Youth Pastors

[chev1958]

During Jesus' time, the Temple had a Court of the Women, the fartherest women could go in the Temple. The men could go further into the Temple to worship, but the women were excluded. I don't recall anything in Scirpture condemning that practice.

[JerryNumbers]

I agree, 100 percent!
AMEN!

Thank you, but many Christians will disagree with it. Some seem bent on taking family worship out of Jesus' Churches, that is completely separating the family during preaching services.

Someone stated that we are to teach our children the Bible at home, that church services were for other things. Wow, and to think I had it wrong, I thought Sunday school was all about teaching the Bible.

As for me, I think many churches are letting the ways of the world into their churches.

[JerryNumbers]

During Jesus' time, the Temple had a Court of the Women, the fartherest women could go in the Temple. The men could go further into the Temple to worship, but the women were excluded. I don't recall anything in Scirpture condemning that practice.

During Jesus' days on this earth there was not but one New Testament Church, the church at Jerusalem. The temple you speak of was not a New Testament church, so we cannot go by it. That said.

Ac 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Ac 2:42 ¶ And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Ac 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Ac 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Ac 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Ac 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Ac 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

They in these verses seem to include both men and women who were saved, all of them were worshiping together, even in their churches that were in their home. I surely don't think these men locked their wives and children out of worshipping, and Bible study in these churches they had in their homes

[JerryNumbers]

That is so true! Many of the parents in this area look for anything to involve their kids in so they're not at home. Not only do they look to church activities, school and other things as free babysitters but they actually expect them to make up for their failure to parent. I heard a mother recently talking about how she can't wait until she can get her kids in preschool so THEY can teach her children how to share, sit still, play nice with others and mind. Wow! I thought teaching children such things were a parents jOB!

I've also noticed that if some children do pick up on something at church parents are often quick to say such is just for church or to otherwise minimize it. Can't have their children messing up their lives with that "church stuff"! Unfortunately, my sister fits into this category.

One of the fastest growing and largest churches in a nearby college town doesn't even have a pastor! The church is a satelite of an actual church on the far west side of the state. The "services" amount mostly to a lot of rockin' "worship music", followed by a satelite feed on a big screen in the sanctuary of the preacher as he preaches a short sermon to his congregation in the church in that other city.

Churches where children and youth can "have fun" seem to be all the rage and it's spreading more and more so that even adults want to have "fun" church. Of course, this mostly means worldly fun with a covering of Christianity. Lot's of rockin' praise and worship music, lots of skits and plays, lots of videos, lots of games...add just a little Jesus who was all about fun and love and apparently lots of rockin' music and it's the "Christianity" they are lookin' for.

If you will take notice, some of the post posted on here, its quite clear some feel we are to abide by one set of rules while in church, and leave it at the back door as we're leaving church and not abide by them while we are outside of the church building.



No wonder so many children are so messed up.

[OFIB Preacher]

Thank you, but many Christians will disagree with it. Some seem bent on taking family worship out of Jesus' Churches, that is completely separating the family during preaching services.

Someone stated that we are to teach our children the Bible at home, that church services were for other things. Wow, and to think I had it wrong, I thought Sunday school was all about teaching the Bible.

As for me, I think many churches are letting the ways of the world into their churches.

AMEN, Brother! You hit the nail on the head!

[OFIB Preacher]

During Jesus' days on this earth there was not but one New Testament Church, the church at Jerusalem. The temple you speak of was not a New Testament church, so we cannot go by it. That said.

Ac 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Ac 2:42 ¶ And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Ac 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Ac 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Ac 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Ac 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Ac 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

They in these verses seem to include both men and women who were saved, all of them were worshiping together, even in their churches that were in their home. I surely don't think these men locked their wives and children out of worshipping, and Bible study in these churches they had in their homes

BTW, the LORD is still adding (although prOBably not daily in these times,) to His church, such as should be saved!

[OFIB Preacher]

If you will take notice, some of the post posted on here, its quite clear some feel we are to abide by one set of rules while in church, and leave it at the back door as we're leaving church and not abide by them while we are outside of the church building.



No wonder so many children are so messed up.

The Christian life is exactly that, a life to be lived 24/7, 365 and not something to be put on and taken off, like a "Sunday go to meetin'" outfit!
That attitude of leaving your "Christianity" at the church door as you leave, just (to quote others up here,) "smacks" of hypocrisy!

[HappyChristian]

That's funny - I've not noticed any posts that advocate hypocrisy (being one way in church, another outside)! And I didn't notice anyone seeming bent on separating families at worship time, either. I did notice, however, several requests for scripture that says it's a sin not to keep families together, but no answers...!

Suzi is absolutely right: we are to teach our children Bible at home (or, at least, that's what Deut. 6 says...). Biblical teaching is primarily the responsibility of the parents. There was no such thing as Sunday School in Bible times. That's a recent development, that came about here in the US. I believe it's a good thing - especially now with so many homes not teaching anything about the Lord. What Suzi said was that church was a time to worship. And that is true. Can we not have Bible teaching at worship services? Yes, of course we can and do.

Jerry8, I agree 100% that many churches are allowing the world in. And it's a heartbreaking thing. I think, too, that some churches go the extreme the other way, to combat it - in other words, some become all about just rules and regulations. In either case, the poor kids in those churches don't stand much of a chance! It's sad that so many of our churches can't find the right balance that scripture gives, isn't it?

[OFIB Preacher]

Thank you, but many Christians will disagree with it. Some seem bent on taking family worship out of Jesus' Churches, that is completely separating the family during preaching services.

Someone stated that we are to teach our children the Bible at home, that church services were for other things. Wow, and to think I had it wrong, I thought Sunday school was all about teaching the Bible.

As for me, I think many churches are letting the ways of the world into their churches.

I elaborate my agreement with this last statement, by quoting the following announcement! Other than it being easy believism (or if you prefer, "quick prayerism,") to the hilt, notice the wording!


"26-30 Impact Youth Conference "Impact Your World" at the Gatlinburg Convention Center hosted by Calvary Baptist, Chattanooga, TN Speakers will be: Kenny Baldwin, Greg Locke, David Gibbs Jr., Steve ROBerson, Eric Capaci, Ralph Sexton Jr. Special singing and entertainment by: The Ball Brothers, The Gospel Light choir and The Crevier Family"

[chev1958]

During Jesus' days on this earth there was not but one New Testament Church, the church at Jerusalem. The temple you speak of was not a New Testament church, so we cannot go by it.

Yeah, you're right. I was comparing apples to oranges, and I know better.

I'm trying to sort out my thoughts on this current discussion. I think I'm in the middle. I'm not opposed to having a nursery for small children (say up to 3 years old), because one child can easily disrupt the service for everybody else. The child is only worried about its needs, and can become very demanding very quickly without warning, and Satan knows that. And the parents focus more on keeping the child quiet than listening to the preaching.

Children who are somewhat older (say 4-8) can sit in on the service, but how much do they gain from that? Yes, we can train them to be still, but many don't really understand what's being preached. Some do, as John81 pointed out, but I think many don't. I see them doodling on the back of the bulletin, or playing quietly with their dolls or Hot Wheels. They may be still, but they're not gaining anything from the preaching.

In my experience, I haven't seen much benefit to youth groups. I'm glad to see other churches are providing more Bible and ministry training. Maybe if I had been around churches with that kind of emphasis on youth groups, my attitude would be different. But that's another discussion.

Personally, I think teenagers should sit with their families during the services. We all know the kinds of "trouble" teenagers get in when left to themselves. I've heard preachers ask from the pulpit for the teens to settle down.

But keeping the family together in the worship service adds to the family dynamic. It reinforces the family structure. Society today seems to pry kids away from parents as much and as soon as possible, and that happens in a lot of churches as well. By having teens sit with their parents, that adds church support for families.

Just my ,

Mitch

[JerryNumbers]

Yeah, you're right. I was comparing apples to oranges, and I know better.

I'm trying to sort out my thoughts on this current discussion. I think I'm in the middle. I'm not opposed to having a nursery for small children (say up to 3 years old), because one child can easily disrupt the service for everybody else. The child is only worried about its needs, and can become very demanding very quickly without warning, and Satan knows that. And the parents focus more on keeping the child quiet than listening to the preaching.

Children who are somewhat older (say 4-8) can sit in on the service, but how much do they gain from that? Yes, we can train them to be still, but many don't really understand what's being preached. Some do, as John81 pointed out, but I think many don't. I see them doodling on the back of the bulletin, or playing quietly with their dolls or Hot Wheels. They may be still, but they're not gaining anything from the preaching.

In my experience, I haven't seen much benefit to youth groups. I'm glad to see other churches are providing more Bible and ministry training. Maybe if I had been around churches with that kind of emphasis on youth groups, my attitude would be different. But that's another discussion.

Personally, I think teenagers should sit with their families during the services. We all know the kinds of "trouble" teenagers get in when left to themselves. I've heard preachers ask from the pulpit for the teens to settle down.

But keeping the family together in the worship service adds to the family dynamic. It reinforces the family structure. Society today seems to pry kids away from parents as much and as soon as possible, and that happens in a lot of churches as well. By having teens sit with their parents, that adds church support for families.

Just my ,

Mitch

[JerryNumbers]

That's funny - I've not noticed any posts that advocate hypocrisy (being one way in church, another outside)! And I didn't notice anyone seeming bent on separating families at worship time, either. I did notice, however, several requests for scripture that says it's a sin not to keep families together, but no answers...!

Suzi is absolutely right: we are to teach our children Bible at home (or, at least, that's what Deut. 6 says...). Biblical teaching is primarily the responsibility of the parents. There was no such thing as Sunday School in Bible times. That's a recent development, that came about here in the US. I believe it's a good thing - especially now with so many homes not teaching anything about the Lord. What Suzi said was that church was a time to worship. And that is true. Can we not have Bible teaching at worship services? Yes, of course we can and do.

Jerry8, I agree 100% that many churches are allowing the world in. And it's a heartbreaking thing. I think, too, that some churches go the extreme the other way, to combat it - in other words, some become all about just rules and regulations. In either case, the poor kids in those churches don't stand much of a chance! It's sad that so many of our churches can't find the right balance that scripture gives, isn't it?

You will never find where I have disagree with what I put in bold letters above, but we are also to teach both children and adults the Bible in church as well, that is part of worshiping God, that is part of the pastors duties. If its not part of worshiping them that church, pastor, is failing their Savior's calling.

Although I know that is not true in those many modern feel good churches, and those who teach the prosperity gospel.

[HappyChristian]

You will never find where I have disagree with what I put in bold letters above, but we are also to teach both children and adults the Bible in church as well, that is part of worshiping God, that is part of the pastors duties. If its not part of worshiping them that church, pastor, is failing their Savior's calling.

Although I know that is not true in those many modern feel good churches, and those who teach the prosperity gospel.

I absolutely agree with you, Jerry8! And I know you don't disagree with the fact that children need to be taught Bible at home. Yes, it is part of worshipping God. And yes, a lot of modern churches don't teach much if any Bible. Sad situation Christianity is in today!

[OFIB Preacher]

Yeah, you're right. I was comparing apples to oranges, and I know better.

I'm trying to sort out my thoughts on this current discussion. I think I'm in the middle. I'm not opposed to having a nursery for small children (say up to 3 years old), because one child can easily disrupt the service for everybody else. The child is only worried about its needs, and can become very demanding very quickly without warning, and Satan knows that. And the parents focus more on keeping the child quiet than listening to the preaching.

Children who are somewhat older (say 4-8) can sit in on the service, but how much do they gain from that? Yes, we can train them to be still, but many don't really understand what's being preached. Some do, as John81 pointed out, but I think many don't. I see them doodling on the back of the bulletin, or playing quietly with their dolls or Hot Wheels. They may be still, but they're not gaining anything from the preaching.

In my experience, I haven't seen much benefit to youth groups. I'm glad to see other churches are providing more Bible and ministry training. Maybe if I had been around churches with that kind of emphasis on youth groups, my attitude would be different. But that's another discussion.

Personally, I think teenagers should sit with their families during the services. We all know the kinds of "trouble" teenagers get in when left to themselves. I've heard preachers ask from the pulpit for the teens to settle down.

But keeping the family together in the worship service adds to the family dynamic. It reinforces the family structure. Society today seems to pry kids away from parents as much and as soon as possible, and that happens in a lot of churches as well. By having teens sit with their parents, that adds church support for families.

Just my ,

Mitch

Proverbs 29:15 comes to mind! BTW, that says "child" not teen!
Matthew 21:15-16 has the children praising the LORD! Where do you think they learned it from? They learned it from the adults in verses 8 and 9! Maybe children can learn some Bible stories, by having the Bible "put on their level" so-called, but they aren't going to learn about worship, except they be in the worship services! Some have stated that church isn't about teaching; it's about worship! If that be the case, why are you taking the children out of the worship services and putting them in "Children's Church" or a nursery? Is that the real reason you bring the kids, so you can put them in said place?

[OFIB Preacher]

You will never find where I have disagree with what I put in bold letters above, but we are also to teach both children and adults the Bible in church as well, that is part of worshiping God, that is part of the pastors duties. If its not part of worshiping them that church, pastor, is failing their Savior's calling.

Although I know that is not true in those many modern feel good churches, and those who teach the prosperity gospel.

Amen, Brother Jerry!