I was on one of my favorite websites, www.therebelution.com And a thread came up regaurding youth groups. Here is what I wrote:
| Quote: |
| 1Ti 4:12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. |
(1) Are you in a youth group, and if so, why, and if not, why not? (Be honest with yourself)
Yes, I am currently in a youth group. My youth group is basically a community of believers seeking to glorify God in everything we do. So, I am a part of this community to glorify God. However, this group that I am in consists of 9th-12th grade.
Youth group's focus should not be what I can get out of this, but rather what can I give to others.
(2) Do you agree with Dr. Baucham's assessment of the church's current situation and its failing youth "ministry?"
I didn't listen to his sermon, but I read the notes. And I don't think he uses scripture to say youth groups are bad. But rather that youth groups shouldn't take the Father's role in each teens family.
It was mentioned that teens in the church leave the church after high school. This is sad, but true. So, who's fault is this? Why would you blame youth ministries? If youth ministries are to help support parents (To assist them), not take their role over. So, first we must reevaluate what role youth ministries are taking. Then, we must look at the parents. We must see how the leadership of the youth ministry and the parents function. You can't just blame one. Both could have fallacies in them.
So, I've seen "bad" youth ministries, and I am thankful I am a part of a "good" youth ministry. So what then, do we just give up on the ministry? No, be a part of it and be the change! Don't forsake it because it's not going very well. Change it around.
(3) From a Biblical standpoint, has his emphasis on the centrality of the home and parents' responsibility to teach their children caused you to view youth groups in a different light? Are you going to do anything about it?
Like I said earlier, the parents are still the main one in charge. Parents should let their kids, even encourage their kids to go to youth group and let God's grace rain down to them so that the kids can learn and give what they know so others can learn. If the group is not unified, then no one will learn-or at least not as much.
So, I think Youth Groups can be biblical; in fact I would encourage them! However, they do need to line up with scripture. Everything we do needs to glorify God, since that is the chief end of our life!
If you have any comments or questions directed towards me post, please feel free to ask me on this thread, or PM me. I'd be more than happy to answer it!
-Justin
