ITEMS OF INTEREST July 11, 2005 Issue

ITEMS OF INTEREST

with contributions from Glenda Luymes, Jeff Baenen, Linda Kulman

"To attract and keep young people interested in Christianity, local churches have started hiring youth pastors, adding drums and guitar to worship services, and changing the format of Sunday school completely.

"'Youth are the future,' says Mark Janzen, one of four youth pastors at Willingdon Church in Burnaby [British Columbia]. 'Christianity is always one generation from being extinct. We've got to reach young people on their level'. ...

"For about 600 young people each week, going to church now involves rocking worship music, followed by games and a Bible lesson that incorporates video clips and group discussion. 'It's about content and feel,' says Janzen. 'We want kids to have a relationship with God, but for them to be receptive, the feel has to be cool.' ...

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