Just as Jesus changed the way He presented His message without compromising the message itself, TeenStreet has changed as well. Previously, TeenStreet was focused on large annual events only but, over the past few years, TeenStreet has changed to become a year-round way for teenagers to engage with their faith in culturally appropriate ways.
As in many European countries, Portuguese teens have historically travelled to the original TeenStreet event in Germany. But the OM team in Portugal has now expanded their vision to become TeenStreet 365, which embraces the idea of teens living out their faith vibrantly and being supported in it 365 days of the year.
Givas (Portugal) says, “TeenStreet Germany has had a huge impact on the teens who have participated already, and churches see the benefits in sending their young people. However, it is also cost-restrictive and many teens who would like to attend are not able to because of financial restraints.
“We are looking to expand beyond just sending teens to Germany to participate, and focus on also hosting local events, trainings and regular small groups. Through these activities, the hope is that TeenStreet will be more accessible to more young people.
“Like many nations, the largest age gap in the church is those between 13-35 and many teens feel a disconnect from their church. Often times, churches simply don't have the resources or experience to support and walk closely with these teens; discipling them in their every day walk with the Lord, and navigating the many challenges that young people face."
New events and small groups are being launched every year. In 2024, 1,000 teenagers gathered in Lahore, Pakistan, for the country’s first-ever TeenStreet event. It was a hugely successful event — but its true impact is now being felt through the creation of small groups of teenagers who continue to meet, study and live out their faith after the event.
Imran (Pakistan), who leads OM’s work in Pakistan, said the team was greatly encouraged by the response to the TeenStreet event. “At the moment, we have about 50 TeenStreet small group leaders in Pakistan, and out of 50, about 35 are actively engaging with the teenagers,” he said. “And we have around 40 active groups of teenagers and more than 500 teenagers just in Lahore and in the surrounding areas!”
An event was held for the first time in the North Caucasus in 2024 with the support of local churches. “Local believers were very interested in this project, and we saw the need for ministry to teenagers there. TeenStreet is an outstanding event, which contributes to the development of teenagers’ ministry,” said Michael* (Russia), the leader of TeenStreet in Russia.
In Africa, where almost 60 per cent of the population is below the age of 25, TeenStreet operates in Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Angola, Cameroon, Mauritius and Zambia, with plans for the Lake Tanganyika region as well as for a relaunch in South Africa.
Nigel (South Africa), who works with TeenStreet in South Africa, says, “I believe TeenStreet can play a positive role in guiding the young generation into thinking differently about who they are and the role that they could play in impacting our continent and beyond for God’s glory.
“We want to see TeenStreet reach as wide as possible in Africa whether it be through TeenStreet programmes, outreaches or responding to needs. Another dream is to see TeenStreet run across borders where teens from different parts of Africa interact,” he shared.
One unique feature of TeenStreet is that it includes teens that have gone through the programme in the planning of future initiatives.
Privy (Zimbabwe) is on the planning team for TeenStreet activities in Zimbabwe and is one of the event’s small group leaders. Small group leaders are encouraged to maintain contact with their small groups throughout the year, either in person or online, and to help disciple the young people in their faith.
Privy said, “We have seen people who have attended the first camp continuing to come. We have seen young people go on to become small group leaders. We have seen people come to TeenStreet and then want to join mission trips outside the country. It's encouraging.”
Circumstances also dictate changes to the way the programme is run. In 2020, TeenStreet launched its first ever online event as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pandemic is now past, online meetings have been adopted as part of regular activities in many countries.
OM workers are also working to bring TeenStreet to refugee camps in areas impacted by conflict and natural disasters. In 2024, workers ran meetings and activities for teenagers in four camps.
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