For thirty-five years, the Association of Reformed Youth (Refisz) has been inviting young people to encounter the renewing power of God through faith, community and service. The Year of the Youth Ministry in the Reformed Church in Hungary focuses on spiritual empowerment and the growth of young people in community and churches. We asked Balázs Harmathy, the director of the organisation, what it means for a young person to be a member of the church in our days, how can they contribute to the life of the community and what spiritual gifts they gain in God’s service.
What is the purpose and mission of the Association of Reformed Youth?
As its name suggests, the association is primarily focused on the ministry to young people. Our mission is to provide dedicated time for young people to encounter the Gospel, understand the teachings of the Bible accessible and receive spiritual support. It is important to us that young people find a home in our congregations. Refisz does not want to be an independent community, but works within the church and seeks to help young people find their place in the congregations.
This year is dedicated to the youth ministry in RCH. What has Refisz prepared for this initiative?
Last fall, we began a renewal process because we were experiencing a level of growth that required change in the organization. This restructuring process had practical consequences, as well: this year we got a new camp site and we have managed to organize two camps instead of one. Of course, we will be present at the Starpoint Youth Festival, as every year. Our program called 'Lift' is also becoming increasingly popular, but this year we have added a new feature: in addition to the traditional summer camp for young people, we are now also organizing a separate, shorter, long-weekend camp for young adults, because we have discovered that around a third of the participants in the camps are over 18. Many in this age group are not only participants but also volunteers, and while they serve as stewards we are intentional to offer them also spiritual replenishment that this community provides. In their experience, the 18-29 age group is often absent from churches, so it was important to reach out to them with a special camp this year, as the shared experience and spiritual refreshment can give everyone a new boost.
What does youth work mean in the life of the congregations today? How does youth ministry manifest itself in local churches?
As I see it, a strong youth community can shape its congregation. When this vibrancy is seen in the church, it is truly special. In my home congregation the contribution manifested itself in music, which started with the formation of a band of young people and transformed the traditional way of singing in worship services, and over time has been joined by older members of the congregation. Youth work is important because, sooner or later, youngsters become senior members of the church. And this ministry needs to be continued.
Balázs Harmathy, director of the Association of Reformed Youth
How can young people serve the church and, vice versa, how can the church minister to young people?
When I joined Refisz, I was a participant at first, and as the years went by, I got involved in more and more ministries and working fields. It started with leading sports activities, and after a while I became a group leader. I learned and formed myself a lot during the camps and retreats, and I was able to practice them in the my own congregation. It is about ministry, but in terms of service learning, it also shapes those who volunteer. For me, it is a great experience when as a group leader at the summer camp I engage in a conversation with participants and see God at work in their life. For me, these encounters are as valuable as listening to a sermon, because God is shaping me through them. It is great to experience that God is working in all of us. Taking this inspiration home, you can experience it not only during a single week in the summer, but all year round in your local church community.
What spiritual gifts can a young person get from Refisz?
I think the greatest gift of all is the presence of God, which you can really feel when His Spirit is at work in you. And God not only grants His transforming presence with us, but offers us, at the same time, the opportunity to share it with others. I often had the certainty after a conversation, that I could not have said those words myself. It became obvious that God had led the conversation. This experience is also reflected when we praise the Lord, which is beautiful and touching not because we humans do our jobs so well, but because God is present among us and makes everything possible. And these affirming experiences keep us going, not only in the given moment, but also in difficult times. When it not that easy to believe, I can recall that God has been with me before and I have seen him at work in my life. This experience touches everyone, not only the volunteers, but also the participants of the camps.
What would be your message to young people who are not yet involved in a similar community?
Do not hesitate and do not be afraid! I think it's worth getting involved because it creates fraternal relationships that you don't find elsewhere. This is biggest gift that Refisz has given me, because I have so many friends whom I met here, and as a consequence I truly feel at home in the community. Wherever I go and visit a local youth group or congregation, somehow I still feel at home.
Metanoia and Renewal
"The novelty of our approach is the clear dedication and outspoken conviction that the Gospel is relevant also in the life of youngsters". 2025 will be the year of youth ministry. Rev. Áron Ablonczy, head of the Youth Office and his colleague, Luca Oláh explained the main goals, program highlights and prioritized topics during the year.