This morning I was up early and browsed through a whole long list of facebook status updates from the last couple of days. I saw 4 post that where nearly identical. You know what they said? .....thanks for asking...I'll tell ya....They all said something like "Pray for my child or so-n-so's teenager...after all they are the church of tomorrow".
I've heard this said many a time before and each time it hits on a bit of a nerve. Does it you? I mean, really, our kids...our teenagers...the church of tomorrow? I think I am just about ready to stand up and say NO!
Kids and teenagers who know Christ are part of the CHURCH OF TODAY! They are vital to what is happening today in the church. They don't need to wait until they are 18 or 21 to wake up and say..."oh, right, now I am a part of the church of today". Their worth is as great today as it will be in 10 years. If you don't think kids and teens are part of the church today, I would strongly urge you to take a trip to your child's Sunday School class, AWANA, children's church or other Kid-friendly program. You will see kids actively and aggressively participating in worship, learning and scripture memory and reading. If we added just a touch of their excitement for the things of God to our worship services on Sunday we might get a glimpse of what the church of today could really be!
I've seen teenagers who serve the Lord more faithfully and more joyfully than adults. Don't get me wrong. I am not saying we don't need adults. I am saying that we don't need to wait until teens become 20's to welcome them into the church of today. They are valuable, moldable, teachable and most of all ready to commit to a wild adventure with God. They don't know about being careful instead they take risks. What better time to let them know we are counting on them TODAY to do something for Christ?
The trend for church raised kids is to stray from the church during their 20's. Let's stop the cycle. Let's move in a direction to mentor and grow youth to a deeper understand of their position in Christ and the church.
I promise I am stepping off the soap box right now. Finished for today.
6 comments:
This is so true about the youth and church
kim from MBC
Right on!
Oh, if you could only know how I agree with you. We're all the church of today, and that includes the youngest believer to the oldest! Thanks, Gina. Amen !
yes! As a leader in children and youth ministry, I agree 100%! These kids are mighty! They are serving, praying and sharing the love of Jesus so much. They are the church LEADERS of tomorrow but they are definitely the church of today!
I totally agree with you! The youth at our church do so much. I'm following you from MBC.
I have to say AMEN and don't overlook even the little ones!
One day my daughter found her three year old standing in the window sill between the blinds and the glass, talking and singing. When my daughter asked her what she was doing, she said, "I'm talking to God because He likes me!"
Yes, even little ones can minister and worship. They are part of the church of today.
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