The Reverend Simione Tugi, general secretary of the Fiji Council of Churches, has urged churches to adopt and implement innovative strategies to engage young people. He emphasized the importance of updating traditional church practices to keep pace with contemporary worship styles that resonate with the youth.
Mr. Tugi highlighted a new partnership with the Australian contemporary worship band Planet Shakers as a significant initiative aimed at a younger demographic. He acknowledged the necessity of seeking external support, such as that from Planet Shakers, for effective outreach to today’s youth.
“The youth are our future, and we must unite our efforts to address their needs,” he stated, expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration with Planet Shakers, which has a proven track record of connecting with young audiences across the globe.
The recent concert by Planet Shakers in Lautoka witnessed an impressive turnout of over 1,000 attendees, which Mr. Tugi noted as a clear indication that young people in Fiji are in search of affirmation, support, and love. He remarked on the profound emotional responses from the youth at the event, referencing how many were visibly moved and committed during the concert.
Mr. Tugi called for a more serious and coordinated response from local communities, churches, and the government regarding increasing social issues in Fiji. He pointed to reports on rising crime rates, violence against women and children, and drug abuse, asserting that current approaches are ineffective.
“It’s concerning that if these strategies were working, we would see a decline in social problems,” he said, suggesting a need for a reevaluation of priorities among the government, churches, and communities.
He lamented that many churches are struggling with attendance because they are failing to adequately address the pressing concerns of their congregants. “We are not delivering the right message, which is why the churches are often empty,” he concluded.