In this situation it would be difficult to see how there can be any truth in the saying, coined by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” Nevertheless, nightmare journeys aside, there are circumstances where there is some truth in this statement. The Road to Emmaus may be one.
You may not know yet where each of your young people is on their faith journey but the story of the risen Jesus meeting two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-35) is a good place to start exploring this because it includes many of the key aspects of the BB Faith Journey model: Engage, Explore, Encounter and Expand.
In the story, two disciples are engaged in discussion about what has happened in Jerusalem and then the risen Jesus joins them, walking alongside them again and engaging in conversation. We then read about an exploration of what happened in Jerusalem – first from the disciples’ and then from Jesus’ perspective.
Jesus goes on to join the disciples as they share food together. Jesus breaks the bread and even though he has been with them for some time they encounter Jesus as their risen Lord for the first time. They then have a burning desire to share what they have experienced and in doing so, whether they realise it or not, begin the process of expanding the kingdom.
This is what the BB Faith Journey is all about and what we are seeking to emulate in our BB groups.
Jesus draws alongside the two disciples and journeys beside them. We very much see BB leaders as fellow travellers whose experience may be more extensive than the young people they are journeying with but who have not reached their destination.
Jesus’ conversation with the disciples wasn’t without challenge; how must they felt about being called “foolish” by someone they had just met? Whilst we’re not going to call our young people foolish, we do want BB groups to be places of challenge where young peoples’ beliefs and assumptions are stretched and their attitudes and behaviours tested. We want this to be done in fellowship and relationship so – just as food plays a vital part in this story – creating space, enjoying food, snacks and conversation together is a vital part of what we do.
St Augustine (354-430) wrote “If you encounter Jesus on the road to Emmaus, he will send you back to your Jerusalem.” For our young people their Jerusalem is their school, their friendship circles, their social media presence, maybe even their families. BB groups and the Churches in which we meet offer a place of encounter where young people can be better equipped to be representatives of Jesus in their own personal Jerusalems.
In relation to the journey of faith, the answer to the question “Are we nearly there yet?” is always going to be ‘no’ because there is always more to learn and live out. But who you journey with matters and our aim is to ensure that this is a journey where young people never lose interest or, worse, wish they had never set off.
If you have questions about how you support young people in your group on their faith journey, get in touch with us at ministry@boys-brigade.org.uk
The event offers you and your team the opportunity to take time out to reflect on the faith journey of your young people and your own ministry to them. Like us, you’ll be challenged and inspired but you’ll also be encouraged and refreshed. You’ll return to your groups with new perspectives, deeper understanding and better equipped to confidently support your young people in a world that is becoming even more strange and uncertain. Oh, and you’ll also have a great time because, whilst the intent is serious, it’s also lots of fun!
Through our partnership with Youthscape they are offering specially discounted tickets for BB leaders (£9 off standard tickets). Additionally, on the Saturday afternoon at 2pm there will be a special reception just for BB leaders. So, we would encourage as many BB leaders as possible to sign up and attend.