There are 4.58 million youth between the ages of 15 and 24 in Canada. This equates to 13% of the population (Stats Can, 2020). In 2020, 381,156 students graduated from high schools in Canada. They live in rural, suburban, and urban centres, and from many different economic, family, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Yet, they share many mutual characteristics. As 'digital natives', youth are increasingly connected through technology and desire relevant, transparent conversations on a wide range of topics. They are 'info grazers', as social media platforms continue to change how they gather information and share ideas. They are a generation strongly focused on social justice, with a passion to actively take up the cause of the poor, the oppressed, the orphan and the widow. And, according to the Barna Research Group, today's teens are searching for an experiential faith that is holistically integrated into all areas of life.
Mission Canada's Youth Guiding Group focuses on the need to reach and disciple today's youth so they can become Spirit-filled followers of Christ, who can daily live out their faith and share it with others in meaningful ways. Through shared vision, mutual trust, and collaborative efforts, our PAOC district leaders and youth ministry specialists team together to develop or recommend resources so local church pastors, leaders and parents can be strengthened and encouraged in their efforts of influencing this generation in their spiritual walk with Jesus.
RESOURCE RECOMMENDATIONS
- Youth Leadership Certification Course
- Life Launch
- Building A Youth Ministry That Builds Disciples by Duffy Robbins
- Nuts And Bolts Of Youth Ministry by Duffy Robbins
- Purpose Driven Youth Ministry by Doug Fields
- Sustainable Youth Ministry by John DeVries