Wednesday, February 14, 2007
It Takes A Church--Some Ideas from Me
This is my first foray into actual blogging, so there might be a learning curve for me here. This blog is in regards to something that has weighed alot on me in the last few years: "Why are so many young people leaving the church?" Each person has a story, and varied reasons for leaving, but I'm sure that it really comes down to a personal relationship with Christ, and a comprehension of His personal compassion for each one of us. I do have some theories about how we might change the rate of young (teens to mid twenties) people leaving our church though.
Here goes:
The "It takes a village" theory that Hillary Clinton spawned in regards to children and education is even more relevant in church. It's obvious that not every child attending church has a spiritually supportive home where not only is their earthly education valued, but their spiritual lives and souls are cared for. Given this, each child, no matter what their home is like, needs a spiritual mentor. This is especially possible in smaller churches. In huge campus churches it seems almost impossible to implement a program like this, but in small home churches, it's a necessary plan that could save children. Just having ONE person who cares about a child, prays for & with them, asks them about issues they're dealing with, and just loves them spiritually, can make a life changing effect! I really believe this. If some of my friends from childhood had someone from their church who always checked up on them, prayed for them, and cared for them through life issues (parents divorces, public schools, private schools, breakups, meltdowns, all the things that happen that make life so tumultuous) I'd venture to guess most would still be attending at least SOME church today.
The other thing I think is important is making our church a community. Not only should we have fun social events, and get togethers, but including kids in church responsibilities. Not a begrudging DUTY type thing, but including them in the processes of the church. Taking up offering is simple, but doing a work-bee requires a little bit more out of us, and it ties us to our church and church members because we've sweated together. I grew up helping out my church and it made me feel like I made a difference, even when I was 9 or 10. When kids get back from mission trips, we need to hear their stories & see their pictures. And if they want to go on a mission trip, we need to make sure they can afford to go. They should have the opportunity to actually "run" the church, and be included. (of course, that means that not everything might be done "just right" but with a mentor, they would get the chance to become a real part of the church functions)
The third thing that I feel is really important and so VERY VERY under rated, is our church's impact on the world. Fortunately, my parents are, and have always been overly involved in the world church. They were missionaries, they have done evangelism, and they always keep their finger on the pulse of the church's involvement in other countries. Kids need to know how massive, far-reaching, and important our church really is. Sometimes SDA's are the first missionaries to come to a country and teach them about Jesus. SDA's also work with other Christian religions in a variety of ways that are very cooperative and world-changing. ADRA is an example that we hardly EVER hear about anymore. AFM is full of missionaries that aren't really "missionaries". They're everyday people who live and learn among a country and slowly and carefully teach them about Jesus. Many in dangerous places that are closed to proselyzation in any form. Our church really cares about PEOPLE. Not just making our church numbers bigger. We care about schools, communities, about hospitals and clinics, about rebuilding, about making life better for people who can't care for themselves. There are SO many things that our church (and in turn, our very own tithe & offering) does for the world. Every child in church would WANT to be involved and passionate about our faith if they really knew all the things our church is doing. Why do we not have some kind of feature every single week in church where we highlight something amazing that has happened in the world church that week?
The three things I mentioned are the three things I feel would connect people to the community of church. They all involve RELATIONSHIPS and they all involve people who care. Without that, there isn't a sense of community anyway. Duh! I was blessed to have caring parents who prayed for me ALOT!, especially when i really needed it, but I was also blessed to know how amazing our church is. It's not just politics, and debates about jewlery and steak. There is so much more to our church that it makes everything else pale in comparison. I was blessed to be able to see the forest for the trees and I think that's why I've stayed. I love my church (not every single thing about it) but I love how special and unique we are, and I love that we want so badly to share the incredible gift Jesus with everyone on earth!
That's my two (three) bits! Please blog me a river . . . I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas!
Here goes:
The "It takes a village" theory that Hillary Clinton spawned in regards to children and education is even more relevant in church. It's obvious that not every child attending church has a spiritually supportive home where not only is their earthly education valued, but their spiritual lives and souls are cared for. Given this, each child, no matter what their home is like, needs a spiritual mentor. This is especially possible in smaller churches. In huge campus churches it seems almost impossible to implement a program like this, but in small home churches, it's a necessary plan that could save children. Just having ONE person who cares about a child, prays for & with them, asks them about issues they're dealing with, and just loves them spiritually, can make a life changing effect! I really believe this. If some of my friends from childhood had someone from their church who always checked up on them, prayed for them, and cared for them through life issues (parents divorces, public schools, private schools, breakups, meltdowns, all the things that happen that make life so tumultuous) I'd venture to guess most would still be attending at least SOME church today.
The other thing I think is important is making our church a community. Not only should we have fun social events, and get togethers, but including kids in church responsibilities. Not a begrudging DUTY type thing, but including them in the processes of the church. Taking up offering is simple, but doing a work-bee requires a little bit more out of us, and it ties us to our church and church members because we've sweated together. I grew up helping out my church and it made me feel like I made a difference, even when I was 9 or 10. When kids get back from mission trips, we need to hear their stories & see their pictures. And if they want to go on a mission trip, we need to make sure they can afford to go. They should have the opportunity to actually "run" the church, and be included. (of course, that means that not everything might be done "just right" but with a mentor, they would get the chance to become a real part of the church functions)
The third thing that I feel is really important and so VERY VERY under rated, is our church's impact on the world. Fortunately, my parents are, and have always been overly involved in the world church. They were missionaries, they have done evangelism, and they always keep their finger on the pulse of the church's involvement in other countries. Kids need to know how massive, far-reaching, and important our church really is. Sometimes SDA's are the first missionaries to come to a country and teach them about Jesus. SDA's also work with other Christian religions in a variety of ways that are very cooperative and world-changing. ADRA is an example that we hardly EVER hear about anymore. AFM is full of missionaries that aren't really "missionaries". They're everyday people who live and learn among a country and slowly and carefully teach them about Jesus. Many in dangerous places that are closed to proselyzation in any form. Our church really cares about PEOPLE. Not just making our church numbers bigger. We care about schools, communities, about hospitals and clinics, about rebuilding, about making life better for people who can't care for themselves. There are SO many things that our church (and in turn, our very own tithe & offering) does for the world. Every child in church would WANT to be involved and passionate about our faith if they really knew all the things our church is doing. Why do we not have some kind of feature every single week in church where we highlight something amazing that has happened in the world church that week?
The three things I mentioned are the three things I feel would connect people to the community of church. They all involve RELATIONSHIPS and they all involve people who care. Without that, there isn't a sense of community anyway. Duh! I was blessed to have caring parents who prayed for me ALOT!, especially when i really needed it, but I was also blessed to know how amazing our church is. It's not just politics, and debates about jewlery and steak. There is so much more to our church that it makes everything else pale in comparison. I was blessed to be able to see the forest for the trees and I think that's why I've stayed. I love my church (not every single thing about it) but I love how special and unique we are, and I love that we want so badly to share the incredible gift Jesus with everyone on earth!
That's my two (three) bits! Please blog me a river . . . I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas!
Labels: community, Jesus, passion, youth
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Great post. Great summary of many related issues to this dilemma. I also recommend Roger Dudley's book "Why Teenagers Reject Religion". This is one of his analysis of a longterm study which was begun in the 1980's---Valuegenesis. Very informative and provocative. The study validates many of the issues that you have identified.
One other issue would be a better identification of our church's core mission/belief system and then to establish how this iimproves quality of life now. Just what is our unique contribution to Christianity? Sure, the Sabbath....Is there more? A better articulation of our message to our children would provide a firm foundation. I think the revamp of the junior SS class material (took place 6 years ago) has been great. More grace oriented.
One other issue would be a better identification of our church's core mission/belief system and then to establish how this iimproves quality of life now. Just what is our unique contribution to Christianity? Sure, the Sabbath....Is there more? A better articulation of our message to our children would provide a firm foundation. I think the revamp of the junior SS class material (took place 6 years ago) has been great. More grace oriented.
Excellent thoughts. Thanks Karah.
It never registered with me that the North American equivalent of ADRA is Adventist Community Services. I think this aspect of Adventism should get more attention as well. My perspective on Adventist Community Services has been one of elderly retirees doling out decades old clothing and food no one else wants to random hapless homeless people. After reading the interview with ACS director Sung Kwon I have a bigger perspective. There are some important and innovative ministries under this organization and I think more emphasis on this aspect of Adventism would continue the practical ministry of Jesus in displaying and experiencing the Kingdom of God, having a magnetizing and unifying effect.
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It never registered with me that the North American equivalent of ADRA is Adventist Community Services. I think this aspect of Adventism should get more attention as well. My perspective on Adventist Community Services has been one of elderly retirees doling out decades old clothing and food no one else wants to random hapless homeless people. After reading the interview with ACS director Sung Kwon I have a bigger perspective. There are some important and innovative ministries under this organization and I think more emphasis on this aspect of Adventism would continue the practical ministry of Jesus in displaying and experiencing the Kingdom of God, having a magnetizing and unifying effect.
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