YOUTH IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

THE ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD MAJOR SEMINARY  MAGAZINE

OUT NOW!!! AND AVAILABLE!!!

EDITOR'S NOTE 

A prevailing notion today is that the youth of this generation are not interested in Church or the of God. Of course, they are desperate for an exquisite and grand story to make sense of the world around them. They want meaning out of everything base on their inclinations and are desperate for a true hope. Many parents have put their hope in the economy, the government, and the military strength of the nation. Their children, however, see a continuous failing economy with high political unrest, and an ongoing terrorist threat which seems to be fueling up on a daily basis. The future doesn’t seem that rosy. So what’s left for them to hope in if they don’t have the future? The moment is what we can invariably say they have, and their happiness is what they pursue. Youth pursue happiness, but the means given by the world; shopping, entertainment, sex, social media, cultism and other enticements of this age and time undermine their very endeavor. This Pleasure is fleeting. Relations, often only surface deep but get messy quickly. Entertainment can’t provide lasting satisfaction. In the end, happiness for them is little more than momentary escape from the realities of the world. 

Given the circumstances, it’s no surprise that many youth are restless, insecure, jaded, and desperately searching for meaning to explain all the hurt and suffering which they experience and see around them, and also the meaning to their very existence. Sadly, many within the church offer nothing more substantive than the vaporous teachings of the world. In some churches, “youth group” have become synonymous with fun gathering, entertainment, and shallow teaching. 

It is important therefore, for the truth to be passed down from generation to generation, in order to grow the Church (the body of Christ). Ultimately, helping youth to grow spiritually, morally, economically, socially, etcetera, in their formative years will equip them to make an impact for Christ, both now and in the future. If the youth are the Church of tomorrow, then they need to be a priority in the church today, hence the theme of this Edition: Youth in the Life of the Church is indeed apt, geared towards addressing the challenges of the youth both within and without the Church. 

This Unique edition of the Good Shepherd Magazine, espouses on the fact that; the problem of the youth is also the problem and indeed the concern of the Church. This edition tells us about the necessity of pursuing righteousness and its allied virtues through character formation. Our Guest Writer Prof. (Mrs) Rose Ayaka Nkom, brings home the fact that; commitment to the Church is a Challenge to the youths, and re-echoes the fact that they are the hope of the Church and proffer’s ways through which they can be committed. Furthermore, this edition brings out the missing link, in contemporary practice and instances where youths worship just for fun. In a generation when so many detest old age, some of our writers came to the rescue by assuring us that old age is not a loss of youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength. Concerted effort is made also in this publication which you read now to establish a stand on the fact that youths are theological Pillars of pastoral ministry, and so the Sacred Scripture is a formidable guide for their formation. More so, in this edition, a reflection on the crazy fashion trends as devaluing our valued assets is critically presented thereby encouraging Parents to play their active role in educating youths and generally teenagers especially as regards sex. Some of our well-regarded contributors also give a vivid explanation on the point that the Church, family and the society are agents of evangelizing the youths, and so must brace up to the responsibility. With the high rate of divorce and broken homes; living the children to face the consequences of such actions, we also strain to accentuate the fact that true Joy in marital relationship is a product of long and deep commitment. Being in a highly technological age, precautions on not losing the meaningfulness of life on the altar of technological advancement is also offered. Succinctly, an outline on the ways through which the youth can engage actively in evangelization is distinctly spelt out. 

Our alluring cover Stories, exotic Opinion Polls and other intriguing Interviews with men and women of great value, make this edition unique and phenomenal. With all that is contained therein, read through and you will not regret having a copy of this magazine. I do wish you a happy reading as you sail through the pages of this magazine.

JOHN KELVIN MAKAMA

Editor-in-Chief
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