HOW GLOBALISATION AFFECTS YOUTH CULTURE IN MALAWI & THE CHURCH’S RESPONSE LINDA KALUKUSHA

WHAT IS GLOBALIZATION? “the process by which particular goods and services, or social and cultural influences, gradually become similar in all parts of the world” (Cambridge) “the trend of increasing interactions between people on a worldwide scale due to the advances in transportation and communication technology”

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? Franchises; local restaurant turns into worldwide chain of restaurants e.g. KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) an american fast food restaurant now found across Africa, Asia, The Caribbean, The Middle East The declining independence of nation-state and inclusion of outside players into the political scene e.g. existence of the United Nations, European Union, African Union African inspired designs in the Western world

African inspired fashion by Haitian- Italian designer Stella Jean

OUR YOUTH CULTURE WHO IS THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON THE YOUTH/YOUTH CULTURE IN YOUR MINISTRY? (DISCUSSION)

The influencers MEDIA INFLUENCED LIFESTYLE Social media- influence of what’s popular and trending Celebrities – fashion and self image TV and radio – entertainment, socialization and education

So what? Malawi’s population -46% under 15 years -20% under 25 years (INDEXMUNDI) With globalization, an increasing number of these young people are getting their information and social education through radio, magazines, TV and the internet God has always been concerned with upcoming generations GENESIS 9:8-9 & GENESIS 12:1-2a

SO HOW CAN WE RESPOND? ACTS 2:1-12 Learning from God; how does god handle different influences, value systems, cultures and languages? All heard the wonders of God declared in a language they could understand

He reasoned with tem from the scriptures which they were familiar with Acts 17: 1-4 Paul in Thessalonica He reasoned with tem from the scriptures which they were familiar with He used the scriptures to present Christ in a way they understood

Acts 17: 16-31 paul in Athens Paul used what surrounded them (idol worship), and what they were familiar with to explain the gospel He engaged them in a way they already has interest in (sitting and listening to the latest ideas)

Using our knowledge of culture to engage young people Paul used his knowledge of both cultures to engage them in a way that was relevant to them We need to learn how to relate and engage with young people in a way that is relevant to them and true to the gospel The gospel is the one unchanging message in an ever changing world and youth culture. It is ever true and reliable

GLOBALISATION AS OUR TOOL Our awareness of the negative influences can help us know where we come in to help youth We can use the same tools of information to engage young people Keeping ourselves informed of what is influencing our youth Creating an environment that encourages openness about struggles, and allows questions Finding relevant ways to speak the gospel

Romans 1:16 “for I am not ashamed of the gospel of jesus Christ, for it is the power of god for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the jew, then for the gentile.”