BISHOP’S MESSAGE Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2016. He served as President of the Chinese Annual Conference from 2008 to 2016.
Our precious youth Methodist youth and their impact on Singapore and the world
N
elson Mandela once said, “The youth of today
to adapt to maintain relationships with the youth
are the leaders of tomorrow.” The youth are
as moral values and biblical truths are still most
our hope for the future and they are the most
effectively imparted through shared experiences and
precious assets of a country. The same rings true for
close interactions.
the Church, because without her youth, the Church will decline.
Many churches in the West have very small congregations, where the average age of the
The United Nations defines “youth” as persons
members is closer to 70. If our Church is to continue
between the ages of 15 and 24. In Singapore, the
to be full of vitality and a blessing to society, we
definition is extended to those up to the age of 35.
will have to be more attentive to our youth—to love,
The term iGeneration (iGen) is sometimes used to
cherish, nurture, develop, train, equip, engage with
describe today’s youth, who have grown up with
and empower them.
smartphones. Since the introduction of the iPhone in 2007, the smartphone has become a standard item
Love and cherish our youth
in the lives of many young people.
Our youth live in a world that is both virtual and real, which can be confounding. Outwardly, they
The youth are able to access the latest information
may appear to be busily engaged with matters
and
through
of the virtual world, but many feel isolated. This
communications technology than through traditional
generation of youths seem to have more friends and
classrooms, books and print media. The Church needs
connections, but paradoxically are also more likely
are
learning
more
expeditiously
METHODIST MESSAGE SEPTEMBER 2020
|1
