Salvos changing trends for young adults
Salvos changing trends for young adults
4 October 2018
More than 40 young adults from all across South East Queensland and Northern NSW gathered for the launch of 'The Collective' in Brisbane last weekend.
“We’re trying to create a ‘new normal’ and a new narrative for young Salvo adults in South East Queensland,” said Jeremy Clarke, Queensland Young Adult Development Coordinator.
“The common story for many young adults is that they get to this stage in their lives and then they leave the Army in droves through the back door. It’s the same for other churches, and we’re trying to change this.”
Last Saturday night, more than 40 young adults from corps across South East Queensland and northern NSW, attended the launch of “The Collective” – a space for young adults to worship, discuss a range of different topics, have fun and be themselves.
Young adults spending time as an inclusive family.
Throughout much of 2018, young adults from different areas have been joining a leadership team including Jeremy, Captains Cassi and Sean Everitt (Divisional Youth and Children’s Secretaries), Jessica McCorriston (youth worker at Forest Lake Community Church, and others, at forums to talk about the reality of being a young adult in The Salvation Army and what it looks like moving forward.
“This came out of an emerging leaders’ forum that our national leaders, Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd, held in February,” explained Sean.
“We believe that these invested young adults have the answers for what the present and future in the Army looks like for them and wanted to coach and facilitate them in having a voice, and having it heard.
“Our divisional leaders, Lieutenant-Colonels David and Sandra Godkin, committed to also meet every two months with the young adults in this journey.”
It was important for the team to have as many voices as possible contributing to the discussions that led up to the launch of The Collective, and in the discussions that took place there.
“We come from different places and possibly different styles of churches and worship, but we’re in this journey together,” said Jeremy.
“We spoke about our hopes and dreams for the Army, what would it look like if we dreamed big, the part we have to play in that, and the next steps forward.
Young adults connecting as a community.
“It’s important for us to create a space where we’re not the youth leaders, we’re not the young person in the group, but we can just be ourselves and connect with other young adults.
“Sean and Cassi have been instrument in creating this space, enabling young people to speak up and be heard, believing in their potential and having hope for the future.”
Lieutenant Anthony Hunt, Corps Officer at Forest Lake Community Church, is fully supportive of the direction the young adults are taking.
“From a corps officer’s perspective, I would say that as a movement we must be willing to allow our people, no matter their age group - be it young adults, senior citizens or empty-nesters - to create spaces for fellowship that suits where they are at in their life," he said.
“We cannot presume to know what is best for any particular generation or location. We can however, offer them loving support as they find meaning and purpose in community, allowing experimentation in what faith community can look like and celebrate successes and help them evaluate the missteps.”
Similar young adult forums have also been held in North Queensland, and are scheduled to take place soon in Central Queensland.
Comments
A strong story that I can really support and an interesting comparative next to the article written by the Retired Commissioner regarding Soldiership.
I'm pleased to see Sean and Cassi are being well supported by David and Sandra. There doing something different and it's working. Go with God!