Why Birmingham youth are ‘open to claims of Jesus’

Why Birmingham youth are ‘open to claims of Jesus’

For 13 years an interdenominational event in the city has been run successfully by Birmingham City Mission’s youth team – and you can find out about it at CRE Midlands next month.

Called Fulfil, it is for both churched and unchurched young people and creates an important connection point of faith and fellowship. The initiative is particularly important with Birmingham classed as Europe’s youngest major city – under-25s being nearly 40 per cent of the population and facing huge pressures.

As Steve Botham of Time4Brum puts it: ‘We have more than 400 schools, four universities, a “super diverse” population and all the excitement, innovation and energy associated with youth.’

Yet the pressures affecting children and young people are evident. The world of digital devices, social media, the ongoing effects of the Covid years, exam pressures, political agendas and gender confusion all impact young people’s mental health and wellbeing. For many inner-city young people there is the daily reality of knife crime, addiction, economic deprivation, lack of opportunity, racial injustice and disenfranchisement.

‍But, through Fulfil, Birmingham City Mission (BCM), formed in ‍1966, is still playing a key role in bringing young people back to God.

John Platt, BCM youth team co-ordinator, said: ‘We have detected a growing interest in spiritual things among young people. This has been the experience at our after-school clubs, with young people asking deep spiritual questions. Perhaps a growing disillusion with materialism, failings in authority and the hopelessness of atheism mean that many young people are open to the claims of Jesus. To them the distinctiveness of Christ stands out.’

‍He points out that youth leaders are seeing a growing number of young people across the city with a deepening passion for Jesus. Prayer movements are being formed, led by young people. Younger generations are using their gifts in churches and young migrants are playing a key role in revitalising the Church. Fulfil is a vital part of the programme but, as with all BCM projects, could not function without volunteers.

‘We are so grateful to people who give up their time to provide the staffing and skills needed,’ he said.

‍Heather is a volunteer at youth camp. ‘I enjoy my role with the youth team,’ she said, ‘because it allows me to see the joy on a young person’s face, not only when they get to hear the good news of the Lord but also the joy of trying new things. It encourages me in my faith.’

• BCM will be on stand E15 at CRE Midlands 23

Book your ticket for CRE Midlands 2023 here from as little as £3

Organisations looking to book a stand should contact James Batterbee 0161 250 2306 (E: james@creonline.co.uk) or Carol Malpass 0161 250 2467 (E: carol@creonline.co.uk)

Click to view the latest floorplan and price list for available stands