Communications Assistant for the Archdiocese of Liverpool Steven Hughes reports…
For the second year running, the Churches Together in Merseyside Church Leaders invited denominational representatives to reflect on an area of concern. This year the topic of young people was chosen. The church leaders, their representatives and colleagues who work with young people then gathered for an ecumenical event on 21 January, during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The gathering was opened by Rev Phil Jump, Regional Minister for the North West Baptist Association and Chair of Churches Together in the Merseyside Region. He led everyone in the Nicene Creed. This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the first ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325.
Everyone attending was invited to share when they had first made a commitment to God. Each person said they had come to faith below the age of 26. This brought into even sharper focus the question “Where is the future church when we seem to have so few people under the age of 26 in the vast majority of congregations?”
Challenging questions
Three presentations were made by attendees:
Salvation Army Youth Worker, Alice Tonks, asked, “What are you prepared to sacrifice for the sake of engaging the under 26 generation?”
Children’s Worker in the Methodist Church, Mike Sutcliffe, asked “How can we help people under 26 to know that Jesus is their firm foundation?”
The final question came from, Esther Walters, an intern in the Baptist Church. She asked “What is the biggest barrier in the Church you see to engage with people under 26?”
These questions were discussed in small groups and then fed back in a plenary session.
Ecumenical Co-ordinator of Churches Together in the Merseyside Region Elisabeth Hachmoeller said: “It was such a privilege to be part of this gathering with youth workers who in each of their churches are engaged in sharing the fundamentals of Christianity with young people. Their work is so positive and spirit-led.” The connections made and the inter-denominational networking were key outcomes of the event.
Feedback after the event
Huyton Deanery Schools and Youth Worker, Rebecca Hooton, said: “I really hope that another gathering like this can take place again to continue these important discussions, opportunities to network and share stories and most importantly to pray for one another and for our young people.”
Youth and Children’s Ministry Team Leader at Carmel MarThoma Church, Asish Varghese, added: “Overall, I left the event feeling encouraged and uplifted.
“Spending the day together and listening to insightful inputs, sharing stories, and connecting with others, was a reminder of the strength that comes from unity in diversity. “It was a beautiful reminder of the power of prayer, dialogue, and mutual respect in our journey toward greater Christian unity.”