Posted on 11/26/2004 10:54:06 AM PST by dukeman
I'm glad I'm not the only one with these issues. I took over the leadership position about a year ago - (we had moved away, then came back) - it was in such a terrible state. There were 14 teens in the group, but it was nothing short of a social hour. The pastor is in his 70's, and he and his wife were trying their best to lead the kids, but honestly, how well can a teenager faced with today's issues relate to a 70 year old?
I related to them a lot easier, being under 30, but they were still in the "social hour" mentality. They were used to meeting once a month, and doing only "fun" things. I turned it around and started put a REASON behind it. Started talking to them, trying to find out where they were from a spiritual standpoint. Started having lessons, but relating them in terms they could understand better.
4 of them have since left, grumbling that "it's not fun anymore", and that they "didn't come here to learn". Their parents complied, and aren't encouraging them to come to group meetings anymore. It's sad. Really sad.
I'm doing what I can, as the Lord sees fit, but if it's not backed up at home, where often the parents themselves rarely come to church, it makes the road a lot harder.
Thank you for letting me "vent". lol
Since rand can't muster more than half a percent of the vote, she is a speck of dust at the most.
Can you enlist parent's help in your program? A lot of youth pastors don't want parents help at all - which is discouraging to moms and dads - like we're not on the same team. I know youth pastor's have a much more difficult job than when I was in my teens...Hang in there...be faithful to the work the Lord has called you to and then leave the results with Him.
God be with you.
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