Young Christians
Birmingham is Europe's youngest major city with under-25s being nearly 40% of the population and Gen Z, as they face huge pressures, are longing for things of substance.
As Steve Botham of Time4Brum puts it, ‘We have over 400 schools, 4 universities, a 'super diverse' population and all the excitement, innovation and energy associated with youth.’
Yet the pressures affecting children and young people are evident. The world of digital devices, social media, the ongoing effects of the Covid years, exam pressures, political agendas and gender confusion all impact young people’s mental health and wellbeing. For many inner-city young people there is the daily reality of knife crime, addiction, economic deprivation, lack of opportunity, racial injustice and dischenfranchisement. These issues are a very real challenge to politicians, church and youth leaders and parents.
In the recent census we have seen a sharp decline in those identifying as Christians. The UK is no longer a majority Christian country and the average age of churchgoers is 51. Fewer than four percent of 21 to 25-year-olds follow the faith, and the numbers of young people and young adults leaving the church have been at alarming levels for some time.
However, many have detected a growing interest in spiritual things among young people. This has been the experience of our BCM Youth Team at our after-school clubs – young people asking deep spiritual questions. It seems that perhaps a growing disillusion with materialism, failings in authority and the hopelessness of atheism mean that many young people are open to the claims of Jesus. To them the distinctiveness of Christ stands out. Gen Z are longing for things of substance, beauty, reliability, justice and community.
Youth leaders are reporting seeing a growing number of young people across the city and beyond with a deepening passion for Jesus. Organic prayer movements are being formed, led by young people. Younger generations are using their gifts in churches. Communities are being served practically by many teenagers, and young migrants are playing a key role in revitalising God’s church here. Other young people are just quietly getting on with standing firm for Jesus and being witnesses in their everyday school and home life.
Along with many organisations, churches and schools bringing new initiatives, events and resources to young people in our city, BCM’s Youth Team seeks to play its part in serving, supporting and enriching young people regardless of their social, religious or cultural background.
For 13 years now we have run an interdenominational youth event called 'Fulfil'. It is for both churched and unchurched young people, evangelsitic and to encourage young people in their faith. It is a night of entertainment, worship and hearing God's Word.
Young people from around 15 churches come. Our performers, speakers and musicians reflect the diversity of the city with their different stylistic, cultural, ethnic and social backgrounds. The event is valued particularly by smaller youth groups. One leader said, 'Fulfil provides an alternative and variety to the activities we can do as a small group with limited volunteers.'
Other youth group leaders added, 'Fulfil creates an important connection point of faith and fellowship for our young people' and ‘We love Fulfil because it's another environment in which our young people can hear the gospel, experience being part of something bigger and create memories together.’
As with all BCM projects we could not function without volunteers. We are so grateful to people who give up their time (or a week of sleep for camp!) to provide the staffing and skills needed to run the events well. Serving with BCM blesses the team, the young people and the volunteers themselves, and some of our volunteers are also young Christians.
Heather (pictured above) is a volunteer at Youth Camp. She said:
'I enjoy my role with the Youth Team because it allows me to see the joy on a young person's face, not only when they get to hear the good news of the Lord but also the joy of trying new things. It encourages my faith.
I have two highlights! My first is gorge walking, I love adventure and it was a joy to see how much the young people enjoyed it. My second is Bible study groups, it was so encouraging to hear all the amazing thoughts and questions everyone had. It really allowed me to think about my own faith and go deeper into things I've never thought of before.
I absolutely love working as part of the Youth Team. Being similar in age to the young people I sometimes I find it hard to be in charge, but I actually think it works really well as I feel I can relate to things they are going through.'
Kemi has volunteered at Fulfil and, for the first time, will be one of the guest performers at November's event! She said:
'I volunteer with the Youth Team as I love being a part of what God is doing in Birmingham, part of a movement that is making a difference to the lives of young people. I love working with young people as I see them as my little brothers and sisters. Since I am a young person myself, I know how difficult it can be to stand for God in our day and age with all the external pressures.
Being involved in an encouraging team and seeing BCM's heart for advancing the kingdom, and the effort they put into all their events, has challenged me to use my gifts and talents to add value and be a blessing to my community.'
If you would like to volunteer with BCM's Youth Team, or for your church to partner with John and the team in local secondary schools work, do get in touch at youthteam@birminghamcitymission.co.uk
John Platt, Youth Team Co-ordinator
