A Soul Care Teaching And Discipling Model To Aid Millennial Youth In Developing Healthy Relationships With God, Self, And Others In The Nottingham Central Seventh-day Adventist Church
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Miller Georgina 
Published: June 2023

Problem A large proportion of youth and young adults classified as Millennials (also known as Generation Y) within the Adventist Church worldwide are hurting because of lack of acceptance, love, and healthy self-worth. This youth group has issues with trusting others, especially society at large and authority figures, due to negative experiences in their past, which has painfully scarred them. They have an unhealthy view of who God really is based on the dysfunctional role models they have grown up with and see around them. The church’s limited ability to connect and relate with the postmodern culture, due to a lack of understanding, as well as a failure to model authentic Christ-like characteristics, has resulted in large number of Millennial youth and young adults leaving the Adventist Church worldwide. Methodology This biblically-based Soul Care process has been designed and developed with the intention to offer care and nurture for Millennial youth and young adults in the Seventh-day Adventist Church with an emphasis on youth across the United Kingdom and in the Nottingham Central Church. The process seeks to help the youth to develop and gain: (a) a healthy view of who God is, leading them to develop a healthy view of themselves, (b) a lasting Christian identity and deeper faith that will enable them to become mature Christian adults who remain in the church, and (c) foster healthy interpersonal relationships. Expected Results The Soul Care process will facilitate healing and restoration from past experiences that have caused deep wounds in the hearts and lives of these youth. The youth will connect to Christ through a healthy understanding of who God is by creating an environment that fosters a community spirit, interpersonal relationships that is both accepting and loving, as well as are intentionally consistent. A ministry model will be implemented that is Christocentric and spiritual, as opposed to traditional in ritual and ceremony. Training opportunities will be created to heighten awareness for adults in regards to learning how to interact with postmodern Millennial youth. Conclusions In order for a person to develop more positive perceptions of and relational experiences with God, as well as a healthy self-identity and interpersonal relationships, it is imperative that they form new relationships with people that are receptive and accessible, which enables the young person to feel loved. They need the support and guidance of mentors and counselors in their lives to facilitate healing and to redefine a healthy image of God and self in order to nurture their spiritual development. The implementation of this project through the Soul Care process and the aid of the Holy Spirit is intended to have a lasting impact on the lives of Millennial youth that will not only foster healing, create a healthy God image, and facilitate spiritual growth in Millennial youth, but facilitate restoration and harmonious relationships on four distinct levels: with God, with self, with others, and with creation as God originally intended.