Gen Y Forum Concludes

a Biblical thought...
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace. (Micah 5:4-5)

a Book thought...
The children will become your good friends more and more as they get older, if you are close to them. (p124)
a Dave thought...
After 3 days of discussion at the Gen Y Forum is was good to be able to suggest some new ways forward to the Program Secretaries Lieut-Colonels Ian & Marilyn Hamilton. We began our final presentation with Rowan Castle presenting a 'Gen Y Theology'.

1. Vertical to Horizontal - how it is not a matter of whether you are going to heaven or hell but rather what you do while you are on this earth.
2. Worship to Imitation - rather than worship being the main thing it is now imitating the way Jesus lived on this earth that really counts.
3. Paul to Gospels - where Paul's letters have had a lot of attention in regard to how we should live and conduct Christian lives the move is to the gospels and how Jesus lives in this world.
4. Morality to Activism - it is not about living a perfect holy life but rather a life that is proactive out in the world and makes a difference.
5. Heritage to Customised Traditions - wanting to know the past but taking only the parts of that heritage that are relevant forward.
6. Information to Formation - rather than just being fed information on discipleship and reading scriptures or books there is a need to learn as you do.
7. Linear routine to weekly mosaic - life doesn't fit into an ice cube tray any longer with work, leisure and church nicely separated but rather life is more like a bowl of spaghetti.
8. Post-Christian to Post-Secular - no longer does this generation ask whether someone attends church as the world is increasingly secular with most people never entering a church.

We concluded the day with recommendations under the these six headings..
1. Structure
2. Mission
3. Training
4. Youth Workers
5. Corps
6. Resources

Like many forums and strategies that are developed I believe the real fruit of this time together will be seen in our movement in the years ahead.

Just a thought.