Youth’s Concept of “Church”
The church is an important part of the teaching of the New Testament (Matt. 16: 18, 19; Acts 2: 47, KJV.). To “be added to the Lord” who is head of the church is tantamount to being added to Jesus’ church, which is his body (Ephesians 1:221-22). In these passages, the church is a “called out” group of saved people all over the world who have ever lived. A number of figures are used to depict this relationship of individuals with God – body, temple, household (family), kingdom, and vineyard. However, a reading of the New Testament shows another application of the word church to refer to another tie of saints with saints that we may function collectively as an organized unit. A number of commands given to the Christian depend on involvement in the local church for execution (Acts 20: 7; I Cor. 16: 1, 2; Eph. 5: 19; Heb. 10: 24-31).
Unfortunately, as already discussed in the first article, a majority has institutionalized the church and has relegated the local church to a service organization designed to meet all the needs of people with special emphasis on helping the family. The most common question I hear is, “Do you have any activities for young people?”
Because so many churches were loosing their teens, churches have youth programs. Youth ministers are hired whose jobs are to arrange and promote a calendar of social activities for the young people. Religion today often appeals to the selfish “me generation” by offering fun and games. There is some teaching mixed in but to maintain interest, the primary agenda to produce fun and frolic. Activities include games, crafts, music, camps, musical/drama presentations, fairs, and entertainment parks. When children are targeted, what kind of attitudes and concepts do you think they will have of “church” as adults? (cf. Deut. 6: 6-9; Eph. 6: 4.) Most will ask, “What do you have to offer me? What can you give me and how can you entertain me?” As a result, churches are catering to their every whim. One ad read, “If hard pews, boring sermons and rusty hymns have zapped your interest in the church, then you’ve been looking for us. You’ll find …..” Beloved, Jesus discouraged those who personally followed him for the wrong reasons (cp. Jn. 6: 26, 27). Such an appeal is radically different from the simple worship and work of local churches of the First Century. (I Tim. 3: 15; Eph. 5: 19, Jn. 4: 24).
Increasingly, religion today is changing to fit society rather than requiring man to change to comply with God’s requirements. Hence, we are witnessing a cheapening of religion and religious values. I pray you will continue to read this column as we explore other improper appeals.