Encounter
Encounter was a cell group for our older teenagers. Over the previous years, attendance had steadily declined. As of 2009’s AGM we had a core group of four members. Of those four, one child has since stopped attending church at Bristo, and of the remaining three we would usually see only two at the most on any given Sunday evening. When Encounter took a break over the Summer holidays, it was decided in dialogue with these three that we would not resume the group in the autumn. It was not an easy decision - Encounter was an enjoyable and positive group - but we agreed that it had run its course. Each of those remaining teenagers, Adam, Lena and Richard, are committed to attendance and participation in the life of the Church. Richard now attends the Tuesday evening Cell group and the new ‘Journey’ course.
‘Journey’ for Teens
‘Journey’ is a catechetical course written by our Pastor, Jim Purves, for people who are looking to find out what it means to walk in the way of Jesus Christ. It explores such questions as “why are we here?”, “what gives life meaning?”, “what is baptism about?” and “is church membership important?” I have been developing these materials for use with our teenagers. This has been catalysed by Tafadzwa, a young man with a strong desire to be baptised and Richard, who is in the process of seeking God’s will for his life. It has been a pleasure to meet with these young men to study the bible, discuss the big questions of life and faith and pray together.
Café Church
Last December we embarked upon a joint initiative with the youth of Granton Baptist Church. ‘TFT’ Café Church meets on ‘The First Thursday’ of every month in Costa Coffee in Stockbridge. There young people between the ages of 14 to 25 years of age, discuss relevant topics from Christian point of view. It is intended as a space for young people to invite their non-Christian friends to, especially those who would not go near a church building. Of particular benefit to our group is the opportunity to meet Christians from another church and background. Attendance was low at first and has grown in increments. Tanya and Richard have been regular participants, while many of the teens from the IT club have started coming.
When asked what he thought of Café Church, Richard said that he likes mixing with people from other churches as well those who don’t go to any church, the discussion and of course, the hot chocolate!
Please pray that the teens from IT club would attend more regularly and invite other non-Christians.
Matt Baines
