In a post-Christian era where religious institutions often struggle to engage with the younger generation, a ray of hope shone brightly on September 30th, 2023, as the Inverness Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church organised its inaugural Youth Day at the Inverness Town House. Changing societal norms, the rise in secularism and a growing mistrust of institutional structures are some of the factors that keep our young people away from the church. This historic event not only defied the odds but also showcased the unwavering commitment of the church to connect with young people in the local and wider community, providing them with a platform to explore their faith in a modern context.
In a world where the pews of many churches sit empty, the overwhelming support for this event was a testament to the yearning for spiritual connections among the youth. Over 100 young individuals, some accompanied by their parents, flocked to the Inverness Town House, indicating a keen interest in engaging with the church community.
The day began with a warm welcome by Pr Wil Masih of the Inverness SDA Church. The lively praise team, comprised of young talents from various churches around the Scottish Mission, led the singing with enthusiasm and vibrancy, injecting a fresh spirit into the day's proceedings.
One of the highlights of the event was the insightful talk by the speaker Mervyn Owusu-Ayim from Dundee SDA Church, titled 'I Follow for More,' which centred around the general theme of Discipleship. Mervyn's words resonated with the young audience, inspiring them to consider the importance of putting God first in their lives and embarking on a journey of spiritual growth and discovery. He challenged the young people to think about what God was asking of them. He reminded them that if you want to follow Jesus and want to be his disciples "then confront that exact thing that gets in between you and Him."
In addition to this, a violin duet by local young musicians, Enoch and Elijah from Inverness, captivated the audience with their musical prowess, demonstrating that faith can find expression in diverse ways. The event also featured the powerful singing of Elder Koye Edwards from Aberdeen, whose melodious voice resonated deeply with those in attendance.
The choice of the Inverness Town House as the venue was deliberate, given its central location in the city and magnificent decor, offering a most fitting backdrop for this significant occasion. It symbolised the effort put into making this day a memorable and impactful one.
The day was also marked by a plethora of interactive sessions, fostering small group discussions on pressing issues that concern the youth today. These sessions encouraged the young attendees to voice their thoughts, concerns, and perspectives, demonstrating that the church values their input and seeks to provide a space for meaningful dialogue. Some of the discussion questions centred around issues that hindered youth in their relationship with Jesus. Live virtual polls were conducted during the interactive sessions in an attempt to understand how young people feel about certain questions. When asked the question "Do you feel ready for heaven right now?", 11.1% responded with Yes and 88.9% with No. However, 89.3% felt comfortable sharing their faith with others while only 10.7% would not feel comfortable. There was a fair amount of food for thought while the small groups embarked on deep discussions as they tried to explain the poll results.
As the day drew to a close, it was evident that the Inverness SDA Church Youth Day had struck a chord with the young people, dispelling the notion that the youth are disinterested in church. The event's success serves as a glimmer of hope, demonstrating that by providing relevant and engaging platforms, churches can connect with the younger generation and bring them back into the churches to nurture their spiritual growth.
In conclusion, the Youth Day hosted at the Inverness SDA Church on September 30th, 2023, was a resounding success that defied the prevailing trend of disinterest in churches among young people in the post-Christian UK context. It showcased the power of community, dialogue, and relevant programming in engaging and inspiring the youth to explore their faith. The organisational team which consisted of various youth leaders led by Pr Wil Masih were able to bring together the youth from near and far in a pioneering spirit. Among those who attended were some non-SDA friends who enjoyed the refreshing worship and meaningful discussions.
As we reflect on this remarkable event, let us remember that the journey of faith should never be taken alone. The Inverness SDA Church has extended an invitation to young people in the community to join them in their quest for spiritual growth and purpose. The message is clear: there is a place for you, and your voice matters. To those who attended the Youth Day and to all young individuals seeking meaning in an ever-changing world, the call to action is simple: "Come, explore, and embark on a journey of faith with us." Together, we can navigate the complexities of the modern world while finding solace, purpose, and community in our shared beliefs.
For more pictures and videos, please visit The Inverness & Highlands SDA Church Facebook page.
