12. Latin America: Youth Ministry Strategy

By Ken Vissers

‘…one thing that is evident – regardless of cultural differences – is the need for solid Christian leadership for the growth of our ministries.’

I believe we have much to be thankful for in the growth of quality as well as quantity of our children’s ministry in Latin America. With a solid force of well trained volunteers, thousands of primary school children up to the age of twelve (grade 6) are being told about Jesus though bible teaching in the classroom. But what of those that continue onto secondary school? What do we have to offer them in terms of continued biblical education? A number of organisations are doing great work with post-secondary institutions, but there is a significant ministry gap in the crucial development stages of an adolescent 13-18 years. It is an age of continuous bombardment of conflicting philosophies and peer pressure, where critical decisions can define life’s direction. In a part of the world where half the population is an adolescent or younger, what is Scripture Union doing to meet the needs of this group?

Recognising the importance of this ministry need, a small team representing various SU movements in Latin America was formed to develop a framework for youth ministry in the region with the goal of training and equipping youth leadership and to provide the necessary tools, such as experiential education programmes and editorial material. Through an international youth leader’s forum, our goal is to assist national movements in the organisation and implementation of their youth/teen ministries. But first, we need to assess our current status. First step is the process of obtaining and analyzing data on youth ministry from the region through a questionnaire that was sent to all regional directors and others working with youth. What are our strengths, our weaknesses, and in what direction will this ministry develop? Of course the region is huge and the needs are as varied as the multiple cultures that represent this vast area. But one thing that is evident – regardless of cultural differences – is the need for solid Christian leadership for the growth of our ministries. And if we are to grow, it will be through the development and training of our young people, beginning with a dynamic and age appropriate ministry plan. This is how we can help the youth of our communities to make the right decision when the trials come.

Prayer Point: For God to continue to guide in the development of the youth ministry plan for Latin America