Some more interesting stats:
People who never have gone to youth group are more likely to remain in church than those who attend.
I am not making this up either. But neither am I surprised by the study. One major reason for the failure lies squarely on the parents shoulders - they have not done their job diligently. Why? Well one interpretation of the statistics is that the mere existence of youth ministry and Sunday school allows parents to shrug off their responsibilities as the primary teachers, mentors, and pastors to their family. This statement was a quote from the book "Already Gone" written by Ken Ham. He has called for a total renovation of the youth programs in the church because his argument is that they are beyond fixing. They are inherently flawed. I completely agree with him. If youth ministry gives parents this excuse then perhaps it is better to leave it alone. Besides, it appears the kind of "socializing" they are getting is not a wise decision on the parent's part to allow, since it may be detrimental to the spiritual health of their children. I might add, it seems to be a very, ignorant and foolish choice at that. What say you?
-Joe
4 comments:
Joe,
Thank you for continuing to write out your thoughts and share them with us.
I appreciate your concern for our youth in particular and the church in general. I agree that responsibility for raising our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord lies squarely on the shoulders of the parents and in particular, the fathers. I believe the youth group/Sunday school issue is only symptoms of the bigger problem, a church gone astray. Fixing, re-creating or building from scratch either of the programs would not solve any issues. It would be similar to wiping blood off the floor over and over instead of tending to the wound. All ministry of any church reflect the teaching and attitude of the leadership of the church. Until leadership is sound, the bleeding will continue.
By way of contrast disagree with two statements in your post.
1. “the mere existence of youth ministry and Sunday school allows parents to shrug off their responsibilities as the primary teachers, mentors, and pastors to their family. “ –
This is an excuse. There are many things that lead us astray as parents. This is only another one we use to avoid the hard work of those roles mentioned above. This is an illegitimate reason to go after these ministries. Otherwise, we should get rid of all Pastors and ministries of any kind.
2. “They are inherently flawed” -
I disagree. If they are used to teach sound doctrine and living they are not only legitimate, but needed.
As far as the socialization aspect, if youth spend time with those who love Christ and are daily be conformed to His image, I don’t see how that can be bad. I think it is common that those in youth leadership are not mature believers and are mostly looking to entertain instead of disciple.
Hi Jay. That's o.k that you disagree. I stand by my assessment which is not only supported by Ham's survey as expounded on in his book that I referenced but plenty of other surveys such as G. Barna's. His arguments, if you care to read, force you to deal with the evidence. Your opinions are not based on the evidence and the growing epidemic that our churches are not dealing with the situation that the youth are facing. I am not blaming well meaning youth pastors for the growing epidemic - I am with parent's ignorance to deal with the youth culture that is found in the youth group model. Furthermore, some, not all, of the parents would think these things subconsciously about the youth group "taking a share of the spiritual educational". This is totally wrong in my opinion but a very natural thought. There is a history here that you might benefit from with a few resources I have listed in an earlier blog. More and more authors are on my side of this issue.
-Joe
Joe,
Did you see the first half where I agreed with you? Just wondering...
You say "Your opinions are not based on the evidence", can you please tell me what you think my opinions are?
I did not mean offense. The evidence merely points to the contrary whether you agree with it or not. Perhaps your church does it right? I merely am suggesting that according to Ham's book it is doubtful. Your opinion? You already said it...you disagreed with two main points in my brief statement (the post). If my statement is true then what we should be talking about is a solution to the epidemic. Why they are inherently flawed I only mentioned one thing. The psychology of parental attitude surrounding spiritual leadership over the raising of their children is something that you or I have no trouble with taking seriously. However, it is still a viable, abet, lame excuse on the part of parents to use it as an excuse not to remain diligent in the responsibilities they have to raise their own children and not leave the primary teaching to the youth pastor and church members.
-Joe
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