"Often youth ministries are heavy on fun and light on faith. It's fired up entertainment and watered down gospel."
Jim, you do seem to find those good articles!
Even after reading the article, it is still difficult to REALLY know what to do about the problem. We also have to accept the reality that few enter the road that leads to life; I am not sure whether smaller percentages are saved or whether today’s world cause the tares to surface more clearly. I do agree that the real success of a youth group can be measured by how many of those youth are walking with the Lord 10 years later.
I think the whole youth group thing is almost a scandal. Big exciting youth groups give off a great image of life, but it is the long term results that count. Still, even a few long-term disciples are better than none! I think many youth groups are really about pleasing the parents of youth who do not want to teach their own children the things of God because their interest is limited. It comes down to the old image vs. substance thing.
Still, there are those exceptional youth groups, some of which are probably small and unknown, that make a big difference. I think the ratio of youth to adult influence has a lot to do with it.
I have long grappled with these issues, and while the problem is clear, the solutions seem elusive.
Even after reading the article, it is still difficult to REALLY know what to do about the problem. We also have to accept the reality that few enter the road that leads to life; I am not sure whether smaller percentages are saved or whether today’s world cause the tares to surface more clearly. I do agree that the real success of a youth group can be measured by how many of those youth are walking with the Lord 10 years later.
I think the whole youth group thing is almost a scandal. Big exciting youth groups give off a great image of life, but it is the long term results that count. Still, even a few long-term disciples are better than none! I think many youth groups are really about pleasing the parents of youth who do not want to teach their own children the things of God because their interest is limited. It comes down to the old image vs. substance thing.
Still, there are those exceptional youth groups, some of which are probably small and unknown, that make a big difference. I think the ratio of youth to adult influence has a lot to do with it.
I have long grappled with these issues, and while the problem is clear, the solutions seem elusive.
"The Midrash Detective"
Discussion