Liberty's Library

Originally written September 30, 2004



Mornin' Everyone,

On Monday, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by a local paper for an article concerning the lack of involvement in church youth groups. This morning, the writer sent me an electronic copy of the article that will be included in today's (Thursday) issue. Thanks to Barb Knicely for the article she wrote!

I thought I'd include the article in it's entirety and accept comments, discussion points or questions:

We all can relate in one way or another to how busy and hectic our lives have become. We run from one event to the next as our lives pass us by in one big blur. Has all of this running with our children affected involvement in church youth activities? In talking with area pastors and youth ministers, the general concensus is, "Yes, it has!"

"People are forced to prioritize with busy schedules, and unfortunately church is not a top priority," Meadowbrook Church of Christ youth minister James Canterbury said. "You can only be proactive up to a certain point then it depends on how involved the parents want to be."

Parental involvement does play a key factor. Often it becomes more of a priority depending on the age of the child. As children become older and more involved in sports, start working, and begin driving it gets harder.

"One big difference is that so many teens have their own car," Freedom Southern Baptist Church Pastor Jim Sanders said. "It used to be families had one car and church was the social gathering place. Now kids are naturally inclined to go other places because they have the ability with their own cars."

According to Canterbury another factor is the larger emphasis put on giving children options. "Parents used to say, do it my way and it was done. Now the view on parental discipline has shifted and the children are given choices. A parent can ask the child, Do you want to play now and take a nap later or take a nap now and play later? Either way the parent wins, but it gives the child a false sense of equality."

St. Marks Lutheran Church Pastor Jim Caton agrees that children are busier these days. This makes it harder for them to participate in the church activities that they would like to do.

"The children have a desire to be there, but are faced with some tough decisions," Caton said. "I always tell them that as tough as it may be, the choice is theirs. I can't make it for them." He has found when they are struggling with these decisions, more often than not, they are present at the church activity, which is a positive side to this dilemma. "Sadly, these decisions sometimes make the kids who attend church seem odd."

I am sure it is difficult and frustrating to be a youth minister these days. Activities are scheduled and other events take precedence. What can be done about this constant struggle?

"We continue to plan activities and realize not everyone will be able to be at everything," Caton said. "We just go with who's available and make the most of it."

Canterbury feels it is important to spend time with the members of the youth group.

"Everyone is looking for someone to accept and love them for who they are," he said. "I am making it a priority to spend one on one time with them. This helps to form a bond that will help make church activities a top priority in their lives."

Pastor Sanders also thinks that relationships are what needs to be a priority.

"Building relationships is so important. Our nation seems to be having trouble understanding the value of a good relationship, and we are being driven by the wrong purpose. The kids need to ask themselves what will add fulfillment and purpose to their lives? What is lasting and what is temporal? A relationship with the Lord needs to be a priority in order for them to grow individually. Once this happens there will be a change of heart and their priorities will fall into place."

So, what does everyone think? Agree/disagree?

Until I see you again,
Be good and be God's ~