It was encouraging to hear from Christina Edwards-Teope from Massey Community Church about the relational connections being made at their Junior Youth Group.
A group of young people aged from school years 6 to 10 (approx. 10-14yr olds) meet for fortnightly for fun, low key social events with an emphasis on community, belonging and being together.
Christina says, “playing games like mafia where kids have to look at each other and listen and work together builds community and belonging which is what they are looking for.”
Massey Community Church values intergenerational relationships and have been intentional in bringing this value to all aspects of church life. Christina and the team have invited people from the older generations to contribute to the Junior Youth Group by sharing faith stories from their own lives.
The team provide a guiding question for the year to help frame the stories. Questions might look like “How is following Jesus like finding treasure in a field?’ based on the parable in Matthew 13:44-46, or “How is following Jesus like building your house on a rock?” from Matthew 7:24-27. As stories are shared, connections between the generations are made and community flourishes.
The youth group has grown significantly over the last 18 months as the young people bring their friends to experience a group where they feel a sense of belonging and community.
By Julie McKinnon, CCCNZ Children and Family Ministries Enabler
