The last few months have been a vivid reminder of the value of our youth. We pass through youth camps, back-to-school events, fall programming for kids and teens alike. The church that ignores this generation not only under values what God values – but what people value. In short…Kids Matter! They matter to God and they matter to the people in our churches. The effort, time, staffing and attention we give to them sends a critical message.
A quick way to illustrate our attention to youth – one of our favorite restaurants to visit is the Cheesecake Factory. If you have been there you know they are famous for a creative and extensive menu so big it is bound like a book! Here is the problem though…with all of their menu selections they have no children’s menu! The wait staff always offers our family (of 6) kid “friendly” suggestions making the best of an adult menu. The message is clear, “We’re not really interested in your kids!”
So, let’s take a look at the menu of our churches and the message it sends about the value we place on our youth. What does the “menu” of our facilities, programming, budgeting and staffing say about our values? At Cape Cod Church this look has led to our recent addition of a full-time staff position focusing on Children’s Ministry. It is also one of the key factors in our drive to relocate allowing us to construct facilities dedicated to children and youth that are consistent with our spoken values about youth.
When Jesus spoke about the faith of a child (Mt 18:2-5) He was referencing that formative stage of our life when as a child we are developing our sense of what is true and valuable. When children learn the truth of God and scripture as a natural part of their early development – faith in Christ becomes a natural step, the obvious response to a loving God.
So whether you are a parent, grandparent or even planning to be a parent you can see the value of what we do today is the reward we will see in the years to come.
N.T. Wright makes a simple and profound case for Christianity. Whether you are looking for answers or ways to explain faith to others "Simply Christian" is a great tool
Ouch! is that what people really think of Christians. An unvarnished look at how the "outside" often perceives Christianity and what we can do about it.
I love Stotts approach to issues - Faithful, thoughtful, compassionate! A great "Field Guide"
A sobering look at statistical trends for churches across America and by region and type of church (Evangelical, Catholic, Mainline Protestant)
America is increasingly polarized by region - the Blue get Bluer and the Red get Redder. And the church seems to follow the trend rather than challenge it.
A comprehensive case for Chastity from a woman who has seen both sides of the issue and knows how to write about it!
A different take on the Church, Politics, and how best to see transformation take place in people and in a nation.
