Are Youth Groups really necessary? I don't mean this to attack good and passionate youth ministers. I know that there are some very good youth groups and very good youth ministers out there. I know that there will be some youth ministers reading this and i can think of two in particular that may read this blog that i respect greatly. (I'm sure you know who you are. I have told you before that you and your husband are some of the good ones.) Please just show me where it is biblical?
I can illustrate this point. I see in the bible the body of Christ coming together for exposition of the word and for the sacraments. I do not see the youth separated at all in the body of Christ. The youth and the Children contribute to the body as a whole. Why do you rob your congregation of their contributions? We have made it where you can go through your growing up in the church and never be part of the church. You are in nursery, then into children's church, then into junior high group, then youth group, then into college and singles, and are never part of the body of believers coming together. So when they go away to college, they think that Campus Crusade is Church, just like I did, because i was never taught about the communion of the saints. I was never taught Ecclesiology. Why are we not teaching our children about the communion of the saints? The reason they feel they need there own thing, is because they have never been allowed to belong to the Communion of the saints. This is tragic
Parents, you are youth ministers! If you are not training your children, if you are not leading your family in worship at home, if you are not catechising and praying with your family, then YOU ARE SINNING! This used to be a matter that called for church discipline. If you were not leading your family in worship you were subject to church discipline. This needs to be resurrected. We must understand the brevity of what we are doing. The whole church has been entrusted to bring the children up in the faith. God was good and blessed our congregations with youth and children. WHY WOULD WE NOT WANT THEM WITH US!
What makes more of an impact on a young persons life? Somebody barely older than them teaching them a little bit here and there between the games? Or an older man or older woman taking that young person under their wing and investing in them. Personally investing in them. Showing them what a family is to look like, teaching them how to study and pray, taking responsibility over them and showing them how to be a follower of Christ. Some youth do not have good families, they have hethen parents who suject them to who knows how many torments. Don't you think that an older family taking responsibility for that young person would do so much more than some little 20 minute message on a wednesday with a cool game and loud music? Show them what a family is supposed to look like, so that when they get their own family you will be the model and not their horrible home life. No one ever did that with me, so now i'm scared to death! I've never seen a father, i've never seen a family that is functional. I have only recently in the last few years by the grace of God been around Godly families and have seen it. Now i can put some looks on what my family should look like, if we are to honor God.
Our small groups in our churches should look like the church! Our small Groups should be full of single moms, and families with children, and teenagers, and old widows, and single college people all together worshiping and walking with Christ together. Church, we have a responsibility to raise up our children in the faith. It starts at home, and it continues into the life of the church. I could write about his for days and days, but now just a few words to say what is on my mind and to start the conversation. If I am wrong please tell me...I just don't see how I am. this is a link to crosstalk where they talk about some of these issues. http://www.crosstalkblog.com/2009/12/time-to-dump-youth-ministry-in-churches/ Please comment, lets talk about this.
