I've heard some interesting, yet sad, stories recently from other youth leaders. I can't share them because it may come back to bite someone. But these stories got me thinking this morning about the post title question.
What message is a church sending to youth when they...
1. Refer to them as children?
2. Won't let them paint their sterile looking youth room or remove the 1960 era paneling?
3. Make their teacher/leader get approval for everything they hang up in their room?
4. Gear your worship service to tickle the fancy of older adults?
5. Won't invest money into their leaders by sending them off for some training?
6. When students are told that their dress is not fit for church?
7. Tell them their contemporary Christian music is "of the devil"?
Amazingly enough churches make these statements and then wonder why they don't have youth in their church.
NHC has made a huge investment into reaching students, that makes a fantastic statement to youth. What message is your church sending to youth?
PS Feel free to print this and distribute to your deacons ;)
2 comments:
:)
Number 7 is giving me a "Waterboy" flashback.
But, on a serious note, it's all very true and all terribly sad! And even more unfortunate are the churches who don't even see children and youth as being worth the "investment."
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