THE IMPACT WE HOPE TO SEE:
THE IMPACT WE HOPE TO SEE:
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We will intentionally come alongside neighbourhood churches to engage in mission together, with the hope that all our youth will find a long-term place of belonging in vibrant local Christian communities.
We will intentionally come alongside neighbourhood churches to engage in mission together, with the hope that all our youth will find a long-term place of belonging in vibrant local Christian communities.
Watch a brief video of Loeli, Team Leader of Young Parents, speak on Youth Unlimited's focus on integrating young people into neighbourhood churches (one of the four directions of Youth Unlimited's "Making Space" 4-year pathway).
WHY INTEGRATION INTO NEIGHBOURHOOD CHURCHES MATTERS IN TORONTO TODAY:
WHY INTEGRATION INTO NEIGHBOURHOOD CHURCHES MATTERS IN TORONTO TODAY:
• In Toronto, social isolation for vulnerable youth is a consistent threat to wellbeing, with the risk of someone having no close friends being five times higher for those with the lowest income versus those with the highest income. (Vital Signs)
• “For significant numbers of youth and young adults, churches are not places where they are able to ask questions about the content of their faith and how to live it out. Many youth and young adults are desperate to see communities of faith live out, both privately and publicly, what they talk about.” (Hemorrhaging Faith Report)
• Nationally, it is estimated that 9,000 churches will close over the next ten years, yet we know that every dollar invested in a church creates $4.77 of social capital for its community. That’s $6.7 billion of social good in Toronto. (National Trust for Canada / Cardus Institute)
HOW YU IS POSITIONED TO HELP INTEGRATE YOUTH INTO NEIGHBOURHOOD CHURCHES:
HOW YU IS POSITIONED TO HELP INTEGRATE YOUTH INTO NEIGHBOURHOOD CHURCHES:
• As members of the Christian community in Toronto, we see ourselves as part of the broader ‘Church’ and are called to serve together.
• Given our entrepreneurial and community-focused approach, we can be a ‘middle space’ for young people, bridging the gap between the local church and the community.
• Our neighbourhood focus lends itself to neighbourhood partnerships, as demonstrated by the 66 active partnerships we have with churches today.
• We want to be the conversation partners for those desiring to see vulnerable youth find belonging and life-long thriving in churches.
1. Be locally-minded: What might God be doing in your neighbourhood and how might you get involved?
2. Develop your own ‘community triage’ list: Know what services are available for vulnerable youth and others in your community.
3. Become a ‘middle space’ person: Consider getting involved in a YU ministry to love and serve vulnerable youth.
Thank you for diving deeper into Making Space with Youth Unlimited.
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