Total Church chapter 12

This chapter fascinates me because of the reality in the statistics. I am often skeptical of statistics because of the probable methods of obtaining them, but I am certain that the surveys are right for both England and the U.S. concerning the exodus of youth from the modern church. I also agree that there seems to be a lethargy about the situation and a surrender to the perceived inevitable. I agree with the authors that much of our issue involves the churches approach of youth ministry as a separate ministry from the rest of the church body and almost an isolation from church community. The establishment of separation almost sends a message that the church recognizes that it is out of touch with the main stream and so chooses to approach ministry to youth differently. Fun has been the focus when what our youth really need is serious discipleship. Youth need purpose and are motivated by challenge and the opportunity for world change. In the surrender to cultural relevance we have so watered down the gospel and the idea of kingdom commitment that the foundation needed to anchor youth in the transition from immaturity to responsibility has never been laid. Our youth don't know or don't understand the Word of God. They have not been taught its importance, its relevance, nor have they been taught its ability to address the true root issues of life. Youth don't know how to handle the Word in a way that they can apply to their life situations.
I also agree that just as important to youth as peer relationship is the relationship with mature Christians. Mentoring is vital to the establishment of youth anchoring. Youth want to look at Christian examples of consistent unwavering adults. Not adults without flaws and failings, but unwavering in their passion to repent and return and remain consistent in their pursuit of God. On page 186 it states the value of youth blending into the integrated community. Young people love being included and valued in community. It anchors them to the larger church. I also appreciate the encouragement to teach the Word with a diversity that speaks to all life experiences and all ages. Being mindful of these diversities forces the teacher to prepare with more thought and intentionality which actually helps the teaching to have more clarity.
On the subject of children I placed a couple of notes at the bottom of the page. The first is concerning Nehemiah 8:2, 3 when Nehemiah was reading the scriptures from dawn to midday, it says that all the men and women gathered to listen. The age factor it says was determined by "all who could hear with understanding". The other note is concerning Jesus times of teaching where it appears that the children were not only present, but had access to Jesus himself. My thinking in this is that there should be intentional teaching of the Word for all ages of comprehension realizing that infants cannot understand on any level but toddlers and preschool and even grade school level children have a level of understanding that requires teaching them in their own setting. The emphasis is that it is vital that they be fed some level of God's word so that they might grow from it. I also believe that it is important on a regular basis to so order the adult service that children can be included and would benefit, not just from a program, but intentional teaching of the Word of God. The best example might be a Seder service or Easter or Christmas Eve time where the Word is read and acted out so that even the little children receive.