Just for a moment, think of our youth and all the things they’ve had to navigate in the last couple of years, on top of regular teenage angst.
Then imagine a youth program that purposefully nurtures relationship between youth and older generations.
John de Los Santos at Don Valley Bible Chapel in Toronto has been doing just that.
The pandemic has put a bit of a pause on regular activities, but prior to lockdown, he intentionally bridged the gap between youth and older adults in the congregation.
Every fourth week, the youth would divide into smaller groups and go to someone’s house for supper, prayer, games, and community building.
They sat down across the table from each other, got to know new people from a different age demographic, and started to build relationships.
During the loneliness and isolation of teenage years (plus a pandemic), a meaningful, intentional relationship with an older brother or sister in the faith could be invaluable.
These dinners are a door that opens to spiritual conversation between someone who is young in the faith and someone who is seasoned.
It provides a place and time for increased understanding, mutual encouragement, appreciation for different parts of the body of Christ, and sharing a sense of mission.