program that the church provides for the young people. They may typically ask,
"What youth program do you offer to your young people?" This particular topic is
toward the top of the list of concerns that parents have regarding the church and
its roles and responsibilities. This writer knows this because there is much
money and energy being spent nowadays by churches for youth rallies, retreats
and recreational activities. These activities may be church sponsored trips to
amusement parks such as Opryland or Six Flags. It may be in the form of a
summer youth series in which several congregations take turns providing a guest
speaker, the place of assembly, recreation and refreshments.
There is a growing concern among rural churches about the families that move
their membership to large city churches regardless of the strength or weakness of
the church, where perhaps a "youth minister" is employed or various youth
activities are provided and that is what is important to them.
This writer cannot defend what other congregations do for their young people,
but he can make suggestions in light of what the Bible authorizes.
What the church provides for its youth
1. Gospel Preaching. Now this may seem odd to many, but this is something
that many churches with large bank accounts and enormous recreational
activities are not providing. It is the obligation of the elders of every church to
feed the flock. "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight
thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind"
(1 Peter 5:2). "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the
which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which
he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).
Young people need preaching too. Solomon exhorted long ago, "Remember now
thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years
draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them" (Eccl. 12:1). They
must know about God, the Father, Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit who
compose the Godhead. They must know about the church for which Jesus died.
They must know what to do to be saved and what to do to keep saved. They must
know what it means to live the Christian life. They must prepare themselves to
battle the temptations and false teaching that face them each day. And, gospel
preaching prepares them for such tasks.
2. Bible Classes. Preaching and teaching, of course, came from God. But we owe
a great deal to the person that suggested Bible classes. Nearly every Old
Testament story that we know was first learned in a Bible class. The Biblical
principles that govern our lives were probably learned in a Bible class. The names,
places, events, facts, details and even applications of the various stories of the
Bible were probably learned in a Bible class. The study habits that we have as
students of God's Truth were probably developed as a result of attending Bible
classes. Never underestimate the value and importance of attending and
participating in Bible classes. Many questions are answered in Bible classes which
could not be answered in the format of pulpit preaching. Many positive principles
and truths are learned in the Bible class.
3. Boys' Training Class. There is a great need in this generation to teach, train
and encourage the boys and young men in the congregation concerning their
service unto the Lord. Even at 4, 5 or 6 years old, it is good to get them interested
in working for the Master. This writer acknowledges there may be some men who
are not capable of participating in a public way in the Lord's work (leading prayers
or singing, preaching, teaching classes, waiting on the Lord's table, etc.). Some
"fall to pieces" (so to speak) whenever they are asked to participate publicly.
However, at the same time, this writer firmly believes that the number is far less
than the actual number that do not cooperate. Some men have simply never tried
or make excuses. Maybe they hold a grudge against the elders and retaliate in this
way. They hinder the growth of the church, yes, but they also will lose their own
souls. But regardless of the reason or excuse, if boys would be encouraged and
trained at a young age, they will have a better chance of overcoming fears and
anxieties. In fact, they may never know about such fears. Therefore, future
preachers, elders, deacons, Bible class teachers, etc. would very likely have their
start from a training class. Remember Timothy's training from an early age (2
Tim. 3:14-15)? His strength and character developed as a child and later
supported by further teaching from the fearless apostle (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10)
enabled him to be described by Paul as "likeminded" to care for the Philippian
brethren (Phil. 2:19-20).
4. Godly examples. Again, this may seem strange to some of our readers, but
unfortunately in many places where young people are provided entertainment
and recreation by the church, they are not provided with godly examples of
Christian living. Their youth may see worldliness, carnality, i.e., "conforming to
the world" rather than "transforming by the renewing of the mind" (Rom. 12:2).
The apostle Paul admonished his readers to follow him, but notice why: "Be ye
followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). It is quite rewarding as
a gospel preacher to see godly examples in parents.
Young people need the righteous examples of parents. Children of every
generation need parents who practice what they teach. It is much easier to tell
children what to do rather than show them what to do. The godly examples of
Zacharias and Elisabeth stand out in the pages of the Bible. The inspired
physician wrote: "And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the
commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless" (Luke 1:6). One of the
great attributes of Abraham (often overlooked) is: "For I know him, that he will
command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way
of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon
Abraham that which he hath spoken of him" (Gen. 18:19). Abraham supported
those admonishments and teachings with a righteous example. "So then they
which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham" (Galatians 3:9).
Young people need the godly examples of teachers. Teaching includes great
responsibility. "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive
the greater condemnation" (James 3:1). Youngsters need more than words,
commandments and laws cited by their Bible teachers. They need teachers of
conviction. How sad it is when some teachers nullify a year's worth of Bible
teaching and exhortation by playing the hypocrite during the year. They may
forsake the assembly by deeming Sunday evening worship and gospel meetings
unnecessary. They may be seen participating in activities unbecoming to
Christians. In short, teachers have the grave duty of also practicing what they
teach. How encouraging it is to have a host of teachers who reinforce the weekly
Bible preaching with weekly Bible teaching and daily Christian living. One of the
unfortunate disadvantages of public preaching is the inability to ask for questions
in the case of misunderstandings or incomprehensions. Bible class teachers make
up for that loss by their ability and willingness to answer the students' inquiries
and their godly examples which uphold those Biblical principles and precepts.
5. The care and concern of elders. One of the major obligations of the eldership
is to tend the flock of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2; Heb. 13:17). Their feeding,
guarding and overseeing include the young people. How grand it is for elders
(upon occasion when needed) to stand in the pulpit and praise the good works
and rebuke the errors of young people. These are marks of a concerned eldership
that takes its duties seriously. Parents and youngsters alike should be thankful
for men who accept and exercise their charge and responsibility.
What the church does not offer
Despite the good things the church offers to young people, there are still those
questions that arise as to why the church does not provide other activities which
perhaps other churches offer or the parents would like to see included in the list
just described. For instance:
1. Recreational and entertainment activities. During the days of the restoration
movement, a major point in every discussion (as men were trying to exit
denominationalism and get back to the Bible) was AUTHORITY. Respect for Bible
authority must be at the forefront of every suggestion made or method used. So
the question is: Does the church have the authority to provide such suggested
activities? The answer is found in what the church is commissioned to do,
namely, evangelism, edification and benevolence (Mark 16:15-16; Eph. 4:12; Gal.
6:10). If entertainment is edification (as some argue), then where would one
draw the line for activities and money spent. If providing recreation were
scriptural, then the church could build gymnasiums (as some have done), build
bowling alleys, dig ponds for fishing (after all, some of our elderly members like
to fish), build skating rinks, movie theaters, miniature golf courses, etc. Surely
the honest reader recognizes the silliness involved in such and the principle
behind it. If one is allowed, then the other suggestions are allowed also.
The fact is that the church is not charged in some things. The church is charged
to take care of "widows indeed" (1 Tim. 5:3), but the church is not charged with
the care of other widows (1 Tim. 5:16). Entertainment does not occupy the
category of evangelism, edification or benevolence; therefore, if the church
becomes involved in such, she has violated the law of God (James 2:10).
2. A divided assembly. In recent years, there has been a movement to separate
the adults from the children in public worship. Some brethren may have good
intentions in these efforts. They may have been persuaded or deceived by others
that children do not learn anything in public worship. But whether their actions
were motivated by sincerity or convenience, the "divided assembly" is not
scriptural.
Sometimes when a person inquires as to whether a congregation has a program
for its youth, the "divided assembly" is to what they are referring. This writer does
not deny that some degree of good can be accomplished by a class for youngsters
("divided assembly"). However, that is not the point. Training classes can be
advantageous to youngsters. However, to conduct these classes during the
worship IS NOT THE PROPER TIME! The apostle Paul wrote concerning the
brethren coming together to partake of the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:33-34). He
also plainly stated, "If therefore the whole church be come together into one
place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned,
or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad" (1 Cor. 14:23)? How can all the
whole church be gathered together into one place if the brethren are divided into
classes during the time of worship?
Besides these clear statements in Scripture, this writer denies vehemently the
claim that children cannot learn how to worship or how to behave in the worship
by assembling with the saints. One learns by teaching, observation (example) and
experience. How many of us have seen children "playing church" by imitating the
preacher, the song leader, and partaking of the Lord's Supper? Children can and
do learn the "hows" and "whats" in worship, not out of worship! This writer fears
some parents simply do not want to be bothered with the care of their children
during worship. Parents, examine your motives? By the way, parents, how did you
learn to behave and conduct yourself in worship?
The basis of these decisions
Why does the church offer gospel preaching, Bible classes, training classes,
godly examples, a concerned eldership, etc.? These are things that are
AUTHORIZED AND PERMITTED BY THE SCRIPTURES. These things fall into
the realm of the work of the church (evangelism, edification, benevolence). It
seems many brethren have forgotten what the church is to do.
Why does the church not offer entertainment and recreational activities or a
"divided assembly?" Such would be a violation of the scriptures and the authority
of God! The Almighty has designed the work of the church and the work of the
home. And, they are not always the same! God is the designer, not man or
another church!
The church must be careful not to assume the duties of the home. Wholesome
recreation and entertainment are good for children and adults. But let us
remember to provide those things through the home, not the church. Parents and
other interested individuals should take an active role in making such
opportunities available to their children. However, the church has not been
charged with those responsibilities. More elders, deacons, preachers, teachers,
and parents need to ask the question: "By what authority doest thou these things"
(Matt. 21:23)? Friend, what about where you worship? Is that question being
asked?
