Developing the next generation

The Japanese Church faces a serious problem with decreasing numbers of young people, and a lack of pastors and other fulltime workers. An immediate response is needed.

Yet, are “discipleship” and “next generation development” just a way to keep current organizations alive?

To answer such questions a forum titled “Reflecting on Today’s Development of the Next Generation,” was held on February 24 by Tokyo Mission Research Institute. Mark Williams, vice president of Akita International University, who has been noted for his involvement in developing global personnel, was invited as guest commentator to lead the panel discussion.

Williams talked on Development of Global Personnel, making connections to Shusaku Endo, who he researched for his doctorate. Quoting from Endo’s books Silence and Deep River, Williams spoke of the global world that transcends western and eastern cultures.

Following this, Kaoru Hirose, chairman of Tokyo Christian University (TCU) raised the question in regard to the lack of next generation workers: “Do we see the crisis in this situation?” Then he continued, “The reason for next generation missions is not to secure the church’s future, but because youth are in need of the gospel.” He also noted that a major theme in post 3.11 Japan has been, “A vision to build God’s Kingdom on earth.” “The Church teaches how to be saved, but not how to live after being saved. There is a lack in teaching about making the world God’s Kingdom. This is why youth are not attracted.”

Masahiro Nakanishi, chairman of the Japan Holiness Church and President of Tokyo Bible Seminary, presented their Next Generation Development Program that endeavors to see people “transformed into His image” through justification, sanctification, and glorification. Their proposal is a development program where every generation cooperates, experiencing the joy of nurturing and being nurtured.

Takanobu Tōjō, vice president of the Tokyo Mission Research Institute, emphasized that training Sunday School staff is the key to next generation development. Noting that this will be difficult to accomplish by individual churches or denominations, he said, “The Japanese Sunday School in Japan needs to be researched, and a textbook is needed to help develop Sunday Schools. A specialized organization is needed for this endeavor.” 

From Christian Shimbun, March 9, 2014
Excerpt translated by Tim Williams
Photo contributed by the Christian Shimbun.