Exploring the voices of children and youth: A plea for renewal in Church structures for Child and Youth Ministries

Authors

  • Jacques Walter Beukes Hugenote Kollege and University of Stellenbosch
  • Marichen Van der Westhuizen Hugenote Kollege and University of Stellenbosch

Keywords:

Children, Children Ministry, Children and Youth Ministry, Youth, Youth Ministry

Abstract

Various trends in Children and Youth Ministries indicate that the church is struggling to engage with and to serve children and youth effectively. This then impacts negatively on efforts to succeed in this strategic ministry. Considering the decreasing figures of church attendances amongst children and youth, it is proposed that the voices of these children and youth should be heard in an effort to find innovative ways to develop effective Children and Youth Ministry strategies that will address their unique needs. This article explores the experiences and perceptions of children and youth in the Presbytery of Wellington (URCSA) in an effort to think about new paradigms and new ways of doing in terms of serving children and youth.

Author Biographies

Jacques Walter Beukes, Hugenote Kollege and University of Stellenbosch

Lecturer, FET Assessor & FET Moderator Theology & Ministry; Student Chaplain and Programme Developer of Theology Courses at Hugenote Kollege, Wellington. 

Marichen Van der Westhuizen, Hugenote Kollege and University of Stellenbosch

Lecturer, Research Coordinator and Programme Developer at Hugenote Kollege, Wellington.

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Published

2017-08-03

How to Cite

Beukes, J. W., & Van der Westhuizen, M. (2017). Exploring the voices of children and youth: A plea for renewal in Church structures for Child and Youth Ministries. Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2(2). Retrieved from https://ojs.reformedjournals.co.za/index.php/stj/article/view/1296

Issue

Section

General Articles (articles from all theological disciplines)