AYCF Resource of the Month

Here2Stay.org.au

 

 

There are two times in life when it seems many young people drop out of going to Church: the first is the early teen / tween years (11-14) and the other is the transition time between high school and uni or work (17-21).

 

The first of these times is a source of concern for churches across many denominations in many countries. In Australia, a substantial group of ministry leaders has come together to address the problem as directly as possible, and Here2Stay.org.au is the result.

 

Here2Stay is more than a program: it is a meta-strategy of "10 pillars": 10 areas of experience that churches need to be providing to children in order for it to be likely that children will stay in the church as teens, then as adults. As they say on the site, "Scripture presumes that faith formation occurs within intergenerational, familial and community settings. It is time to regain these priorities."

 

These 10 pillars are:

Anticipating, honouring and celebrating our ‘transitions’ and ‘rites of passage':

1. Anchors/Rites of Passage

Take the time to listen, to be encouraging, to be available, to be accepting.

Mentors and life coaches

A place where God meets you, stretches and inspires you … and transformation happens.

Peak experiences

Discipleship is about being intentional, relational and holistic in creating a culture of lifelong formation across the ages.

Generational connections

We are not mean to travel alone in this life … true friends are important!

Positive peer community

Model the compassion of Jesus in response to the needs of the world around us.

Respond with compassion

Be intentional about providing spaces to encounter Jesus …

Encounters with Jesus

Understanding the BIG STORY of the BIBLE is important in faith formation …

Big story of the Bible

Encourage the board spectrum of ages to be involved in mission …

Serve in mission

Families (households) are the primary faith communities for all ages …

Family/household nurture

 

Although I always tell churches that there is no way they will be able to do all ten every week, it is important to think about what your church is offering in each of these ten areas, and the website is full of practical suggestions gathered from people right across Australia.

 

Have a look at www.here2stay.org.au and see whether you agree that these are the ten areas where we need to provide young Christians with the spiritual experiences to help them develop maturity in Christ.

 

For more resources like this, visit www.AYCF.org.au.