Is there a Jesus Youth style of doing things? (BJRE057)

 Is there a Jesus Youth style of doing things?

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021) 

I remember how we started a new youth group in a parish hall in our city. Some active Jesus Youth took the initiative to bring young people from various parts of the city to the Monday meetings. A newcomer, Peter, was quite enthusiastic and engaged in these gatherings. However, after several meetings, the Jesus Youth members became upset with how Peter prayed. “He does not understand the Jesus Youth way of praying. His style is so different.” So, what was the issue? His prayers were too lengthy; he prayed too often and would quote a Bible passage along with its reference during each prayer. The Jesus Youth, accustomed to prayer meetings, found his style rather bothersome.

I have often overheard the remark, “This is not Jesus Youth style,” in response to conference plans, leadership patterns, group decision-making, prayer styles, song selection, and more. Leaders have been dismissed by groups for asserting they ‘didn’t have Jesus Youth style. ‘The inaugural session of a large conference was conducted in a specific manner, with someone chairing the session while others extended felicitations, leading to significant upset among participants regarding the format. A retreat organized by some JY utilized specific publicity methods, such as wayside advertising boards and public announcements, which were dismissed by many leaders, saying, " This is not our style. " All of this raises the question: is there a distinct JY style of doing things, and if so, what? 

A movement has a specific culture and style

Sometimes, only an outsider can reveal the unique style of our family. Likewise, exploring another movement may help us discover our beauty. In 1988, I spent about two months living in the Taizé Community in France. Bishop Thomas Menamparabil, who sent me there, wanted me to learn about this significant movement focused on youth and evangelism, which was not Charismatic in its approach. The styles of prayer, songs, teachings, and methods of evangelization within the Taizé Community are quite different from those of Jesus Youth. Initially, I felt uncomfortable with those radically different approaches, but gradually, I began to appreciate their uniqueness. Through this process, I realized that Jesus Youth also has specific styles and approaches that are distinctly its own.

From that time onward, the Jesus Youth movement has been in close contact with Taizé. This exposure helped Jesus Youth leaders reflect more on different styles. Gradually, we have come into contact with several other major Catholic movements. Many would see this as an opportunity to learn their styles, but I think the major benefit is to better appreciate how the Spirit has been building our own movement in a beautiful way. 

What is the Mother Church’s perspective on developing our own styles and approaches? Pope Francis offers strong words of encouragement: “I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style, and methods of evangelization in their respective communities. A proposal of goals without an adequate communal search for the means of achieving them will inevitably prove illusory.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 33)

About movement styles 

When we discuss style in a movement, we refer to its organizational culture rather than the random modes created by an individual or a group. Each movement differs from another due to its distinct culture. This culture and style develop over time, uniting the movement into a cohesive family. However, a challenge with culture and styles is their abstract and dynamic nature. Consequently, if we begin debating what constitutes an organization's “true” culture, that argument may never reach a conclusion. In a famous story, a group of blind friends visits an elephant and returns home to argue about its characteristics. Similarly, we can focus on any element of a movement’s style, overlooking other aspects, and continue to debate. Culture is a complex, multifaceted reality that demands a sympathetic and intuitive approach to understanding and appreciation.

What about Jesus Youth styles?

The essence of the JY style is an informal, joyful, and relational approach. The statutes of the movement clearly affirm this. They state that in Jesus Youth, there is an “emphasis on living the joy, vitality, and fullness of life discovered in Christ and sharing the Gospel in contemporary life situations” (JY Statutes #3).

Young people worldwide are genuinely fascinated by Jesus Youth's styles. They appreciate the smiling faces, friendly groups, and joyful prayer practices associated with JY. JY embraces individuality and diversity. Almost all kinds of creative initiatives are welcomed and encouraged. Another key element of JY is the commitment to building caring and sharing communities. Alongside all of this, continuous efforts are made to inspire everyone to be aware of their divinely ordained calling and to cultivate a life focused on mission. 

What are some of the guiding principles of JY styles? 

i. Experiential spirituality, beginning with an encounter with Christ, is central to it. 

ii. By interpreting the signs of the times, it adopts contemporary modes and media. 

iii. It is intergenerational and intercultural, yet it focuses on youth.

iv. In a friendly and informal manner, it fosters community building.

v. It is formative, ensuring continuity and building a lifestyle.

vi. The focus is on a mission that reflects one’s talents and life circumstances.

vii. It promotes love and appreciation for the Word and the church. 

viii. It fosters social commitment and proximity to the poor.

While discussing youth ministry, Pope Francis speaks of styles suited to youth: “The young make us see the need for new styles and new strategies. … Youth ministry needs to become more flexible; inviting young people to events or occasions that provide an opportunity not only for learning but also for conversing, celebrating, singing, listening to real stories, and experiencing a shared encounter with the living God. (Christus Vivit, 204). The Holy Spirit has been teaching the movement a life-related spiritual culture suited for today and tomorrow. Let us become increasingly aware of the distinct and beautiful styles emerging in the movement and make an effort to be faithful to them.