The journey of youth leaders in Malta : a theological reflection

Abstract

This study aims to understand the experience of Maltese youth leaders, their pedagogical journey of discipleship and the role of the ecclesial community in nurturing this vocation. It presents the Divine Pedagogy as a possible theological framework to understand how God accompanies the youth leader in an adaptive and progressive manner. It explores the Christian Anthropology within the Pedagogy of God through the three main themes of dignity, autonomy and relationality. The study then discusses youth leadership through the situated learning theory of Lave and Wenger, on Communities of Practice. It also presents the theory of Positive Youth Development, developed by Lerner, as a developmental psychological understanding of young people. These theoretical frameworks are put into dialogue with the reality and contemporary studies of relational and incarnational youth ministry. The study uses a pastoral theology approach and gathers insights from 10 youth leaders from different religious movements in Malta. These interviews show clear evidence that youth movements have the characteristics of Communities of Practice. The participants had developed the 5C’s - competence, character, connection, confidence and caring/compassion, thus leading to their contribution and commitment within the movement. The leaders take on the role of the pedagogue in three aspects: as a wise guide, as a companion on the journey and as an educator. The study concludes that the journey and the role of youth leaders is one of transformation. It recommends a rediscovery of the aspect of true Catholic education in youth leadership. It also calls for the local Church to appreciate the diverse charisms of youth ministry, whilst striving to bring all to communion in the Body of Christ.