Churches Crave Growth, but are they Missing the Mark?

The Old Ways in a New World

Churches yearn for results—growing youth groups, packed pews, a vibrant young presence. Yet, the methods remain stagnant. The church of today often mirrors the church of 50 years ago, a relic in a rapidly changing world.

We live in an era of instant gratification and digital connection, where young people are bombarded with choices and distractions. They crave authenticity, relevance, and genuine connection. Can the traditional church model truly compete?

A Different Approach: Building Relationships on the School Farm

We’re taking a different path. Our school farm serves as a bridge between faith and the everyday lives of young people, particularly those facing challenges in deprived areas.

Here, amidst the fertile soil and growing life, we sow seeds of a different kind. It’s not about conversion quotas or Sunday attendance. It’s about relationships.

Through hands-on farming, animal care, and environmental projects, we cultivate an atmosphere of trust, respect, and shared experience. We show young people what kindness and goodness look like, not through sermons, but through actions.

We’re not just teaching them about sustainable farming; we’re showing them that someone cares, that they have a place to belong, and that they have inherent value.

The Heart of Youth Work

This is the essence of youth work. It’s about meeting young people where they are, not expecting them to conform to an outdated model. It’s about building genuine relationships, fostering connection, and creating a safe space for them to explore faith on their own terms.

Youth workers aren’t salespeople for the church. We are guides, mentors, and friends. We plant seeds of hope, water them with love, and trust that God will bring the growth in His time.

The Challenge to the Church

If churches truly want results, they need to embrace change. They need to invest in youth workers who prioritise relationships over numbers. They need to create spaces where young people feel valued, heard, and understood.

It’s time to stop measuring success by attendance figures and start measuring it by the lives transformed.