Original Research

‘Sinawe’ [we are with you]: Local churches as change agents in the lives of traumatised youth

Johannes J. Knoetze, Timothy J. Black
Verbum et Ecclesia | Vol 44, No 1 | a2694 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v44i1.2694 | © 2023 Johannes J. Knoetze, Timothy J. Black | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 18 August 2022 | Published: 06 April 2023

About the author(s)

Johannes J. Knoetze, Department of Practical Theology and Mission, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Timothy J. Black, Department of Practical Theology and Mission, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

The church has a key role to play in addressing the chronic levels of grief and trauma experienced by the youth in South Africa. It has a biblical mandate to bring hope and healing and has a unique station within South African society that positions it to bring about real transformation. ‘Sinawe’ (Zulu for [we are with you]) is a programme developed by Scripture Union South Africa to equip local churches as change agents through a relational youth ministry model that engages trauma, grief and holistic needs, both physically and spiritually. This is an important first step for churches wanting to reach and minister to young people.

The South African church has an important and legitimate role to play in the lives of young people. Research indicates that although the church is considered by local residents as an important community resource, it remains ineffectual in intentional community-based youth ministry that leverages significant opportunity. This research identifies the church as an important community change agent and encourages church leaders to step into the open gap to reach local young people while providing the methodology with which to do so. This research paper examines the current South African social context, outlines a theological mandate for church involvement and presents a methodology for a supportive and effective approach to community engagement in the lives of young people led by local churches.

Interdisciplinary: The article is relevant to the following disciplines within theology; missiology, family and youth ministry and pastoral care. It also has interfaces with education and sociology.


Keywords

change agent; local church; relational; family and youth ministry; South Africa; mission.

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