Posted on 09/07/2006 4:33:43 AM PDT by Molly Pitcher
Do you know what the C in YMCA stands for?
You may know it stands for “Christian,” but I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t. The YMCA has come far from its founders’ intent when it was organized in 1844 — so far that many people have forgotten its roots as a Christian organization established to disciple young men. Today, as John Alexander of the Danville, Illinois, YMCA says, “Unfortunately, people look at us and just see a swim and gym.”
Sadly, over the years the YMCA has redefined its original mission right out of existence. At first, the YMCA’s method of adapting itself to meet community needs looked harmless enough. They moved from what one article called “narrow evangelistic goals” to a goal of “developing the ‘whole man,’” focusing on physical and social development as well as spiritual development.
This wasn’t inherently wrong. But as YMCA staffers realized that physical development programs were becoming far more popular than Bible studies and prayer meetings, they found themselves with a choice to make. I don’t think I need to tell you how they decided.
Since it has abandoned its religious programs and focused on the physical, today’s YMCA is commonly seen as “successful” in terms of membership and revenue. But how is it successful if you fall so far short of your original goal that you end up getting rid of it entirely?
Or, as Christ would have put it, how is it successful to gain the world and lose your soul?
Thankfully, there are still those who battle for the soul of the YMCA, like my friend Dr. Jim Gills, one of America’s premier eye surgeons. Jim has given millions to fund the building of YMCAs in Florida — YMCAs that provide for faith as well as fitness. He is building one now that will have a basketball court where church services will be held on Sundays. Jim says YMCAs “aren’t just a place for people to lift weights.... They’re a place for people to go to have fulfillment.”
And at the national convention this summer, many YMCA directors and staffers spoke out about the need to “lift up the C” in “YMCA.” Some YMCAs have formed a movement for this purpose called YMCA Mission, which holds an annual “John 17:21 Conference.”
But it’s an uphill fight. At the YMCA convention, ideas like posting Bible verses on the wall or maintaining a prayer request box met with disapproval from many. Dick Blattner of the Hollywood, Florida, YMCA, complained, “I respect your religion. But when I see posters and placards on the wall that reflect Christian principles, I feel left out.... It offended me, and I don’t think it’s right for the Y.”
Only in today’s hypersensitive society could a leader in an organization with Christian in its name be offended by Christianity. But it reminds us what happens when Christians sell out our core principles and abandon our worldview for the sake of “success.” Take this as a cautionary tale and support those who are trying once again to “lift up the C” in the YMCA.
For Further Reading and Information
Apply today for the 2007 Centurions Program and study Biblical worldview for a year with Chuck Colson! Deadline for applications is November 30.
Anita Wadhwani, “YMCAs Weigh Faith vs. Fitness,” Tennessean, 31 July 2006.
Learn more about the YMCA Mission.
Erin Brewer, “YMCA Swim Programs Designed to Teach Students More than Strokes,” Winston-Salem Journal, 24 August 2006.
Mayer N. Zald and Patricia Denton, “From Evangelism to General Service: The Transformation of the YMCA,” Administrative Science Quarterly VIII, no. 2 (September 1963).
I had a membership to the Y when a young teen in Staunton, Va. I did not have the funds for the $20 yearly membership fee, so they let me work it off by being the score keeper during Saturday b-ball games. I was a pretty big kid and played b-ball against men ranging in age from 20's to 50's. I also played volleyball. Had lots of fun. Never once did I run against a Village People person. Sadly, never once did anyone try to pass Christian literature on to me.
Mr. Blattner ought to know there is a parallel organization - in the New York area at least - the YMHA and YWHA - (Young Men's and Young Women's Hebrew Association) for those who are "offended" by Christian principles. The well-known "92nd Street Y" that hosts many cultural activities as well as sports programs in New York full name is the 92nd Street Young Men's and Young Women's Hebrew Association.
Thanks!..fine Colson article Molly!
Sadly, the sister organization, YWCA, is already lost. They named former NOW leader and bisexual Patricia Ireland to head YWCA a few years ago.
Sadly, the sister organization, YWCA, is already lost. They named former NOW leader and bisexual Patricia Ireland to head YWCA a few years ago.
"Sadly, over the years the YMCA has redefined its original mission right out of existence. At first, the YMCA’s method of adapting itself to meet community needs looked harmless enough. They moved from what one article called “narrow evangelistic goals” to a goal of “developing the ‘whole man,’” focusing on physical and social development as well as spiritual development."
Zounds! This diagnosis could be transplanted and applied, word-for-word, to the "church growth movement" sponsored by Hybels and Warren.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
I think there was a deserved backlash at pat ireland's tenure, though, and I believe she quit.
goy=gentile
its is vaguely Yiddish - it referes to a Gentile.
Thank you very much.
We midwesterners don't get exposed to much Yiddish outside of TV shows about NYC.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
"Goy" is also considered disrespecful.
About three or four years ago I knew someone who had their son in the YMCA After School program in Cedar Park, TX. One day the son (6 or 7yrs old) casually mentioned that one of the female YMCA leaders had been teaching them about Islam and was going to teach them how to pray towards mecca (complete with individual little mats) the next day. This was not an optional "station" where you could either go color OR go pray to mecca, every kid was to do it.
My friend pulled his son from the program and found himself very frustrated talking with the area YMCA director about the conflict between what little burka Barbie was doing and the YMCA mission statement(To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build health spirit, mind, and body for all.). The YMCA idiot found no problem with burka Barbie's actions and said that my friend was not being tolerant.
I didn't consider it disrespectful although I'm sure it could be used that way.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.