Young people are much more than the Church of the future
- they are a vital part of the Church of today!
This summarises the attitude of the large and lively Youth Department which has groups in most ZEC
Churches. Its motto of "Seek, serve and make disciples" also effectively sums up the aims of the
ZEC youth work which embraces a wide range of activities.
FELLOWSHIP OF YOUTH (FoY)
The Fellowship of Youth was formed by the 1983 ZEC Synod 'with the purpose of helping its young people
to become strong Christians and active participants in the Body of Christ'. FoY has become a key part
of ZEC, and its ministries also extend to youngsters beyond the ZEC family.
FoY choir sharing in worship at ZEC Chitepa
FoY is active in evangelism and has seen new Churches planted as a result of its special outreach events in areas where there is no evangelical witness.
Evangelistic event at Michiru
GIRLS' BRIGADE
Over recent years GB has played a developing part in the ZEC youth work and has spread
to other Church groups. It is, of course, an international organisation which the Churches decided
to launch in 1997 in response to the special needs of teenage girls in an African culture.
Many are unable to complete their education because of the demands
of home and family
and often because of juvenile pregnancy.
Others fall away from the Lord and the Church because of
arranged marriages to non-believers.
Girls frequently find it difficult to break away from some of the ceremonies
connected
with African traditional religions.
The Churches also recognise the need for girls to meet with other girls so that their
particular situations can be addressed and counselling given.
Mrs Ruth Folayan, who gained wide experience
of GB in her native Nigeria, has taken a number of leaders' training sessions in various parts of the
country.
The GB programme, like all of ZEC
youth work, has four main thrusts
Mrs Ruth Folayan, who gained wide experience
of GB in her native Nigeria, has taken a number of leaders' training sessions in various parts of the
country.