Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Are Youth Groups Un-biblical?

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

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

i don't think that youth groups are unbiblical, although there are fakes out there. Their role is First of all to give glory to God. It is not to take the place of church, but to renforce biblical truths in a smaller group setting of like minded people. I have also seen "bad" youth groups, and am very thankful that I belong to a youth group that "keeps the main one the main thing". I know one thing that my youth group does to keep parents involved is to constantly be inviting them to go on service trips with us, send them letter constanly to tell them what we are doing, and always incourage us to talk to our parents, and discuss things with them. They always tell us that anything that our parents say comes over what they say, (unless it is unbiblical). And i would definately recommend going to a youth group, as long as God is at the center.

your sister in christ


(love the rebolution)

AgapeTheologian said...

Hello Anonymous,


Are you the same person who wrote here, https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=38477685&postID=1669933420305603293"

If so, what is your name on the Reb? Feel free to message me through PM.


-Agape

Anonymous said...

yes that was me.
I am not currently a member on the site right now, but will be agin when they accept new members (they aren't right now because they are re-doing something)
I'll tell you as soon as i get on again.

Justin Davito said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
AgapeTheologian said...

Alrighty,


That sounds good! Are you going to the New Attitude Conference by chance?


-Agape

AgapeTheologian said...

Alrighty,


That sounds good! Are you going to the New Attitude Conference by chance?


-Agape

Anonymous said...

No, I can't. There was another conference that i really wanted to go to, and it was a lot closer, so it won out. Have you ever heard of Mark Cahill? That's who i am going to hear. He is a REALLY good speaker and has written several books. Go to his websight (www.markcahill.org) and listen to some of his messages. You won't regret it. I listened to him speak about a year ago on evangilism and God definately used it in my life. Just listen to one of his messages or read one of his books and you will know what I mean.

your sister in Christ

Anonymous said...

Hey, just wanted to let you know I am on the rebelution now. Sorry, I should have told you sooner, but I kinda forgot! I am Erin R. Feel free to PM me!!!!

your sister in christ