In the fast-paced, highly mobile urban clusters of southern China, young Christians often encounter significant challenges in their spiritual journeys. Feelings of displacement, work-related stress, and the isolation of faith frequently leave them on the fringes of church life. However, at one urban church in southern China, a dedicated group of young ministry workers is striving to create a spiritual home for urban youth through fellowship and biblical truth.
A youth group leader recounted his ministry experience. After graduating from university, he moved to Shenzhen for work. Following visits to several churches for Sunday worship, he ultimately chose to commit to S Church. At the time, the youth worship ministry had just begun. Although it attracted many young attendees, there were few workers involved. After prayerful reflection, he made the decision to dedicate himself to youth ministry.
The youth ministry at S Church features a well-structured model based on the "cell group" system. Currently, it comprises over 30 small groups, with a steady attendance of nearly 300 participants. Each group is co-led by a male and a female leader, under the oversight and guidance of a designated counselor. In addition, a cross-group ministry team supports various service areas, including photography and editing, social media management, stage play, and worship, which encourages members to serve in roles aligned with their individual gifts.
This multi-dimensional structure balances pastoral care with active ministry involvement. For spiritual nurturing, group discussions are held after weekly worship services, focusing on sermon-related themes or faith-based courses. In recent years, these discussions have addressed topics such as "basic doctrines," "a biblical view of work," "relationships and marriage," and "an introduction to the Bible." On the ministry side, themed carnivals and seasonal praise events are regularly organized to engage with the real-life concerns of today's young people.
However, maintaining consistent pastoral care is challenging. The team leader noted that turnover within his group is high, with fewer than five original members remaining. Newcomers join regularly, while others leave due to factors such as relocation, job transfers, or shifting to different churches. In response, the team places strong emphasis on "intercessory companionship," staying attuned to members' real-life situations through prayer meetings, personal outreach, shared meals, and informal conversations.
He recalled accompanying a university student who initially appeared withdrawn and despondent. After several attempts to connect, the team leader seized the opportunity during an after-dinner walk to listen as the student opened up about emotional wounds and feelings of loneliness. Through genuine companionship, the young man gradually began to open his heart and reengage with the group. The team leader shared, "Such companionship requires time and effort, but it is truly worthwhile."
At the same time, the group also faces challenges related to doctrinal confusion. Some newcomers have claimed to have "opened their third eye" or to "hear God's voice directly," even going so far as to instruct others on how to gain assurance of salvation. Such claims often lead to confusion and controversy within the group. In some cases, these individuals reject biblical teachings, questioning them as mere "theory" while asserting that their personal experiences are more authentic.
In response, group leaders remain committed to addressing such issues with biblical truth. They engage in patient, private conversations, using Scripture and historically affirmed creeds to correct doctrinal deviations. These actions also aim to equip other members with spiritual discernment, reinforcing the principle that the Bible is the ultimate standard by which all spiritual experiences and teachings should be evaluated.
The youth worship group is also vigilant against potential heretical influences. Some individuals, previously identified in other churches, attempt to draw members into online courses. Others, influenced by hyper-grace teachings, openly challenge the need for confession and repentance after coming to faith. In dealing with these threats, group leaders prioritize information sharing and cooperation to prevent the spread of harmful teachings within the community.
A deeper challenge lies in the influence of contemporary youth culture. Gen-Z members are highly self-aware, inclined toward self-expression, and often engage with faith through humor, memes, and deconstruction. In some cases, Bible verses are turned into memes to convey emotions, a trend that, while fostering a sense of relatability, can also dilute the seriousness of spiritual truths.
In response, the youth worship leader proposed to reach a balance: "Our goal is not merely to attract people through activities, but to use various means to bring them back to God's Word." Group leaders likewise strive to communicate in ways that resonate with today's youth culture, while steadily guiding them to build a more grounded and biblically sound faith foundation.
Throughout the ministry, this group leader has witnessed many young people experience transformation and growth, which serves as a source of motivation for the leaders' service. One brother, who cares much for fellow members, consistently invited others to meetings and followed up with close engagement. Recognizing his potential, the group leader invited him to become a co-worker, sharing the responsibilities of pastoral care. Through trust and empowerment, more brothers began actively shepherding one another, further strengthening the group's cohesion.
Beyond Sunday pastoral care, the youth ministry also places strong emphasis on systematic training for group leaders. Each leader is expected to have a solid foundation in faith, including baptism, regular devotional practice, a firm grasp of essential doctrines, and having read through the Bible at least three times. Counselors provide ongoing training to enhance their spiritual discernment and leadership capabilities.
Amid shifting urban demographics and evolving religious dynamics, this church may not be perfect. Still, it continues striving to build an authentic, stable, and committed spiritual community for young people. As one group leader reflected, "Young people need more than activities or sermons, but the guidance and care through real relationships. Pastoral care is not about control, but about drawing near."
Originally published by the Gospel Times
- Translated by Poppy Chan
