Youth Ministry; Man Created not Biblically Mandated
Discussion in 'Youth Forum' started by T Alan, Dec 20, 2014.
Page 3 of 5
-
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
-
-
-
-
InTheLight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
What happened to the Calvinist refrain, "just present the Gospel, God will do the rest?" -
Scarlett O. ModeratorModerator
So we have to wait until Dad "gets it" for the family to be right? So what is Mom supposed to do until he "gets it"? Not take the kids to church?
And what if neither Mom nor Dad "get it"? Are we not supposed to find these children and bring them to church and evangelize them?
I have personally witnessed God changing a Dad's heart THROUGH his [1] children being saved and [2] a year later, his wife being saved. Two years later, he was saved.
My church practices the evangelistic method of reaching people however you can. If it's through the Dad, so be it. If it's through the Mom, so be it. And if it's through the children, then bring them on.
Would you like to know how many Dads were in church tonight who - to my knowledge have NEVER been to church? I counted three. We had a Christmas program. The children's choir and youth choir sang. The gospel was presented and a invitation given. One mother whom I have also never seen was under great conviction during the invitation time and the pastor counseled her - about what, I don't know.
I don't understand those who don't believe that the church should have an impact on children and young people by teaching them where they are in their life.
Yes, it is primarily the parent's job - so does that mean that the church ignores the children and young people?
We live in an age where the parents are NOT doing their job.
And young people are not leaving the church BECAUSE they had a youth ministry, but in SPITE of that fact. A church can tackle the job of instructing children and young people and adults any way that they see the Lord is leading them to.
Let's don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
Yes, there should be corporate worship and teaching for all ages combined and there should also be segregated worship and teaching for reaching ALL people where they are. -
InTheLight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Amen, Scarlett O, amen.
-
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Seems to me the issue is yours and your inability to properly deal with it. -
And again, I'm no "Calvinist", I do affirm the Doctrines oF Grace but I not a "Calvinist". The gospel is the power of deliverance unto them being delivered into the Kingdom of God here on earth. I have learned(ing) to be consistent. -
-
-
I'd like to take this opportunity to Thank each of the participants for coming here to "YOUTH FORUM" to respond in this thread. SaggyWoman hasn't been able to use her "Admin" skills here much in some time. Give her a round or at least a 1/2 round of applause for her time.:applause::applause:
-
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Either way it is inconsistent to hold to basic calvinist theology with regards to who gets the credit for salvation and then suggest that youth cannot be reached unless the entire family including parents are reached. -
InTheLight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
-
-
InTheLight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Interesting that OP contends that youth ministry is a man created evangelistic technique but going door to door ringing doorbells is an acceptable (apparently Biblical) technique.
Really am amazed at the number of posts on this board criticizing particular evangelistic outreach techniques. It ought to be the last thing that we take an issue with other believers. -
If I have 50 cows and only 25 of them have calves every year something is wrong. It doesn't make sense to continue operating that way, when my return should be so much higher. There's something fundamentally wrong in my operation, is it the bull? are some of my cows past their prime? something amiss in my nutritional program?
Here are some more stats: The average age according to the NAMB of a SBC worshiper is 49. The average age for the US of a male is 35.5 and the average age for a female is 38.1. Point being, our churches are not representative of the overall demographics for the nation. Therefore, there is something fundamentally wrong.
We have things topsy turvy in the modern church. If you look at the pyramids they have withstood the test of time because they have a broad base, as designed. It would crumble if turned upside down. God designed the home to be the primary place of teaching for youth. (Deut 6:6-8)
I think we make a mistake when we focus too much on youth, we throw more and more money, new programs, and other resources at the kiddos but the stats show that few of them remain into their 20's and 30's. Yet some of you all want to ignore the problem and castigate posters like T Alan who dares to ask a question about the effectiveness of youth ministry. -
From Bro. Paul Washer's Ten Indictments Sermon
-
I understand your illustration (and I agree). Here's mine: Statistically, I would have never joined the military. Having joined the military, statistically I would have left prior to reaching my 10 year mark. Yet I find that I am far from alone as a military retiree. I’m just saying we need to be cautious when it comes to implementing practices based on statistical data, that’s all.
Page 3 of 5