Reverend Simione Tugi, the general secretary of the Fiji Council of Churches, has urged churches to adopt new and innovative concepts to engage and inspire youth. He highlighted the recent partnership with Planet Shakers, an Australian contemporary worship band, as a significant initiative aimed at attracting a younger demographic.
According to Mr. Tugi, integrating fresh ideas into traditional church practices is vital to keep pace with contemporary worship trends that appeal specifically to young people. “These individuals represent our future, and we require support from external sources like Planet Shakers,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of collaborating to focus on today’s youth, expressing gratitude for the partnership, which he believes effectively connects with young audiences through their global outreach.
The recent Planet Shakers concert in Lautoka was a resounding success, attracting over 1,000 attendees. Mr. Tugi remarked that this turnout indicates a strong desire among Fijian youth for validation, support, and love. “It was extraordinary to see such a large crowd standing for three hours. I witnessed many young people moved to tears and giving their lives to a greater cause last week. These are the most vulnerable individuals in our community, with many involved in illegal activities.”
He called for urgent action from local communities, churches, and the government to address the increasing social challenges in Fiji. Mr. Tugi took to social media to share articles about rising crime rates, violence against women and children, and drug abuse, expressing concern that current strategies are ineffective. He noted, “If our methods were successful, we would see a decline in these social issues; something is off in our approach involving the government, church, and community.”
He stressed that there is a need to re-examine priorities, warning that the situation is nearing a breaking point, and addressing these matters will become increasingly difficult if not tackled soon. Mr. Tugi observed that many churches are not filled because individuals feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed. “I question why churches are empty; it’s because we aren’t delivering the right message.”