Change the World

This "rant" is not so much biblical and just a lot of Stephen "Ranting".

People who work with kids and youth but do not know how to work with kids and youth but continue to do such work because they think that they what is best for kids and youth when they actually want make the kids and youth do what the people thinks is best for them...tick me off.

We live in an era of the church where youth programs have become very distinct and often separated from the rest of the church.  Some ideas are that it is better this way so that the kids can be fed their own way and the adults can keep things their way.  Win-win right?

I have purely enjoyed my time as a youth group sponsor, seen the benefits of a great sponsor and program, and seen the hurt and frustration from a bad one (both from the perspective of a sponsor and as a youth).  Youth group is that special time of the week where kids are the #1 priority.  There are no committees or task forces or bulletins, just rocking for Jesus at their level.  It is incredible to see these kids open up when the realize that someone cares.

The wrenches in this beautiful set up comes when the church either overemphasizes the separation of the ages or undermines the separation without proper integration.

Case #1: When a church decides that kids should be seen and not heard in the church, that equals bad.  They start to assume that now that there is this special time for the youth to be ministered to, nothing about Sunday morning worship has to be for the youth.  They get their time so adults should get there time.  Adults push down the voice of the youth in church matters, theological discussions, and ministering goals because they are just those kids over there.  It is at this point that the negativity and resentment of the church towards the youth begins to seep into the isolated youth program and affects that ministry as well.  The results are an unhealthily separated church with negative and resentful youth that are not a part of the church and thus will leave it.

Case #2:  The other side is when churches choose to have no separation between their adult and youth ministries.  This idea appears when the adults of a congregation decide to turn youth time into their time.  No longer is this set aside time of age appropriate ministry squashed but no new place is made for them with the rest of the church.  I have seen several churches that do not have separate youth programs but they actively involve the kids in the service.  The church is for everyone, and everyone is fed differently.  The church can only thrive if it is willing to involve all of its members, no matter their ages.

I am passionate about youth.  Most anyone who knows me knows this.  I have been blessed with many gifts that I believe that God has called me to use for youth ministry.  They are the future of this world and Christianity.  If people continue to ignore their voice, both will die.

I in no way have meant to offend anyone through this writing, but just know that it is the church's responsibility to take care of its children.  You do not need to agree with me but please be willing to open your heart to hear the voice of those that may be different.  People and society change, if the church is not willing to adjust with the people that it serves, things are going to get really ugly really fast...but if it is willing to adjust...

if the church is willing to look beyond tradition and norms to meet the needs of the people that walk through their doors and are waiting behind the doors of their community, the can change the world.

Closed minds: world dead to morality and faith
Open minds: world on fire for Christ

We chose the course.