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
Showing posts with label Youth Group. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Youth Group. Show all posts
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Why are we loosing our Youth?
Statistics demonstrate that the church is loosing its youth. Anyone care to comment? I have my suspicions as well as plenty of observations; but if I share them people would think I am being prideful.
-Joe
-Joe
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Evil Influencing the Good
This quote from Geerhardus Vos is immediately applicable to the current modern youth group model infecting the church today:
"Notwithstanding these isolated instances of the continuity of redemptive grace, the account as a whole tends to bring out the divine purpose above formulated. Even the good kept alive was not enabled to to force back the evil. Nothing is said about any influence proceeding from the Sethites upon the Cainites. While the power of redemption remained stationary, the power of sin waxed strong, and became ready to attack the good that still existed. The character of the period in this respect finds clearest expression in what is said, thirdly, about he commingling of the Cainites and Sethites through intermarriage. The latter allowed themselves to become assimilated to the wickedness of the former. This was permitted by God to go on to the point where the lesson of the inherent destructive potencies of sin had been fully taught, and where it could not go on any further, because Noah and his family only having remained faithful, the continuity of the work of God appeared in danger, and where the time had been reached to teach the finishing lesson of the judgment, without which the entire period would have failed of its purpose."1.
An acquaintance of mine once said that the reason he thought it was good for his son to go to youth group was for missionary reasons - he would be salt. This quote strikes that misconception to the ground because it teaches just the opposite. Yes we are to be salt in a sinful world, but we also must not place ourselves willingly, as if we could handle the pressure, into the hands of what might inevitably lead to our downfall.
See the process of being incorporated into what is sinful and evil. First, the Sethites remained pure, unadulterated from their evil brothers. But the next step was compromise. Here begins a commingling between the Sethites and the Cainites. As G. Vos has said earlier in this same chapter that they (the Cainites) perhaps did not feel the curse but relied on their own inventions - much as we do today. Lastly, we notice that the good has been completely swallowed up by evil save Noah and his family. Even history confirms to us that this same trend continues to the present. Biblical strongholds of the past are now havens for sin; a celebration to evil. But we violate this historical lesson when we put our innocent, impressionable children into the hands of those who have no conscience about heavenly things! It is they who influence our children for ill. God, that we might awake from our idiocy and repent from our blindness!
1. Vos, Gerrhardus; Biblical Theology, Eerdmans, 1977, p.48.
-Joe
"Notwithstanding these isolated instances of the continuity of redemptive grace, the account as a whole tends to bring out the divine purpose above formulated. Even the good kept alive was not enabled to to force back the evil. Nothing is said about any influence proceeding from the Sethites upon the Cainites. While the power of redemption remained stationary, the power of sin waxed strong, and became ready to attack the good that still existed. The character of the period in this respect finds clearest expression in what is said, thirdly, about he commingling of the Cainites and Sethites through intermarriage. The latter allowed themselves to become assimilated to the wickedness of the former. This was permitted by God to go on to the point where the lesson of the inherent destructive potencies of sin had been fully taught, and where it could not go on any further, because Noah and his family only having remained faithful, the continuity of the work of God appeared in danger, and where the time had been reached to teach the finishing lesson of the judgment, without which the entire period would have failed of its purpose."1.
An acquaintance of mine once said that the reason he thought it was good for his son to go to youth group was for missionary reasons - he would be salt. This quote strikes that misconception to the ground because it teaches just the opposite. Yes we are to be salt in a sinful world, but we also must not place ourselves willingly, as if we could handle the pressure, into the hands of what might inevitably lead to our downfall.
See the process of being incorporated into what is sinful and evil. First, the Sethites remained pure, unadulterated from their evil brothers. But the next step was compromise. Here begins a commingling between the Sethites and the Cainites. As G. Vos has said earlier in this same chapter that they (the Cainites) perhaps did not feel the curse but relied on their own inventions - much as we do today. Lastly, we notice that the good has been completely swallowed up by evil save Noah and his family. Even history confirms to us that this same trend continues to the present. Biblical strongholds of the past are now havens for sin; a celebration to evil. But we violate this historical lesson when we put our innocent, impressionable children into the hands of those who have no conscience about heavenly things! It is they who influence our children for ill. God, that we might awake from our idiocy and repent from our blindness!
1. Vos, Gerrhardus; Biblical Theology, Eerdmans, 1977, p.48.
-Joe
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Youth Group Issues
I've written a few posts of my criticism on the youth group model the church so religiously follows. Count this one #3. I'm going to put it right out there. The more I see the more I disagree. I would go so far as to deny that any real good comes from the model at all. I know that this is a strong statement but let me defend my position.
First of all I really doubt that the majority of kids who go to youth group go for the primary reason to learn about God. Yes they learn about God but I would argue that this is primarily a secondary consequence. It should be the primary interest of those who lead of course, I am not disputing the intent or purpose of the well intended leaders. I am merely touching upon the psychology of the individual teen him or herself. I might even go to the limit here by saying that the teen may have intention about learning the things of God. He does - but only as a secondary consequence. Though his intentions are good what actually happens is that his intention is distracted. The distraction keeps him from his primary intention. Or at least he makes himself believe there is really no distraction and that he is still keeping his primary intention. I used to say something like this myself when I was in youth group. But there were ulterior motives for my wanting to be at youth group that were not purely spiritual. Those who would deny this are simply not being honest with themselves. Try separating the sexes and putting their meeting times on different nights and see how long "youth group" stays viable. That is my challenge to you youth group advocates! Do not mix the sexes and perhaps real discussion and study could be realized. There are men's and women's adult groups that meet separately. Yet with the youth and young adults (singles), someone has simply ignored the dynamics that exist when both boy and girl are stuck together in the same show. Yeah, everyone is "just friends"! Only a simpleton and a total ignoramus would say a statement like that in genuine seriousness. More time than any other boys are seeking to understand what being a man is supposed to look like; they get this best from mature Christian men. Girls, likewise, are desirous of understanding what being a woman is all about. They will not get this information by asking a peer who is in the same exact boat. The traditional youth group model fails miserably. If the boy wants to know, he is divided in that desire; for the distraction is all around him. If a girl wants to know, she too is divided in that desire; for the distraction is all around her. Christian parents who send their youth to the local youth group because they think that it is good for them to "be able to relate with their peers" have a serious misunderstanding about this position. They have not paid very close attention to this argument as it relates to the impressionable and vulnerable age in which I speak. Teens have very little problem relating to other teens, the fashion trends and what is "in". These are all things teens know very well; they do not have to think about them, their culture dictates these things for them. They pick up on the language, dress, and cultural forms necessary to survive in the circumstances they are thrust into - sometimes by well meaning, but ignorant parents. But for survival sake, teens adapt to fit in. This is diametrically opposed to those who understand the Gospel of Christ and what He asks of us. If we are taught to adapt and "blend in", then how can we stand up and out for Christ when the question is put to us? Do we dare be different? Do we dare take the Scriptures seriously when everyone else is in opposition? In a world in which we live in I propose something pretty extreme: that we blow up the youth group model and be what we are supposed to be, for our children's sake, by being Christ to them; modeling for them what it means to be identified with Christ. Paul said this in so many words when he said look to me as I look to Christ. When 6th graders are looking for spots to "make out" in secret at a Christian "retreat", when no one is looking, there is something seriously disconnected going on in our heads, as adults, that we cannot see what is so obvious! There is a serious distraction that ought be remedied and remedied fast before we loose our youth for good.
-Joe
First of all I really doubt that the majority of kids who go to youth group go for the primary reason to learn about God. Yes they learn about God but I would argue that this is primarily a secondary consequence. It should be the primary interest of those who lead of course, I am not disputing the intent or purpose of the well intended leaders. I am merely touching upon the psychology of the individual teen him or herself. I might even go to the limit here by saying that the teen may have intention about learning the things of God. He does - but only as a secondary consequence. Though his intentions are good what actually happens is that his intention is distracted. The distraction keeps him from his primary intention. Or at least he makes himself believe there is really no distraction and that he is still keeping his primary intention. I used to say something like this myself when I was in youth group. But there were ulterior motives for my wanting to be at youth group that were not purely spiritual. Those who would deny this are simply not being honest with themselves. Try separating the sexes and putting their meeting times on different nights and see how long "youth group" stays viable. That is my challenge to you youth group advocates! Do not mix the sexes and perhaps real discussion and study could be realized. There are men's and women's adult groups that meet separately. Yet with the youth and young adults (singles), someone has simply ignored the dynamics that exist when both boy and girl are stuck together in the same show. Yeah, everyone is "just friends"! Only a simpleton and a total ignoramus would say a statement like that in genuine seriousness. More time than any other boys are seeking to understand what being a man is supposed to look like; they get this best from mature Christian men. Girls, likewise, are desirous of understanding what being a woman is all about. They will not get this information by asking a peer who is in the same exact boat. The traditional youth group model fails miserably. If the boy wants to know, he is divided in that desire; for the distraction is all around him. If a girl wants to know, she too is divided in that desire; for the distraction is all around her. Christian parents who send their youth to the local youth group because they think that it is good for them to "be able to relate with their peers" have a serious misunderstanding about this position. They have not paid very close attention to this argument as it relates to the impressionable and vulnerable age in which I speak. Teens have very little problem relating to other teens, the fashion trends and what is "in". These are all things teens know very well; they do not have to think about them, their culture dictates these things for them. They pick up on the language, dress, and cultural forms necessary to survive in the circumstances they are thrust into - sometimes by well meaning, but ignorant parents. But for survival sake, teens adapt to fit in. This is diametrically opposed to those who understand the Gospel of Christ and what He asks of us. If we are taught to adapt and "blend in", then how can we stand up and out for Christ when the question is put to us? Do we dare be different? Do we dare take the Scriptures seriously when everyone else is in opposition? In a world in which we live in I propose something pretty extreme: that we blow up the youth group model and be what we are supposed to be, for our children's sake, by being Christ to them; modeling for them what it means to be identified with Christ. Paul said this in so many words when he said look to me as I look to Christ. When 6th graders are looking for spots to "make out" in secret at a Christian "retreat", when no one is looking, there is something seriously disconnected going on in our heads, as adults, that we cannot see what is so obvious! There is a serious distraction that ought be remedied and remedied fast before we loose our youth for good.
-Joe
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A Question
While vacationing this week I've been doing a lot of thinking as usual. It is peculiar to me that as Christians we say things that indicate our need for change - Jesus continually molds us into the kind of people he wants us to be; which makes it pretty clear that we are not to remain transfixed in the ideas and attitudes that currently mark us. The teachings of Christ are revolutionary. They force me into a corner where I must make a choice. Christ's teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, for example, forces us to think in ways that are contrary to human nature. In other words, committing adultery is thought of in terms of a physical violation. But Jesus closed all the loops when he pointed out that sin begins in the thoughts; it begins in the mind. It is here where the roots grow deep and capture the heart. But this is not specifically what I have been thinking about this week. I am pondering about is how Christians will not heed logic and suggestions that go contrary to what they are comfortable with. After all, who wants to heed advice that makes us think differently about issues that have been done in a certain way all along. It is human nature to get comfortable and dismiss, in an offhanded way, revolutionary thinking and advice. Not that I am such a prophet but I do attempt to stir the Body into thinking more seriously about why we do what we do and considering thinking in alternative ways about doing the things we always have done. Maybe the church really is stuck in tradition and not on the things that the Spirit desires. Just a question...just a thought.
Youth group is one such road that the church has always gone down with the assumption that it's establishment, within the doors of the church, is a bullet proof necessity. But I would argue that this assessment has been accepted mainly on face value without seriously considering the reasons for not having it. Of course everything from this point onwards will stay consistent with the "controversial" nature by which I write, but I would remind those who would take offense with my words that these topics are meant only that people reconsider how best they might present the gospel to the world and more importantly as a Body to best equip ourselves to do battle in the world.
For me, anything that distracts from the best a warning flag is raised at full mast. What this means simply is that I cannot ever afford to be comfortable in the things I do for the Lord. Satisfied, yes. I am satisfied. But being satisfied implies, to me, that I am still moving. Satisfaction is a temporary thing if it moves to being comfortable. Being comfortable does not imply I am satisfied in any lasting way. So when I say that youth group can be a spiritual detriment to the youth who participate in it, I am communicating something that is new perhaps. Offensive perhaps. Something that others might dismiss offhandedly being communicated by some radical nut who has very little vision or understanding of the "benefits" of having a youth group. Perhaps. But this nut case has purposefully pulled his children out of youth group because of the bad stuff. Good things? Sure, but I can question that assessment based on my own experience. But there are those who will not hear what I say anyways no matter how logical and convincing my arguments. Why? Maybe because they make money leading the youth. It would be in their best interest, as far as job security is concerned, to defend why having a youth group is favorable. Best place for making friends? Best place to learn about the Bible? I doubt it on both counts. Amusing activities? Yes. But doesn't this distract from more important pursuits? Or are the amusing activities meant to persuade others to accept the gospel? These are contradictory reasons especially coming from reformed background. We believe in God's sovereignty and rest assure in our own salvation because of it. But I have always said that the church is for the benefit of God's children gathering together for mutual edification and encouragement. Frankly I believe some of the problem lies on the shoulders of parents who think that their children learn best under some amusing facade. Well, one reason could be because they have let others parent their children while they go do what they want to do. In my opinion, I do better at teaching my children than anyone in my educated church body. Why? It is not because I know more than anyone. On the contrary, I know the least. It is because my children will look to me for approval. They will model me not my pastor or the youth director. I have a special platform I will never sacrifice to any youth helper whose influence will fade away. But it is human nature, isn't it, to adopt negative habits over positive ones? So potentially, some leader or helper who has not learned to keep a tight reign on their tongue about certain things practiced in the home of their student, may do such damage that it takes years for the parents to reverse it. It was the best thing I can think of in removing my daughter from the youth group because of these negative factors undermining my efforts at instilling an identity founded on the person of Christ and not her peers. As a result of my effort, inspired by the Spirit of our Lord, she is mature beyond her age and has agreed with our logic as our son has done earlier.
I could go on here. But I would ask a question. Based on this evidence, small that it is, why will my arguments fall on deaf ears? Isn't spiritual maturity, by encouraging parents to lead their children, instead of "leaving the teaching to the experts", the point? Many may look at these incomplete thoughts and arguments as divisive. But I would also point out that I know of other churches, personally, that are family integrated in all that they do and who do not have an official youth group. These churches are raising healthier, maturer and wiser young people than what I see in mine by far. Something is wrong. I know what it is but parents will not want to hear it because it demands too much. Much too much than what they will be willing to give.
-Joe
Youth group is one such road that the church has always gone down with the assumption that it's establishment, within the doors of the church, is a bullet proof necessity. But I would argue that this assessment has been accepted mainly on face value without seriously considering the reasons for not having it. Of course everything from this point onwards will stay consistent with the "controversial" nature by which I write, but I would remind those who would take offense with my words that these topics are meant only that people reconsider how best they might present the gospel to the world and more importantly as a Body to best equip ourselves to do battle in the world.
For me, anything that distracts from the best a warning flag is raised at full mast. What this means simply is that I cannot ever afford to be comfortable in the things I do for the Lord. Satisfied, yes. I am satisfied. But being satisfied implies, to me, that I am still moving. Satisfaction is a temporary thing if it moves to being comfortable. Being comfortable does not imply I am satisfied in any lasting way. So when I say that youth group can be a spiritual detriment to the youth who participate in it, I am communicating something that is new perhaps. Offensive perhaps. Something that others might dismiss offhandedly being communicated by some radical nut who has very little vision or understanding of the "benefits" of having a youth group. Perhaps. But this nut case has purposefully pulled his children out of youth group because of the bad stuff. Good things? Sure, but I can question that assessment based on my own experience. But there are those who will not hear what I say anyways no matter how logical and convincing my arguments. Why? Maybe because they make money leading the youth. It would be in their best interest, as far as job security is concerned, to defend why having a youth group is favorable. Best place for making friends? Best place to learn about the Bible? I doubt it on both counts. Amusing activities? Yes. But doesn't this distract from more important pursuits? Or are the amusing activities meant to persuade others to accept the gospel? These are contradictory reasons especially coming from reformed background. We believe in God's sovereignty and rest assure in our own salvation because of it. But I have always said that the church is for the benefit of God's children gathering together for mutual edification and encouragement. Frankly I believe some of the problem lies on the shoulders of parents who think that their children learn best under some amusing facade. Well, one reason could be because they have let others parent their children while they go do what they want to do. In my opinion, I do better at teaching my children than anyone in my educated church body. Why? It is not because I know more than anyone. On the contrary, I know the least. It is because my children will look to me for approval. They will model me not my pastor or the youth director. I have a special platform I will never sacrifice to any youth helper whose influence will fade away. But it is human nature, isn't it, to adopt negative habits over positive ones? So potentially, some leader or helper who has not learned to keep a tight reign on their tongue about certain things practiced in the home of their student, may do such damage that it takes years for the parents to reverse it. It was the best thing I can think of in removing my daughter from the youth group because of these negative factors undermining my efforts at instilling an identity founded on the person of Christ and not her peers. As a result of my effort, inspired by the Spirit of our Lord, she is mature beyond her age and has agreed with our logic as our son has done earlier.
I could go on here. But I would ask a question. Based on this evidence, small that it is, why will my arguments fall on deaf ears? Isn't spiritual maturity, by encouraging parents to lead their children, instead of "leaving the teaching to the experts", the point? Many may look at these incomplete thoughts and arguments as divisive. But I would also point out that I know of other churches, personally, that are family integrated in all that they do and who do not have an official youth group. These churches are raising healthier, maturer and wiser young people than what I see in mine by far. Something is wrong. I know what it is but parents will not want to hear it because it demands too much. Much too much than what they will be willing to give.
-Joe
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Why I Say No To Youth Group
Why do I encourage my children not to attend youth group? One of the primary reasons is simply that it aids in segregating the ages into distinct separate groups. This is not how a family should operate the last I looked. The first families of this great nation did not think in these kinds of terms. For them they understood that the biblical principle in Proverbs 22:6 ("Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it") was a charge that was understood the family unit was responsible for and that which the congregation supported. R.C. Sproul, Jr. said that as the culture today has adopted such age segregation practices, so the church has followed suit: "We have much the same problem in the Church...Mom goes off to her Women in the church...circle. Dad heads off to his Promise Keepers meeting. Princess is at her youth group meeting, while Junior is watching videos of vegetables in children's church....the truth is we are failing miserably, even when we think we are succeeding. We're allowing our families to be torn apart because we are allowing our families to be molded by the wisdom of the world."(1) I am attempting to reverse the trend with my family by encouraging family worship in the church. this requires much more effort and patience because now i am taking full responsibility in teaching my children spiritual principles and practices that will go with them into adulthood. SECONDLY: By instituting such practices within my family I have, in effect, raised the bar of expectation. I am requiring them to look up as I pull them up to a much higher level spiritually. The powerful spiritual truths taught in the adult classes are not too far above them that they cannot reach with the help of Dad. there is no real peer distraction to prevent them from learning - and learning at the very least means sitting still for a spell. This is teaching proper behavior. Previously, I had no control over what behavior my children happened to be displaying before their teachers. Now I am able to accomplish more fully what is solely my responsibility before the Lord, by correcting and managing bad behavior and teaching what is proper to a covenant child of God. When I hear surprise uttered from the lips of devout young people about others from their own peer group claiming to be a Christian, the surprise is because these others looked and acted no different from those who never claimed a relationship to Christ(2), it serves to reinforce in me the futility that the youth group scene is simply not a viable alternative to what parents are called to do and to be for their children. We must face the fact that there are many opposing views converging together in one confusing mass every Wednesday night when the youth group usually meets. Many of these views are just not compatible with a young person who desires to serve Christ wholeheartedly, especially since his concept of Christian behavior and his practice of it is still tender and fragile. Teaching doctrine is important, yes; but certainly, at this stage of Christian development, (when parents are needed more than ever) their faith grows and matures best as they see others put their beliefs into practice. But in the youth group scene, it is not so much about doctrine and practical application as it is about meeting friends and socializing with them. These are, in effect, the role persons looked up to. They model each others behaviors if not their beliefs; not necessarily the adult leader who simply cannot be expected to have any real impact in the life of a young person when meeting are but once or twice a week for an hour or two. It is the parent that has the distinct privilege of being able to impact their world for the good. If they are involved in the details of their child's life then their influence will transcend that of their peers. Otherwise influence will be bottom up rather than top down. Again, the practical aspects of faith are not always matured - when it becomes apart of their every day speech. But attitudes and behaviors are easily transferred and accepted since, "Johnny is a Christian" after all. So the positive influence of the youth group on the spiritual develpment of teens is moot, in my opinion; especially if parents look to it as their children's primary spiritual resource. Some look to it as an excuse to "let up" in their own responsibilities. but I would add that this is not always a conscious thought. Sometimes it is - if we are honest. So if the parents are doing their job properly, then what is the purpose of the youth group if the negatives outweigh the positives regarding spiritual development within the youth of the church? My answer is simply - amusement. It is the amusing activities that kids remember; not the spiritual messages or even the doctrine.
Reason number THREE, of not including my children in the youth group scene, should be considered about as lame an excuse as there is. It fact it is almost verging on being asinine. The excuse is simply stated, "I let my son go to youth group so he can be a positive role model to his peers." I was raised hearing this statement uttered from many parents. It is a cliche. It is a lie for the reasons I stated above. Johnny will not stand alone for long. If he is mature enough to earnestly desire serving God with his whole heart, he will stand alone. All alone. Or he will compromise in some small way to fit in better. This is my job to assure that my children never compromise for the sake of being accepted by their worldly acting Christian peers. It is true that there is a jumbled mass present at youth group. These include Christian and non-Christians alike. Over time, according to the law of averages, what will be produced will be a medium baked Christianity, neither hot, nor cold, but right in the middle where everyone is safe and comfortable. This is exactly why I dismiss, without so much as a backward glance, the notion that my children can be salt in this type of environment. Rather, I hold to the opinion, and I believe to be the right biblical position, that the best situation for my children, to be most effective salt in the world, is if they are surrounded by those who are mature in the faith - who have years of Christian experience from fighting many battles. Only in this context can young people be good role models towards their peers, influencing them to raise their own standards of spiritual excellence, without themselves being threatened to compromise. The pressure to conform ought to be recognized for what it is - it is a worldly agenda and philosophy attempting to break in and compromise strong faith and strong desire to know God intimately. We are never called to conform to worldly acceptance standards - we are called to be peculiar. I do not and will not apologize for teaching my children these truths. This is the right attitude to have.
A FOURTH lie is the familiar one that cries forth, "we must be culturally relevant" so that the world will accept our message. Well the fruit of the youth group paradigm definitely has manifested this in my experience. I could count on one hand, out of a multitude of young people that have gone through my mother's bible studies over the years and attended teen camp, how many point to those time as being essential to their spiritual development. The fault does not lie with the teacher; it lies in the paradigm itself. We need to go back to the original presupposition and reconfigure it. You know; the one that said that the experts are able to teach our children better than we. We must reinstall the original foundation by which we read, "My Son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge" (Proverbs 5:1, 2). "My wisdom" is the wisdom of the parent - child relationship; absolutly essential for long life (Exodus 20:12). It is the parent who takes seriously, the time involved in raising his child in the way he should go. It is invested time. Time well spent. We should, as parents, be jealous of time spent elsewhere. What great opportunity I have as a father to be able to spend quality time with my son teaching him the things of the Lord and by modeling transparency with him while we work together.
So what is my answer to all this if it is not youth group? Why not incorporate the youth in adult classes, with their parents, where they must behave and pay attention, instead of being distracted by others who cannot manage to sit still? There is no place for cultural relevancy as it has come to be understood. Now if we are talking about apologetics, then that is a different story. But I am not talking about apologetics where we look for unique ways of engaging unbelievers into a discussion about spiritual things; I am talking about looking so much like the world, the world cannot tell who it is we belong to. We must be distinct in our faith, which means we need to be prepared. It is imperative that our children and young people be equipped to give real sound defense of their faith. Compromise teaches mediocrity. Mediocrity has no place in the house of God. Much more could be said and more references made about these things; but this is enough for the time being.
-Joe
(1) R.C. Spoul, Jr., Bound for Glory: God's Promise for Your Family (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 2003), pp. 25, 26. (As quoted in: Botkin, Anna Sofia & Elizabeth., So Much More (San Antonio, TX: Vision Forum, Inc., 2006), pp. 173, 174.)
(2) So Much More, pp. 83, 84.
Reason number THREE, of not including my children in the youth group scene, should be considered about as lame an excuse as there is. It fact it is almost verging on being asinine. The excuse is simply stated, "I let my son go to youth group so he can be a positive role model to his peers." I was raised hearing this statement uttered from many parents. It is a cliche. It is a lie for the reasons I stated above. Johnny will not stand alone for long. If he is mature enough to earnestly desire serving God with his whole heart, he will stand alone. All alone. Or he will compromise in some small way to fit in better. This is my job to assure that my children never compromise for the sake of being accepted by their worldly acting Christian peers. It is true that there is a jumbled mass present at youth group. These include Christian and non-Christians alike. Over time, according to the law of averages, what will be produced will be a medium baked Christianity, neither hot, nor cold, but right in the middle where everyone is safe and comfortable. This is exactly why I dismiss, without so much as a backward glance, the notion that my children can be salt in this type of environment. Rather, I hold to the opinion, and I believe to be the right biblical position, that the best situation for my children, to be most effective salt in the world, is if they are surrounded by those who are mature in the faith - who have years of Christian experience from fighting many battles. Only in this context can young people be good role models towards their peers, influencing them to raise their own standards of spiritual excellence, without themselves being threatened to compromise. The pressure to conform ought to be recognized for what it is - it is a worldly agenda and philosophy attempting to break in and compromise strong faith and strong desire to know God intimately. We are never called to conform to worldly acceptance standards - we are called to be peculiar. I do not and will not apologize for teaching my children these truths. This is the right attitude to have.
A FOURTH lie is the familiar one that cries forth, "we must be culturally relevant" so that the world will accept our message. Well the fruit of the youth group paradigm definitely has manifested this in my experience. I could count on one hand, out of a multitude of young people that have gone through my mother's bible studies over the years and attended teen camp, how many point to those time as being essential to their spiritual development. The fault does not lie with the teacher; it lies in the paradigm itself. We need to go back to the original presupposition and reconfigure it. You know; the one that said that the experts are able to teach our children better than we. We must reinstall the original foundation by which we read, "My Son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge" (Proverbs 5:1, 2). "My wisdom" is the wisdom of the parent - child relationship; absolutly essential for long life (Exodus 20:12). It is the parent who takes seriously, the time involved in raising his child in the way he should go. It is invested time. Time well spent. We should, as parents, be jealous of time spent elsewhere. What great opportunity I have as a father to be able to spend quality time with my son teaching him the things of the Lord and by modeling transparency with him while we work together.
So what is my answer to all this if it is not youth group? Why not incorporate the youth in adult classes, with their parents, where they must behave and pay attention, instead of being distracted by others who cannot manage to sit still? There is no place for cultural relevancy as it has come to be understood. Now if we are talking about apologetics, then that is a different story. But I am not talking about apologetics where we look for unique ways of engaging unbelievers into a discussion about spiritual things; I am talking about looking so much like the world, the world cannot tell who it is we belong to. We must be distinct in our faith, which means we need to be prepared. It is imperative that our children and young people be equipped to give real sound defense of their faith. Compromise teaches mediocrity. Mediocrity has no place in the house of God. Much more could be said and more references made about these things; but this is enough for the time being.
-Joe
(1) R.C. Spoul, Jr., Bound for Glory: God's Promise for Your Family (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 2003), pp. 25, 26. (As quoted in: Botkin, Anna Sofia & Elizabeth., So Much More (San Antonio, TX: Vision Forum, Inc., 2006), pp. 173, 174.)
(2) So Much More, pp. 83, 84.
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