I think the title says it all...I HATE when everyone says High school is soooo cliquey. umm hello? Have you been out in the world? They are everywhere. They are even in Church! Church....The one place that is supposed to feel safe, and you're supposed to just be your self. Church is just as cliquey as the high school is... you can never escape them. You know things are bad, when you walk down a hall way, and some youth leaders won't even acknowledge your presence. hmm? SO tell me do we only invest in the "good kids"? What about those kids that well, aren't well behaved? or those who have graduated? Why do we just walk around and ignore people? Aren't we supposed to be the body of Christ? Why do we worry about a teenager who regularly attends Sunday School or youth group, But they miss one day, rather then worry about those teenagers who once attended Sunday School and youth group, but no longer go. Because I can name some of them. And I know Exactly why they don't go. And I really don't blame them. I think there is nothing wrong with investing in teens that have a walk with God, because they still need accountability. But what about those teens that don't? Don't pick your favorite and decide to only invest in them. What's up with that?
It took me along time to realize all of that. I was part of the "group".I know there were new kids that came to youth group, and that I said hello to, and I probably cannot tell you what their name is. I have had teens add me to facebook, and I have to ask them how do I know you? and they respond we met at youth group. Then I had to make up some lame excuse. And I wish I could go and apologize to those people, but I can't. To late now. That is the one thing I regret from High school. Because I was a " Leader" in youth group( because I was on the worship team) I lost sight of who I was. And I did the thing that I hate most.
Since I have graduated, I now understand how Miles felt at times. Church..the one place that always felt like home, doesn't anymore. I didn't think that after you graduated, you had to automatically become an adult. I don't have a Sunday school, and I have no where to go on a Wednesday night. I chose to help with the little kids because I don't want to go to the Adult Sunday School. And I chose to help with JUMP because I don't want to sit at home on a Wednesday night, and because I'm still growing in my faith..and if that means I have to go to a children's ministry on a Wednesday night, to hear more about God, then I'm going to do it..But Most of all, I love kids :) I love seeing their faces and helping them grow in their faith. I just wish there was more for me.
I was going to leave my church, and go to a church in Omaha. Which sucked, because I enjoy going to church with my mom. And the gas prices. The only reason I am now staying is because, PB asked me to do the Large group time with the little kids in Sunday School. I am totally Stoked for it. These Kids and I are going to have a blast.
Over that past few months I have learned a lot. When I become a children's pastor, I will invest in every kid that walks through that door. Even after they graduate. I don't want kids to ever think that I don't have time for them, or because they are graduated they are not important anymore. I will make a difference one way or another because I am determined to do so.
Unified diversity
Functioning as one body
Every part encouraged by the other
No one independent of another
You're irreplaceable, indispensable
You're incredible
Incredible
(Chorus)
Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride
1 comment:
This has been on my heart for years that Faith would get something for the college age kids, a bible study, or "small group" as they like to call it but unfortunately they have not. Once you graduate, it is out in to the real world and with the adults. Who wants to be 18 or mid 20s and be in a small group with adults who you do not have anything in common with? You hit the nail on the head, Sam. Once you graduate high school, unless your one of the "chosen ones" or part of their clique (not naming names, but isn't it kind of obvious?) your ostracized. I have heard this from multiple people, the younger people and older adults. It is not right. Other churches, such as those in Omaha that you refer to, are reaching out to this college age crowd. When is Faith going to wake up and do the same? There is a need, there are plenty of post high school/college age kids, they need something of their own! I guess we can only pray that they open their eyes.
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