Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen's
Let's set the scene: Jesus is on his way to heal a daughter of a leader of the local synagogue who is very sick. On his way he hears people from the leaders house say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" (Mark 5:35) This instance has occurred many times over in our churches. Upon reaching confirmation less and less kids seem to make it to church. Maybe you've heard the reasons: busy, AAU, too tired to make it, parents don't require it, or there isn't anything here for them. I can assure you the list gets longer and longer. Our youth programs may seem "dead" or inactive. Some churches decide it is not worth the time and effort to keep youth programs going. While playing the blame game for who is at fault I think it is important to witness to what God is doing and can do through our youth. This week the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will undergo its National Youth Gathering. Over 30,000 people will head to Houston to praise God and serve those in need. These National Youth Gathering mark a true apex for any high school student and their church experience. People will be fed and clothed, houses will be repaired, and relationships will be built on in the name of Jesus Christ. So how do we connect this as a church to Sunday service? What can the church do to make itself relevant for a 16 year old all year round rather than once every three years? "Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe."" (Mark 5:36) Jesus does not give up on the girl even when it seems she is dead. Instead Jesus wakes her from her deep slumber and gives her a new life. We must not give up on our youth. We must also understand that for any church to reach out to youth of our congregation we must meet them where they are. If we truly proclaim that Jesus love changes everything (the theme for this year's gathering) then it is important to see how the church's view and treatment of youth must change too. What does that look like? That is a point worth pondering not only this week, but also this summer as we gear up for Sunday School in the fall. P.S. I hope to give updates on my Facebook page of our time at the Youth Gathering.
1 Comment
Denny Goshon
6/26/2018 10:45:30 am
Good points, Pastor Reed.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorPastor Reed is a first call pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois. Archives
July 2019
|