YOUTH OF THE CHURCH

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 56, Issue 4044, 6 May 1938, Page 5

YOUTH OF THE CHURCH

QUICKENING INTEREST. AN INSPIRING ADDRESS. At the May meeting of the Waikato Presbytery, held at Hamilton on Tuesday, Dr J. D. Salmond, M.A., director of youth work, who has been on a visit to the Presbytery, meeting with the youth workers in several centres, gave an interesting address touching upon many phases of his work. Inter alia, he stated that he sensed a quick-* ening interest among young people in the things for which the Church stood, and they were eagerly studying literature bearing upon religious questions. There was, however, a considerable leakage between the Sunday schools, senior Bible classes and church membership, w’hich should receive the attention of all interested in youth welfare. He regretted the lack of home training, as the home was the basis of religious life, and this aspect had seriously to be tackled, as in these days it was necessary to have a solid grounding upon which to build, and doctrinal teaching and memory work were necessary. There were disturbing influences at work which must be combated, and it was essential that their leaders and teachers be properly equipped for their work. They should be positive in their teaching and place Christ right in the centre of things. They must be more aggressive. The old type of evangelism had lost favour in many ways, which perhaps was not a matter for surprise. It appealed largely to the emotions, and the present generation did not readily respond to the emotional appeal as readily as did that of 40 or 50 years ago. They wanted facts, and the Church must speak with conviction and compel their people to face up to the real issues of life. Dr Salmond’s address held the rapt attention of Presbytery, and at its conclusion he was accorded a cordial vote of thanks, and appreciation was expressed of his work in the Presbyhis visit.