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Generation Change: Why Our Youth Leave


The church needs to wake up to the realization that the emerging generation is not just the so-called church of the future, it is the church right now. This generation of young, courageous, and bold Seventh-day Adventist Christians are redefining the very fabric of how we “do church” in our cities, communities, and country.

Like no generation before, our young people have access to limitless information. They live in a world where social media is redesigning the way people interact. They live in a world filled with innumerable ideas, belief systems, and ways of life. And while that world certainly does not answer their deep soul questions, all too often they fail to find relevant answers from their churches. In We Can Keep Them in the Church, Myrna Tetz and Gary Hopkins note the youth flight in Adventism and the graying of Adventism when they tell us that the average age in the local church back in 1965 was 35, and in 1995 an alarming 65.1

According to Thom and Sam Rainer’s research, the youth who leave the church “don’t completely depart from their faith. Rather, they part ways with the church.”2 Their study of 18-30-year-old adults in America who attended church regularly for at least one year during high school identified seven reasons why young people leave their churches:

  1. They want to take a break from church.
  2. They are turned off by judgmental attitudes and hypocrisy seen in the church.
  3. They have moved to another community.
  4. Their work responsibilities conflict with their church attendance.
  5. They have a busy social life.
  6. They are weary of church politics.
  7. Their attendance was based only on the desire to please others.

In a five-year research project headed by Barna Group president David Kinnaman, issues that challenge faith development among teens and young adults were identified. The resulting book, You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving Church… and Rethinking Faith, Kinnaman lists six reasons why “nearly three out of every five young Christians (59%) disconnect permanently or for an extended period of time from church life after age 15:”3

1. Churches often seem overprotective, making it difficult for them to connect with the world.

2. Teens’ and 20-somethings’ experience of Christianity is shallow. They say church is irrelevant to their daily lives, that there isn’t enough in-depth study of the Bible and a real/in-depth relationship/experience with God.

3. Churches come across as antagonistic to science. “Research shows that many science-minded young Christians are struggling to find ways of staying faithful to their beliefs and to their professional calling in science-related industries.”

4. Young Christians’ church experiences related to sexuality are often simplistic or judgmental. The modes of teaching that the church uses are not relevant to the sexual exposure and education young people have outside the church.

5. Young Christians wrestle with the exclusive nature of Christianity. “Younger Americans have been shaped by a culture that esteems open-mindedness, tolerance and acceptance.”

6. The church feels unfriendly to those who struggle with doubts.

   These are just a few of the reasons why this generation is slipping out the back door, and the research suggests that these young people are not likely to return later in life. Something, therefore, has to change in the way we do youth ministry. Something that will keep our young people connected with God and the church. Something more than a set of rules to feed their faith. Something that will anchor solid conviction and purpose in their beliefs.

   More than anything else, our youth need Jesus at the core of their lives. Since the Great Commission commands us to teach and make disciples, we have to ask the question: What are we doing to make true and passionate disciples among our young people?

Written by Sammy Reyes (photo), co-founder and creative director of Innovative Minds.  This article originally appeared on the NAD Ministerial website in September 2018.

 

CONFERENCE CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT A GLANCE

AUGUST

3: Mission Transform 242: Local AY take program to Children’s Home

3: Children Emphasis Day
5: ATFO: Adventist Track & Field Olympics
5: EMANCIPATION DAY
9 - 11: NCU Graduation
10 - 24: IASI Youth Mission Project
12 - 18: International Pathfinder Camporee, Oshkosh Wisconsin GC
17: Adventist Education Emphasis Day
21 - 24: IAD ASI Convention (Nassau)
24: Abuse Prevention Emphasis Day
30 - 31: Back to School Revival Joint
31: Youth Baptismal Sabbath

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ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES SERVICES NEEDED

The South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is seeking to contract the services of a landscaping company to take care of its grounds.

The South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is seeking to contract a professional painter to carry out works of the same kind on the Conference building.

 

All interested parties are asked to submit bids to the following email address: dforbes@sbcadventist.org.bs or you may drop it off at the office Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in care of Ms. Dawne Forbes. 

--Pastor Leonardo Rahming, Executive Secretary.

ATCU PUSH INITIATIVE

The prayer focus of The Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) for the week, July 28-August 3: Family Members Experiencing Communication Challenges.

ADVENTIST LAYMEN’S & SERVICES INDUSTRIES/ASI

 

SITES FOR REVIVING THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE CAMPAIGN

AUGUST 10 -17, 2019

It’s time to revive the spirit of service. Get involved in your sites. The method is PEOPLE TO PEOPLE. Jesus said go into all the world. People reach people.

NASSAU SITES:

  • Centreville and New Haven - Evangelist Dr. Gandalal Samlalsighn
  • Peardale, Ephesus, Agape, Message of Hope, New Englerston, Living Faith - Evangelist Philip Matthew (Dominica)
  • La Senda de la Vida - Evangelist Danny Morris Brumley (Costa Rica)
  • Grants Town and Johnson Park - Evangelist Dr. Henry Peters
  • New Providence and Real Harvest - Evangelist Edison Joseph
  • Maranatha, Philadelphia and Redemption - Evangelist Dr. Herman Ming
  • Bethel, Francophone, Ebenezer - TBA
  • Hillview, Bethany, Adelaide, Gambier - Evangelist Eugene Benjamin
  • Good News, Berea, Breath of Life - Evangelist Roger Alleyne (Trinidad and Tobago)

 

FAMILY ISLAND SITES:

Evangelist Ken Armstrong

Evangelist Orville Thomson

Local Speakers 

Gary Forbes - North Andros

Noel Browne - Acklins (tentative)

IAD - ASI CONVENTION

The ASI Convention for the Inter-American Division will be an unforgettable experience. Register now with your local ASI leader/ representative at your church. Convention begins August 21 - 24, 2019 at the Atlantis, Paradise Island. Persons from throughout the Inter-American Division will be there. You must plan now to be there too. Registration is ongoing. --Ms. Shandera Smith, Executive Secretary, A.S.I. 

 

 

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT

NEW TOWER UPDATE

The new tower for the official radio station of the South Bahamas Conference has been purchased and construction has begun. We will provide updates as we progress along. Thank you for your generous contributions and may God continue to bless you.

WORD SBC 88.3FM 

“Living By the Word of God”.

--Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, Communication Director.

 

CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT

 

August 11 – Visit to National Art Gallery

September 8 – CHAM Art Exhibition

September 14 & 15 – Child Preachers Workshop

For more information, please enquire from your local CHAM Leaders.

--Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, C.H.A.M Director.

VACATION BIBLE XPERIENCE SCHEDULE

IN JAMII KINGDOM

AUGUST 6 – 9, 2019

Gambier Church

--Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, C.H.A.M Director.

 

HEALTH MINISTRIES DEPARTMENTThank you

 

Health Pulpit Exchange

The Health Ministries Department would like to thank all of the persons who presented during the Health Pulpit Exchange last Sabbath under the theme, "Healing Begins with Hope". Let us continue to be hopeful, because Jesus is soon to come.

 

Youth Vegan Cookoff

A special thank you is extended to all of the individuals that participated in the Youth Vegan Cookoff. We are also grateful for the judges and coaches for their invaluable contributions. Thanks to the South Bahamas Conference, our sponsors and Bahamas Academy Secondary. Your support was greatly appreciated.

 

Free Fun Run/Walk - August 5, 2019

Movement is one of the best things you can do for yourself to keep well. Join us on August 5 for the quarterly ‘I Want To Live Healthy’ Fun/Run Walk at 6:30a.m.

Route: Arawak Cay to Goodman’s Bay for walkers and runners continue to the Melia Hotel & Resort. Free fruit and water will be available for all participants. T-shirts will also be available for a small donation. For further info call 3414021 or 3230610.

 

Basic Life Support and First Aid Certification

All persons interested in being certified or re-certified in Basic Life Support and/or First Aid on August 11, please call 323-0610 or 826-8486 (WhatsApp). This is for medical and non-medical persons - teachers, secretaries, pastors, lawyers, etc. Come and be certified so that you will be equipped to save a life! --Mrs. Nathelyn LaCroix, Health Ministries Director.

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WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT

Third Quarter “WE” (Women Empowerment)

Q3 Forecast:

July

28 – Philadelphia WM Legal Clinic Forum

August 2019

3- Hillview WM “Women in the Word” Bible Study AY Service

3 – Hillview GEMS Night Out

11 – WM Local Leaders Meeting @9:30 a.m. SBC Office

21 – SBC GEMS God in Shoes - “A Pillow and a Prayer” Community Outreach

24 – Abuse Prevention Emphasis Day

 

Warfare Wednesdays:  The Women’s Ministries Department extends an invitation to all women in the South Bahamas Conference to take a minute to “pause and pray” with us at 12:00 noon each Wednesday. This collective effort not only enrich our prayer lives but the results of these unified prayers are unmeasurable. You may contact your local leader for more information on this wonderful initiative.

Save the Date!:  Under the theme, “In Christ”, the Turks & Caicos Conference will be hosting the Atlantic Caribbean Union Women’s Retreat. This amazing retreat will convene at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa in Turks & Caicos on November 1-3, 2019 with guest speaker Janice Johnson-Browne. Kindly see your local leader for further details.

Please also note that no registration forms will be accepted after August 31, 2019.

Special Notes:  Registration is ongoing for the ATCU Retreat being held in South Caicos. Registration forms can be collected at the SBC Office from Mrs. Brooks and payments made to Mr. Dwight Brown. Please see your local Women’s Ministries Leader for any further information.

 

DONATION REQUEST

Used, But In Good Condition Devotionals

Kindly donate to your local Women’s Ministries Leader for distribution during our community outreach projects this year. --Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director.

 

YOUTH DEPARTMENT TIDBITS SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES:

Adventist Basketball League (ABL)

The finals of the ABL is this Saturday night at 8:30p.m at the H D Colburn Gym, Wulff Rd. Come & Support our youth!

 

Adventist Youth Awards (AYA):  The Adventist Youth (Buffet) Award Ceremony will be held at the Breezes Hotel, on Sunday December 15, 2019 at 6:00p.m. Tickets are available to all members at the ABNC or from Briel Jacques for the Early Bird Cost of $60.00 until October 1, 2019.

Late ticket purchase will be $80.00 after October 2, 2019.  Local Church Boards are asked to submit nominations for Awards by Monday September 30th, 2019.  The AYA will also recognize contribution of Leaders for the Pathfinders 70th Anniversary.

 

Adventist Track and Field Olympics (ATFO)

ATFO 2019 will be held on Sunday August 4, 2019 at 9: 00a.m, at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. Churches are asked to be in their colors!

Entry fee: Children (12 and under) $2.00 and Adults $4.00.

 

MONTHLY DIRECTOR´S MEETING:

Adventurer & Pathfinder Director´s Meeting will be held on Monday July 29, 2019 at

6: 30p.m, at the SBC Headquarters.

Quarterly reports are due on Monday July 29, 2019.

AY Leaders Meeting, Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 6:30pm, at the SBC Headquarters.

Quarterly reports are due on Tuesday, July 30, 2019!

Email all reports to:

youth@sbcadventist.org.bs

--Pastor Jamal Franklyn, Youth Director.

 

MEN’S MINISTRIES

Upcoming Events

Sunday, July 28, 2019 – Johnson Park Church men and young men fishing on the rock. Bacardi Road, as many as wish, come and join at 7:30p.m.

Sunday August 11, 2019 – Joint clean up and breakfast for the men and young men of our Conference at the Old Bahamas Academy at 6:30a.m.

Sunday August 18, 2019 - Men and Young men breakfast and clean up at BAMIVOCA, 6:30a.m.--Mr. Curtis Bryan, Men’s Ministries Coordinator.

 

MINISTERIAL DEPARTMENT ALERT

The Ministerial Department presents ALERT (Advance Leadership Evangelism & Retention Training), in conjunction with the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Evangelism Strategic Plan. Two weeks ago, the overall approach to soul winning in our Conference was launched at a mega rally, and churches were challenged to create a minimum of four streams or four paths by which we can spread the good news of salvation with others. Under the theme: Reaching Millennials - The Paradigm Shift,” the Ministerial Department will provide specialized training to show our members how to use a variety of evangelistic methods effectively. Guest presenters for the symposium will be Dr. Jessie Wilson, and Henoc Paulicin, along with local pastors and laymen from the South and North Bahamas Conferences. The date for ALERT is September 13-15, 2019, at the National Training Agency on Gladstone Road. The organizer for the event is Pastor T. Basil Sturrup.

MUSIC MINISTRIES

Are you between the ages 15 – 30 years old, and have the ability and love for singing? The Music Committee of the South Bahamas is looking for persons to be a part of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Youth Choir.

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

-- Sister Annette Dorsett, Music Coordinator, South Bahamas Conference.

PRAYER MINISTRIES JOINT PRAYER MEETINGS

All members are invited to participate in all of our joint prayer meetings for the reminder of the year. Please note that each service will be held at 6 o’clock in the morning with the exception of July which will be from 9 a.m. - 12 noon.

DATES

CHURCHES

August 4, 2019

Good News

September

Redemption

November 3-8, 2019 - Week of Prayer Early Morning Joint Meetings at 5:00 a.m.  each morning at the Grant’s Town.

– Pastor Leonardo Rahming, Prayer Coordinator.

vvv

BLESSED HOPE CHURCH SOUTH ANDROS

Church Building Project:  calling one and all! This summer Blessed Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church is in its building completion drive. South Androsians and its descendants are asking you to share the hope of Jesus by donating materials, or monetary gifts of any amount to this effort. Please contact us by email at: franstuart@hotmail.com.--Elder Lukanduh Gardiner.

CENTREVILLE CHURCH

The Centreville Church will be hosting a "Health Extravaganza" on Sunday July 28th. Part one will be a Fun Run Walk Ride for better health. And if that’s not enough, an aerobics session will be held after. Registration for this event will begin on the Sunday the 28th of July from 6:00a.m to 6:45a.m. in the church’s parking lot on 5th Terrace, in Centreville. The event will begin at 7:00a.m.

Part two of this event will be medical assessments for all from 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. also on the church grounds. Remember, ‘Your Health is Your Wealth". – Mr. Durward Bostwick, Health Department Leader.

 

Please Email Weekly Announcements

To: sbclogos@gmail.com

By Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.

Visit the Conference website:

http://southbahamasconference.org

 

CALL 341-4021

SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH

August 3, 2019 AT 7:53 P.M.