The Youth Ministry and the Church Authority in the Catholic Church

ABSTRACT

This study studied on the relationship between the youth ministry and the Church authority in the Catholic Church in Korea. For such a main purpose of the study, it had two sub-purposes to pursue further. First, it figured out its definition, reasons for crises, and strategies for the youth ministry of the Catholic Church, based upon critical review on the previous studies relevant to the subject. Second, it defined the concepts and roles of ‘true’ church authority that vitalize youth ministry by utilizing critical perspectives of religious sociology. From the result of the study, it reached to the more inclusive definition of the youth ministry like as, “Youth ministry is a process that collaborates the perspective of ‘youth’ into the Church’s basic functions, such as evangelization, liturgy, communion, and service.” Then, it underscored the importance of organizational strategies as well as of program strategies for successful youth ministry. Finally, it stressed that ‘true’ church authority should equip with the ‘service’ perspective enough to establish a clear vision statement, efficient organization, and positive utilization of its power for fruitful youth ministry.