Younger Christians

John Cleary (ABC Sunday Nights) interviewed some of the organisers of the Surrender conference, and there was some discussion about young people and the future of the church. There was a great quote from Viv Benjamin, when asked about how Surrender goes across 'denominational lines'

Those lines that you speak of - they're not so relevant for us as Christians today. The message is the heart of Jesus' call for us, and i don't think we need to add extra identities on top of that... particularly young Christians - we just want to know what it means to follow Jesus.

There might be something in that for denominations beating their chest about how great their denomination is.

There was also talk about church reluctance to connect with people who need Jesus.

The church is confronted with its being so separate for so long, that perhaps that engagement now may bring them the kind of challenge they're no longer prepared for.

And some disappointment was expressed with "the bubble" the church keeps young people in.

They (young people) are trying to find something real. They're trying to match the stories they've heard with the world. And they do match actually - if you read the gospels properly. But i think the church has made this world a little cushy. We like to know that we've got these 4 walls that protect us, and we can visit once a week, and we can sing pretty songs, and we can relieve our guilt by saying some prayers and giving some money.

[Link: Full Interview]