8 in 10 Students Have a Teacher to Confide In: Shincheonji Gwangju Church Youth Ministry Nurtures Next-Generation Growth

In a fast-paced society where teenagers often struggle with academic pressure and emotional isolation, finding trusted mentors to share personal concerns can make all the difference.

A recent internal survey conducted among 512 middle and high school students at Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Peter Tribe (Gwangju Church), revealed remarkable results: 80% of students responded that they have a teacher they can confide in regarding school life and daily challenges. Furthermore, 76% shared that they experienced personal growth through church life and youth ministry activities.

Equipping Teachers Through Empathy and Dialogue Training

Behind this high rate of trust is Gwangju Church's continuous focus on empowering its educators. The youth ministry regularly conducts counseling and communication training for teachers.

Rather than offering generic advice, teachers review real-life student case studies, practicing how to step into a teenager's shoes and adopt empathetic language and attitudes. Additionally, teachers study Scripture together weekly and hold biweekly trial runs of class materials to refine their teaching approach.

The impact of this genuine care is reflected in the students' feedback:

"I’m so grateful to my teacher for treating my small worries as if they were their own, and for believing in me even when my progress was slow," shared one student.

Middle school teacher Park Min-young (pseudonym) reflected:

"Through teacher education and activities with students, I learn so much. A teacher’s mission isn’t just to lead, but to grow alongside the students."

17 Weekly Clubs & Cultural Exchange Outside the Classroom

Gwangju Church’s youth engagement extends far beyond weekend services:

  • 17 Weekly Clubs: The youth department operates 17 specialized clubs and cultural activities, creating comfortable spaces by grade and district for students to relax, learn, and socialize.

  • Life & Academic Mentorship: Teachers participate directly in preparing and running club activities, naturally opening up conversations about schoolwork and daily life.

'Peter Sky Culture Academy': Discovering Talents Together

During school vacations, the church hosts the "Peter Sky Culture Academy," a program launched in December 2024. Church members share their diverse professional and creative talents, allowing teenagers to explore new interests and discover their unique aptitudes. Youth department teachers actively join as assistant instructors to guide the students step by step.

A Safe Space to Grow as You Are

A representative from Gwangju Church Youth Department shared: "We hope our teenagers feel safe to share their concerns, know they are respected just as they are, and learn both faith and life together in this community."

By building a culture of active listening, practical mentorship, and mutual respect, Shincheonji Gwangju Church continues to offer a hopeful blueprint for nurturing the next generation.

Source: https://vo.la/yH6aZDP

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