Prevent Youth Violence, Self-Injury & Suicide
(For Christian Churches)
From the July-August 1999 issue of "Seeds for the Parish"
Part two of a series called "Nurture faith through life
transitions."
Our communities have come face to face with the tragedy of youth violence.
School shootings like the massacre in Littleton, CO, gang activities, hate
crimes and statistics that affirm the reality youth suicide and self-injury are leading
society to examine its role in shaping and confronting youth violence toward themselves
and others.
Yet it is our church that is uniquely equipped to reach the heart of human
needs that can result in violence.
Anger is the primary emotion that manages experiences that challenge our
perspectives, dreams or ideals. Like a flashing yellow light, anger prompts us to
identify the conflict and find an appropriate resolution. Without effective coping
skills and reality checks, anger will remain, covering the pain of insecurity, alienation,
disillusionment, disregard or ongoing conflict. When anger is left unresolved, it
intensifies and may be projected inward or outward to find an expression beyond reason.
How can your congregation help?
| * | Consider prayerfully ways you can give children, youth and families a
sense of identity in your faith community and nurture a lifestyle that is Christ's style.
|
| * | Honor and uphold the individuality and cultural diversity in your faith
community. Avoid dismissing symptoms of disinterest and disconnection; instead,
address these appropriately.
|
| * | Let Ephesians 4:14-19 inspire you to share God's love, acceptance and
forgiveness in real and relevant ways.
|
| * | Immerse sermons, devotions and Bible studies in real life issues.
Give people of all ages opportunities to consider personal and biblical examples of God's
presence and guidance through tough times.
|
| * | Discuss topics of violence in youth and adult study groups.
Consider ways to address situations that might precipitate violence.
|
| * | Encourage mentoring relationships and cross-generational friendships
that help members and specific peer groups increase their sensitivity to others.
Equip them to go beyond cliche conversation or token acts of kindness to respond in
honest, appropriate ways.
|
| * | Provide ready access and referrals to community crisis organizations, as
well as opportunities for individual and small group support and recovery.
|
| * | Recognize the strengths and challenges of children and youth in your
congregation and community, an identify practical ways to embrace the.
|
| * | Promote opportunities for outdoor ministry (for a listing, visit the
ELCA web site at www.elca.org/dcm/camps)
|
| * | Partner with other congregations and community groups to provide as safe
and nurturing place for young people to "hang out," do homework and find support
with peers and compassionate adults. For youth ministry helps, visit the youth
ministries web site at www.elca.org/dcm/youth
While you're online, explore the ways your congregation can be a safe haven at
www.elca.org/init/safehaven
|
| * | Encourage youth and adults to be proactive in affirming and supporting
children, right from the start.
|
| * | Begin a day-by-day prayer ministry with and for specific children and
youth related to your congregation.
|
| * | Stock your congregation's library with resources that help nurture
youth.
|
To receive a free resource listing on the subject of the preventing of
youth violence, call the Resource Information Service at 800/638-3522 or download it from
the web at www.elca.org/eteam/resources.
-- Miriam Campbell is ELCA associate director for Christian Education,
specializes in children and family ministry.
http://www.elca.org/eteam/resources/PrvntYthViol.htm
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