församling i Stockholms stift. Klein har tagit examen i masskommunikation vid Silliman University, Dumaguete, Filippinerna och han jobbar idag som redaktörsassistent för nämnda universitet. I utbytesprogrammet representerar han den Filippinska oberoende kyrkan (Iglesia Filipina Independiente). Hans stora intresse och inriktning innom kyrkan är främst liturgi och musik för stiftet i Negros Oriental och Siquijor.
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