In recent years, a quiet yet significant shift has been observed in youth worship services across Nagaland. In many youth gatherings today, the pendulum now seems to swing further toward creative events, and social bonding. From talent shows accompanied with best refreshments and game nights to debates, dramas, and outdoor camps, youth ministries are alive with buzzing activities.
These programs have undoubtedly helped the young minds build confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging among young people however, beneath the excitement lies a deeper question that the church must now ask: Is God the priority in all of these? In the quest of thinking outside of the box, are we missing out on what is really inside the box?
It is important to recognize that the activities are not in themselves harmful. In fact, they offer many benefits like encouraging participation and teamwork, giving space for creativity through music, art, drama, providing emotional support and friendship by keeping the youths engaged in a positive environment. For many young people, church activities have become a safe space—an alternative to mental stress, addiction, and harmful distractions. These programs have kept the youths within the four walls of the church, which is no small achievement in today’s world.
However, the concern arises when activities begin to replace worshipping of God instead of igniting it. In many youth services, prayers are brief, sermons are optional, and Bible study is often sidelined. It has now started to focus more on who performs, who wins the competition, or who dresses best for the theme night.
Worship sessions are sometimes reduced to a few rushed songs, and sermons are often replaced or shortened in favour of programs and presentations. It is becoming common to spend two hours on fun-time and only ten minutes on God.
When the name of Jesus is barely mentioned, when Bibles remain unopened, and when worship becomes more about performance rather than presence, we must pause and reflect.
A generation raised on activities and games rather than the Word of God may struggle to develop a firm foundation in Christ. They may know how to plan an event, but not how to pray. They may be familiar with stage performance but unfamiliar with the Scripture. This imbalance risks producing a spiritually shallow youth—enthusiastic but not rooted in Christ, present but not transformed.
Now if we ask why, there are several factors contributing to this shift. Firstly, churches often fear being labelled as “boring” or “too serious,” leading to compromises so that they attract more youths and be called as contextual progress. Another reason is peer influence and social media. In today’s technological world, the pressure to post exciting photos and videos of youth events often outweighs the need for genuine spiritual encounters.
The church was never meant to be a social club. It is the body of Christ—a spiritual community with an eternal purpose. Without intentional focus on God, the youth may enjoy church but never encounter Christ.
They may form friendships, but not faith in God. They may remember the fun, but not the truth of the holy Scripture.
What is needed today is not the removal of activities but a balance. Let the creativity continue. Let the fun remain. But let worshipping of God be central. Let the Word of God shape every session. Let prayer be more than just an opening routine. Let leaders carry the burden not just to organize and entertain the mind but to disciple and feed the soul.
Romans 12:2 warns the believers not to be conformed to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind so that we will be able to test and approve what God’s will is for us, which is good, pleasing and perfect will. Therefore, let the church not offer the youth a stage without a Saviour. May the church rise again to be a place where young hearts are not only filled with joy but set on fire for Jesus.
Akumnaro Ozukum.
Saturday, July 26, 2025