Youth in Church 2

Why can't we do both? Connect tradition with innovation. Young and old together.

Hello all, this is just a continuation of my last spiel on youth in church. In the past, at least in Black churches children were expected to just sit and listen. Now, however, they grow up faster. Times are changing and with that, in my opinion, comes the need to change things in the church. I am not saying that the church needs to uproot the practices it has had but priorities should be reworked. Mark 7:8 warns us of the dangers of placing human traditions over the values Christ has asked us to have. We should bring people into the church and do it the way Paul did. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 pretty much says that Paul fit the way he ministered to the people he ministered to so that they would understand it better and feel more comfortable about Christianity. He never gave up his value system or sinned to do this, he just became everything to everyone. Why can't the church as a whole?

Tambourines are wonderful and so are large choirs or praise teams. They connect us to our roots as well as lead us into the presence of the Most High. However, maybe once a month having the youth lead a service would be pretty amazing. They would feel involved and important and cared for while learning leadership skills and learning about the triune God. Let's take a minute to think of the possibilities.....Okay, minute over, Hehehe. What if there was a youth service every week, not on Sunday that specifically catered to youth. If it was laid back and fun and they could bring friends without worrying about stares and glares from ushers, deacons and church Mothers, what would happen. If they felt free to worship in anyway they saw fit. Not everyone worships by clapping and screaming. Some whistle, some dance, some sign, some laugh. 

If they truly felt comfortable, what change would the church see? And the strange thing is that we should never feel uncomfortable in a church. It shouldn't be strange to speak in tongues or pray to God. That's what we were born to do! We make people feel uncomfortable and we need to stop. If we didn't feel obligated to wear suits and ties, heels and dresses. If it felt like coming home every single time a person took a step into a sanctuary, just imagine the change in the world. Instead of isolating the young people we need to draw them in. 

However, this is just what I think. What do you think?

Church Clothes by Lecrae