Meeting Plans

Many of the young people we work with, both churched and unchurched, will have an incorrect idea of what it means to be a Christian. However, in the midst of our packed programmes it is easy to forget to explain and discuss this fundamental part of our faith.

When a group of Secondary schools pupils were asked how they would define a Christian, their answers were very interesting (once they'd got past the socks and sandals stereotype!). Many said that a Christian was someone who attended Church – a common misconception. In fact, as Laurence J. Peter puts it, “Going to church doesn't make you any more a Christian than going to the garage makes you a car.”

Another answer was that having Christian parents (or at least, parents who had had you Christened) meant that you were also a Christian. Of course, we know that you cannot rely on the faith of your parents. E. Stanley Jones states categorically, “being born in a Christian home does not make you a Christian”. But there are many young people who have yet to realise that. It is particularly pertinent for 11-14 year olds from Christian homes. This age group are developing and asserting their own characters. As their youth leaders we need to help them realise that they need to be owning their own faith rather than relying on that of their parents.

Some of the young people felt that simply being born in the UK made a person a Christian. Others that it was a matter of living a good life and trying to help other people. A number of them defined Christians as people who follow the teachings of Jesus.

What was really noticeable was how almost all of the young people thought that being a Christian was about DOING something (being a good person or going to church) or BEING a certain type of person (i.e. Western or from a Christian family). The concept of being saved by grace was not mentioned at all. This secondary school was not remarkable in any way; the pupils were normal (or as normal as any other bunch of year 10's!!). I'm sure that many of the young people you and I work with would have similar misconceptions.  This leaves us with the exciting responsibility of explaining the Gospel to the young people.

We need to make sure that our young people understand that being a Christian is not about what we do or who we are – it's all about recognising and receiving what God has already done through Jesus. This ‘salvation' is unconditional and available to all.

Of course being saved by Jesus does not come without a cost. As disciples of Jesus, we want to please him and live in a way that Honours him. This is not a condition of salvation, but rather a response to it. It is important that our young people understand this.

This session is a great opportunity to challenge those stereotypes and misconceptions that surround the definition of a Christian and salvation. However, you'll probably find that you don't have enough time to cover everything in one go. Make sure you plan plenty of time to follow up any questions and queries your young people may have as they explore this most fundamental of issues.

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