The Focus on Youth
A recent survey I saw of a congregation as the members why they attended the congregation they did; surprisingly enough the focus of the congregation was perfectly clear in the results of the survey. When the members were asked why they attended the congregation they did, the large majority of the membership said they attending the congregation because of the youth program.
This answer concerned me because it took place over the response of Bible study. While I was a little shocked, I also knew that many parent’s I know considered the youth program to be the major factor in the decisions they make.
I often wonder if congregations understand the Bible class program needs to be strong throughout the congregation or is it just lazy parents who do not bother to teach their children at home so we leave them in the hands of a youth program to teach them what the parents should? (yes, I did say that)
From time to time a family will visit our congregation and promise to come back then say, “We really like your church and we would attend here, but there is no youth program.” Yes, you are right, we do not have a youth program because we are a small congregation and every other family has said that as well. If everyone who said that would have stayed, then our congregation would have a youth program of over 15 and a membership over 100. Just a thought.
Has the focus on youth distracted us from the focus on teaching our own children? Have parents and congregations began to meet the “needs” of the youth in such a way that the rest of the congregation suffers?
We do live in a time where everyone gets a trophy and the youth are catered hand and foot, hence bringing the current name of “entitlement generation.” Has that really assisted them in their growth process?
I understand there is much to say in the Bible regarding teaching children, but have we forgotten that it is the parent’s who are to be the mainstay of the teaching process?
My friends, I am concerned. Is it a valid concern?
Just my thoughts,
Why Teach in Parables? – Sermon PowerPoint
Jesus had an amazing way of touching the hearts, lives and spirituality of everyone around him. Some took him seriously and made a commitment to following Him, while others simply put Him off as another teacher. As the news of Jesus spread, even His critics were challenged by His methods and message.
Jesus’ teaching in parable is quite amazing because some parables taught one point, some taught several points and still others used a combination of both. The lesson below is a simple look at the way Jesus taught in parables. it is a general lesson, with a few specifics. Take a moment and give it a quick look.
As always, thanks for stopping by the Preacher’s Pen.
Just my thoughts,
Chris
Building a Great Church Involves Teaching – Sermon/PowerPoint
I will admit, teaching has its moments of like and dislike for me; not preaching, but teaching. Preaching allows me to poor heart and soul into a topic and tell it using a variety of methods: narrative, textual, topical, etc. I do not feel teaching a Bible class give the same emphasis as preaching. Like I said, teaching is a battle of likes and dislikes. I know I am not a great Bible class teacher, but I want to be. For that matter, I am not a great preacher, but I want to get there too.
Below is the outline for the message I will present on Sunday, July 18th. I have not struggled with putting the lesson together, because teaching the message of Jesus is a process. It is a process which produces powerful results if we will just rely on God to provide the increase (1 Corinthians 3.5-8). Take a moment and see what you think.
Just some thoughts,
Chris
Rising Disrespect for God?
Sitting down across from an elderly gentleman with a cup of coffee, he began to explain to me the problems of our 
society begin with a lack of respect. One of his beliefs is that respect is the glue which holds the foundations of the country, our communities and even our churches together. Respect is not necessarily a physical attribute, but a spiritual lifestyle. Respect is not a box to check mark in our lives, but it should be the blood pumping through our veins giving life to our immortal bodies.
Those words are powerful words concerning the state of current global affairs. People are citing a lack of respect in young people, their parents and even grandparents! For some, it is easy to see where the lack of respect comes from. In talking with public school teachers, many of their problems comes from disrespectful parents; whose attitude is seen in the lives of the students. I have been told on more than one occasion in which the teacher has called a parent because of a disrespectful child, the parent was more disrespectful than the child.
Now bring those thoughts into the religious world. Does not Jesus speak of respect for God and others throughout his ministry? Consider the verses below,
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it” You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and Prophets.” (Matthew 22.37-40; ESV)
My friends, are those words not words of respect? If there is not respect for God, then what respect will there be for others.
Got any thoughts?
Just some thoughts on a beautiful Wednesday,
Chris
Teaching Children
As the Bible class and sermon series have continued on “Improving Marriage and Improving Families,” I am drawing the series to a close next Sunday and going to being a series on Leviticus in March. Below are the outlines from yesterday. One was already posted last week, but I reposted it in case you missed it. Enjoy!
Bible Class: Keys to Teaching Children
Sermon: Teaching Children
As always, the PowerPoints above can be downloaded and used in your personal studies, Bible classes and sermons.
Just some thoughts,
Chris
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