WHO IS BEHIND GOD-TALK
God-talk is an initiative of the Shining Lights Trust (SLT). The SLT is a registered Charitable Trust in New Zealand (CC48320)
• Donations are therefore tax-deductable (Godtalk.nz/donate)
The vision comes from an analysis of church youth ministry in NZ, involving input from 500 pastors, and conversation with the leaders of various youth organisations and youth denominational leaders. The resources have been created by a team of current and past youth leaders. The wider vision – in response to an assessment of youth ministry nationally – is more multi-faceted and requires broad collaboration, which is being pursued with a long-term view.
The primary innovator has been Dave Mann (021 261 7719), though input from Tony Collis, Luke Collis and Raki Wiringi are noted. However, the wider proposed changes will only come about if Christian youth leaders (and Church leaders) nationally recognise the strategic need of this for themselves sufficient to then leverage their own leadership influence toward that end. Together, trends leading to the current ‘25% attendance compared to 25 years ago’ could be turned around!
Contact details
252 Otumoetai Rd, Otumoetai, Tauranga, New Zealand 3110 | Leave a message at 07 576 9083 | Eml: team@godtalk.nz or accounts@shininglights.co.nz
The Shining Lights Trust website can be viewed at ShiningLights.co.nz
WHY?
Involvement with NZ church youth ministries is declining significantly in New Zealand – yet 90% of those who come to faith in Christ do so before the age of 20. Furthermore, those coming from non-church backgrounds primarily come to faith as early teens (age 11 to 14). Very few today do so as children. We believe there is a clear and compelling need for a new youth initiative and movement in New Zealand. There are identifiable gaps.
CASE STUDY: In a community with a High School between of 900 to 1000 students, 180 were in a youth group 25 years ago, 80 were 15 years ago, and less than 35 are today. If we multiply this by 15 cities and 100+ towns, it paints a picture. As a simple statement: In 2025 we estimate Christian youth ministry is attending 25% of what it was 25 years ago.
1. THE SOLUTION – AS A STRATEGY
Having identified a specific FOUR clear gaps in the outreaching efforts of NZ Christian youth ministry as a whole, we purpose to serve a wider-vision of seeing them plugged. This is about catalysing a change of vision, thought and practice in both church and youth leaders alike – specifically to encourage…
2. THE SOLUTION – AS A RESOURCE
While other ‘subsidiary’ resources exist for specific contexts in the wider picture of this, the Godtalk.nz website exists to bring FRESH AND ACCESSIBLE NZ-MADE RESOURCES to the following THREE areas of training. (The School Groups video scripts are ready –but awaiting a sufficient networking of school groups before creation – which would take place through the most prominent practitioners of that moment).
1.
OUTREACH EQUIPPING
If youth leaders are not equipping their youth in this area — or do not know how, now they do!
Outreach-equipping videos, with discussion guides, are provided for free!
2.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
If youth leaders don’ know how to build an authentic outreaching culture in their group – now they do!
A series of concise youth leadership-training videos are provided for free – which they can show to their leadership team, so they learn together – while raising up new leaders! (The videos are SUPURB!)
3.
SCHOOL GROUPS
As Christian school groups struggled, support for them nationally was dropped. Godtalk proposes reviving that support. Youth leaders can work together to encourage vision. Godtalk.nz/schools can provide a framework for action – and simple training, so youth can be freed to stand tall in their faith, while bringing hope to those around them – in this world that is so desperately in need of hope!
WE INVITE YOU TO BE PART OF THIS INITIATIVE
Will you help this to happen?
Staffing to encourage youth leaders and regional reps, travel and media development all require funding. Financial contributions are needed. See AllTogether.co.nz/donate
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