THE THEORY UNDERPINNING REACH4LIFE There are several core theoretical assumptions that the Reach4Life programme is based on. These may not all be visible on the surface – in other words, they may not be obvious by just skimming through the content, which sometimes appears deceptively simple. They do, however, serve as the foundation that the whole programme is built on. Or to use another analogy: the programme is like an iceberg of which the largest portion is below the water’s surface – the unseen section (the theory underpinning the programme) keeps the entire iceberg (Reach4Life) afloat!
There are several core theoretical assumptions that the Reach4Life programme is based on. These may not all be visible on the surface – in other words, they may not be obvious by just skimming through the content, which sometimes appears deceptively simple. They do, however, serve as the foundation that the whole programme is built on. Or to use another analogy: the programme is like an iceberg of which the largest portion is below the water’s surface – the unseen section (the theory underpinning the programme) keeps the entire iceberg (Reach4Life) afloat!
Reach4Life is firmly based on the belief that only the Bible, as witness to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, bears the truth that will set young people free from the burden of sin and condemnation; that will restore them to the wholeness of the image of God in which they were created; and will give them identity, community, meaning and purpose.
Reach4Life is a holistic discipleship programme that believes true and lasting change in behaviour only flows out of long-term relationships of authenticity and trust, where peer educators spend time with young people in small groups and where circles of trust are created where young people feel they can be themselves, speak honestly and become vulnerable without the fear of rejection.
Reach4Life is a non-judgmental approach to youth development that believes young people cannot be forced into behavioural change through fear and condemnation, but rather are attracted and inspired by a positive message of faith, hope and love, without compromising on the truth that the Bible reveals about God’s will for people.
Through extensive global research, it is clear that young people all over the world face the same struggles. Research shows that the biggest issues and challenges facing young people are: relationships and sexuality; substance abuse and addiction; social media and online activity (especially pornography). It is therefore important to address these issues head-on without beating about the bush. However, it is also clear that these are symptomatic issues (or behavioural fruits) that can only be transformed and healed by addressing the underlying causes (or spiritual roots). Only by addressing the spiritual roots of identity, values, meaning and purpose, can negative and self-destructive behaviours be replaced by healthy and life-giving fruit.
Developmental psychology shows us that the core challenge and task of early adolescence is creating a secure and authentic social self, and that the centre of gravity at this stage of human development is peer group, sex, and society (having shifted from a focus on the family in childhood). The aim of Reach4Life is therefore to provide a positive, Biblical approach to this psycho-social identity formation.
The purpose of salvation in Christ is not simply to go to heaven when one dies, but rather to be transformed and renewed here and now, and to join God’s mission in the world to preach the gospel and heal and restore the hurting and broken. Therefore, Reach4Life emphasises not just what we are saved from but also what we are saved for. Throughout the programme, and especially in Journey 4 – Change, young people are inspired and equipped to become doers of the Word and to join the Great Commission that Jesus describes in Matthew 28:18–20.