i was going to post this as a comment in response to a post david blogged but it got too long, so here it is....
i think the 'idea' of a youth group is great but i think in practise it takes a lot to get right. like, you want one to be fun which means for kids that aren't already christian you need an easy intro into the bible but you don't want to be preachy, and for the kids that are into god you don't want to be just 'preparing' them for when you get too old to lead and they are the right age for it. tricky business. also, most of the experiencs i've had with youth groups were bad - and no, that's not because i'm gay, this happened before i came out - the leaders were absolutey horrible to eachother if they didn't all agree on minor things in the bible - much like todays church groups - youth group was also the most gossipy and slutty place too - no one dared go out with anyone from outside the church/youth group which meant everyone had gone out with everyone and it was just so icky. also, leaders sometimes take advantage of their positions in the group, in ways that can't possibly be classified as Godly.
anyway, thats my little rant.
Is a 'Youth Group' a specific concept that, by definition, has something to with God?
Posted by: Willem at August 25, 2003 12:20 AMYes. It's reserved for Christians, and Christians only.
Posted by: Ryan at August 25, 2003 11:12 AMOw shucks. Damn me and my agnatheistic ways.
I so wanted to be part of a youth group.
Non Christians can come to Youth Groups they are just run by Christians. And depending on the group people are encouraged to become Christian's.
Posted by: David at August 28, 2003 11:18 AMHi. My name is Heather and I was not surprised by your feelings of youth groups. I am attending a bible college right now to study and prepare myself for a life of the ministry. I plan to become a youth pastor. I am not going to defend or argue about the purpose or opinions about youth groups, but I would like to tell you what I think. I think youth groups are a vital need to the church, because they need to be ministered to on their level not adult level-in their language and in their views of things. They need more one on one time to feel comfortable to seek guidance when in situations-accountability and trust. They need to be taught using examples of situations that they are going through or will one day face. I love the youth and the age group (12-19) are the time in their lives where they establish their morals, beliefs, and opinions. Therefore, it is vital that they have a youth group where they can be ministered to, and set them on the right path. Unfortunately, many churches have not considered their youth group to be as important as the congregation, even though they are the future congregation. I believe that not only youth groups, but the church as well is not limited to believers-Christians only, its for everyone. I have nothing against you in your decision to be gay, but I will be honest in saying that I do not believe that God intended it to be that way. It is not my place to judge you and therefore I will not. You and I are only human and no one is perfect, yet, God still loves us. I am truly sorry to hear that your experiences with youth groups were bad. I have seen how devestating the effects are from the church not doing their part in taking care of the children and the youth, esp. I take these mistakes from others and have learned from them hoping to not repeat them when I am in the ministry. I hope and pray that you will not completely give up in the church and its youth groups. Thank you for sharing your story.
Posted by: Heather at May 25, 2004 05:06 PMDear sir,
This is my first time viewing this but it interest me to work with you as a political sociologist. their righs, belifs, values, etc must be respected and heard. they must also abide by the norms and laws of the society.
I therefore wish to be apart of you to make my voice heard and my ideas accepted; i believe this will help build me when other youths lives are built.
jonah s kotee
Posted by: jonah kotee at January 28, 2005 11:12 AM