Can the young make a difference in God’s house

  • Shelly Webb
  • January 23, 2011
  • 300
                        
Every church is different and is made up of different dynamics and demographics. Some churches embrace lots of youth involvement and some prefer youth to take a watch and learn status until they are older. Associate Pastor Matt Flinner of Martin’s Creek Mennonite Church has been involved with youth ministry for eleven years, nine of which he has served as youth pastor at Martin’s Creek. In that time Flinner has seen young people of all ages be used by God to further His purpose. Flinner believes that God uses individuals of all ages and that youth are an intricate part of any church. “I have seen our young people being used by God on mission trips to Kentucky and New Orleans,” Flinner shared. “They also help with Bible School, Sunday school, church camps, and local service projects, singing in the church and even preaching! I have been amazed at how willing our young people have been to be used by God in exciting ways. There are some who lead Bible studies at their schools as well.” Unfortunately not everyone believes young people can make a difference, least of all…young people themselves. Many youth don’t have a sense of belonging within their church and some believe they have little potential to make a difference. Flinner believes that kids feel this way because that’s the message some adults and society send them. “I think kids feel that way because adults and society tell them that,” Flinner said. “Maybe that message isn’t conveyed in a direct way, but it comes across loud and clear through our actions. We do not foster their idealistic and energetic personalities enough. Sometimes kids get super excited about a recent retreat or conference and are just "on fire" for Christ. But when they get home, the church reminds them that this is real life and we can't always be on the mountain top. I think we need to let that energy run its course and encourage young people to dream big about what God has for them. I think as adults we want what is best and we don't mean to be a buzz kill, but it is just how we are sometimes. We don't want them to get hurt.” Flinner also thinks there are some poor examples sitting in the pews, examples that have little or no faith in the difference that they can make as adults—this example gives kids the same ‘I can’t do anything ’attitude, “Kids don't think they can make a difference because we adults don't think we can make a difference,” Flinner said. “Many of us have given up on our desire to follow God and so we sit in the pew and focus on what is and not what could be. If kids see their parents and other church people not trying to make a difference, then they have no inspiration or encouragement to try themselves.” Sometimes churches want everything to run smoothly like clockwork. This desire leaves little place for ‘kids’ to be involved. Flinner is thankful that his congregation understands this concept and embraces involvement from the younger generation even if it means anything can happen. “Unfortunately, some churches try to be perfect and set limits on what a kid can and can't do,” he said. “I am so grateful that our congregation allows and expects our young people to be involved in our ministry. While we try to have a God honoring service that is not a circus, we also know that if a kid is involved and forgets, something drops a microphone or get stage fright it's not the end of the world. We want to invest in the lives of our youth - let them preach, sing, go on a mission trip, serve at a camp. Do what they are gifted at doing.” Whether they realize it or not, the more mature church members are vitally important to the younger generation. They can set a godly example and help encourage and guide young people into church servitude. Flinner believes that mature church members can help the youth achieve exactly what God has for them. “I wish older saints in the church would not feel like they are too old or too out of touch with the kids,” Flinner said. “The kids know they are older, they know they don't like their music and think they drive too fast. They get it. The older folks need to share their stories of how they experienced God in their lives. They need to let the kids know that they do not have to be perfect, that they will make mistakes’ and that it's going to be okay. The older generation needs to come along side the younger generation and give much needed advice and encouragement. These saints have lived life and have a lot of experience. They have experienced the hardships of life. They have experienced financial ups and downs, the challenges of marriage and raising kids, finding good jobs and seeking the will of God. They have so much wisdom to give the next generation and wisdom is always needed.” Church isn’t the only place where young people can make a difference. Flinner challenges the youth today to make a difference in their schools and with their friends by being true to themselves. “Be who you are,” he said. “Quit trying to be someone else. Embrace the unsurpassable worth that God has placed upon you and rest in his love. God has created young people to be unique individuals who can do unique things. They need to quit trying to be perfect and to live someone else's life. Sports, school and social status will all fade away. Abandon your life to Christ at a young age. Smile at the kid who dresses shabby and has a bad home life. If you are good at a particular subject in school, help the kid who is struggling. Pray for your teachers, principals and school mates. Serve everyone. In their communities they can help with the food bank, mow an elderly person's yard, clean up the park and look for things to do that will benefit the community. Simply love your neighbors.” By following these simple suggestions anyone can make a difference for God anytime, any place.


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