Introducing …. VOX.

The journey thus far in starting up Terra Nova’s youth group has led me to a stunning realization. I am not cool. Or at least I’m not as cool as I think I am. Or perhaps not cool to the average teenager. (Do they even use the word “cool” anymore?) Either way … Ouch! Combine that realization with one of the wisest pieces of advice I have yet gleaned (that being the 3 most important aspects to working with youth are: relationships, relationships, relationships), then you will see why the youth group at Terra Nova is called VOX. VOX in Latin means “voice.” We sincerely want teens to have their own voice, for us to hear it, understand it, and reveal Christ through it.

When first approached by Ed concerning teens at Terra, a simple question was posed: What would a youth group at Terra Nova look like? Well, one would first need to know Terra itself, right? So in trying to answer that question we have simply utilized Terra Nova’s already established 5 core values (which can be viewed HERE) and how they can be related to current youth culture. So here’s the vision through a breakdown of how the core values can apply to VOX:

T.N. Core Value #1 ::: Being INCARNATIONAL:
We understand that young people are their own culture, we need to speak and/or understand the language of that culture and let them know that God can and does speak their language and can meet them where they are. This means presenting the Gospel authentically, to create an authentic response. Allowing them to be real and responding with Truth and love, all through the lens of Scripture.

T.N. Core Value #2 ::: Being UPGRADEABLE:
Youth culture is the picture of change. There is therefore a responsibility to be as informed as possible as to what goes on in that ever-changing culture outside our church and house walls. This comes by way of communication and relationship. To better understand and adapt with the youth culture is to better apply the ancient functions of Truth to it.

T.N. Core Value #3 ::: Being MONASTIC and MISSIONAL:
This two fold value will have twofold applications. First it involves creating a group of Christian teens that have community with each other within VOX. This community will be established by way of events, get-togethers, graduation parties, movie nights, etc. (Events will be planned taking into consideration the suggestions of the teens themselves, and based on their likes and dislikes.) It will also be established by way of the internet. The internet being the HUGE part of youth culture that it is, VOX will exist as an online community via “MySpace”. This will build and strengthen the “church gathered” when it’s not physically together.
The response to an effective monastery should therefore become missional. In a missional sense VOX aspires to be a place where Christian teens should feel perfectly comfortable inviting unchurched friends. Once there they should be and will be welcomed, loved, allowed to be real, given Truth and shown Christ (to the best of our ability). VOX should not be a shelter or an “alternative to the world”.

T.N. Core Value #4 ::: Being NETWORKED:
With VOX being in its infant stages, working with other youth groups is a future goal. The networking aspect is currently manifesting itself in 2 ways. Firstly by way of meeting with already established youth leaders and organizations who have allowed us to glean from their collective experiences, and secondly by utilizing the vast knowledge of the teens from their parents (who, of course, would know them best). Also, a future networked vision would be working with Terra Nova’s “Green Zone”. This may include VOX collaborating with existing school outreaches and events in the public school system.

T.N. Core Value #5 ::: Being CHRISTOCENTRIC (based solely on Christ):
Being Christocentric within VOX may be the most exciting aspect. It would be easy to create a rule-centered, controlled bunker environment as many youth groups have done in the past, but this is something we want to avoid. (Not that there will be no rules, but rather that all rules will be scripturally based.) VOX aspires to avoid taking freedoms, constantly giving Truth, and allowing the youth to truly be themselves with the hope of creating a mutual trust between youth and leadership through being Christocentric. This requires constant re-evaluation. (Perhaps using the Charles M. Sheldon-birthed, come-lately cliché; WWJD? Is not really applicable in today’s culture. Was it ever?) And finally, understanding that failures are opportunities for growth and potential learning experiences, understanding and applying forgiveness, and meeting them where they are just as Jesus met (and continues to meet) mankind where they are.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. We’re gonna have a crapload of fun too.

Dennis Gardner