Where Goeth Adventist Youth Ministries?
by Cindy Tutsch
In 1879, teens Luther Warren and Harry Fenner wanted to do evangelism for Jesus. Praying together often for ideas and vision, young Fenner and Warren initiated the first Adventist youth group. Their Michigan Adventist Youth Society was successful from the beginning, and soon spread to other conferences.
In the early years of Adventism, youth work was often initiated by youth for the purpose of sharing Christ with their non-Christian friends, first in their own communities. Soon, their focus expanded, and youth began extending their evangelistic outreach to the world. Early SDA Youth Societies’ emphasis on personal revival combined with regular missionary activity buoyed the members, providing a strong sense of purpose, structure, and community.
So how does youth ministry compare today with the purposes of youth societies in the early years of Adventism?
Although nearly every facet of youth ministry today — Pathfinders, short-term mission trips, youth camps, youth and young adult retreats, youth camp meeting programming — could be said to have sprung in some way from Warren and Fenner’s dreams in 1879, there are differences . Are those differences in principle, or merely differences in practice?
Today’s youth programming and ministries are usually adult-initiated (GYC might be an exception) and administered. Although there is still an underlying aim of evangelism, that focus is often centered on evangelizing the youth of the church, rather than for the conversion of non-Adventist youth. In addition, the methodology for achieving the salvation of Adventist youth is often more entertainment-oriented than organized with the purpose of providing opportunities for youth to do sustained, systematic evangelism.1
Let’s again note that Youth Societies in early Adventism sprang up as youth-initiated and youth-managed organizations in response to Christ’s clear mandate to evangelize the world. (Matthew 28:19-20) Although the response to the call to witness and save souls was strengthened, perhaps even awakened, by adults in Adventist congregations who shared this passion for the lost and by Ellen White’s own messages on youth organization and empowerment, nevertheless early Adventist Youth Societies were largely the outgrowth of youth commitment.
By 1903, however, adults had largely assumed the management of Youth Societies. Certainly, every organization goes through periods of growth that include some degree of institutionalization. But this growth need not stifle the initial purpose for the organization if some plan is kept in place whereby that original purpose and vision is not obscured by bureaucracy or programming that does not contribute to the founding purpose. In the case of Adventist Youth Societies, the vision of reaching the world for Christ appears to have remained intact at least to the turn of the 20th century.
Unfortunately, however, personal proclamation and verbal witness have been in serious decline in churches now influenced by a post-modern culture. Adventist youth ministries may now be in danger of not only a loss of mission (outward — toward others) but even a distortion or reversal of mission (inward — toward us). Additionally, it is becoming increasingly rare to find an Adventist youth professional who is willing to identify ‘Babylon,’ much less suggest that the mission of Adventist youth includes calling other Christians out of it.
In 2011, at least in North America, with occasional exceptions in the Hispanic and African-American culture, there are few or no Youth Societies, no Missionary Volunteer societies, and even Adventist Youth Societies (AY) are largely defunct. With the exception of student literature evangelism programs, on-going, systematic organization of youth for the purpose of working for the lost is largely missing from Adventist youth ministries.2
Though there is evidence of informal small Bible study groups within the Adventist youth ministries structure, much of today’s youth ministry focuses on youth rallies, camporees, retreats, forums, and camp meeting programming. These feature dynamic preaching, drama, and culturally relevant gospel music, with little or no emphasis on organizing and training for soul-winning outside the Adventist community.
In his book, Theology and Evangelism in the Wesleyan Heritage, evangelical James Logan writes, “For a long time, some leaders and analysts within Methodism have regretted the unfortunate tradeoffs experienced when Methodism went ‘a whoring’ after [the respectability of the more formally-structured main- stream denominations], and shifted its accent from lay ministry to professional ministry.”
Although the transfer of youth ministry from youth to professionals may have affected the paradigm shift from evangelism to entertainment, that shift may not have been inevitable. Youth professionals could successfully restore evangelism in youth ministry if they again see themselves as coaches and mentors, training youth for actual soul-winning, rather than seeing themselves as primarily programmers of inward focused ministry.3 It seems evident that today’s Adventist adolescents need more than entertainment or fast-moving programming to anchor them to Christ and to His church body.
Youth ministries advocate Kevin Ford once wrote, “The problem with most Christian young people is that they have no game. We keep giving them all the things they need to do as Christians — read the Bible, have devotions, study, pray, do God’s will, do the right thing — but they have no reasons to do all that. There is no game to use it in. They need a mission.”
The reason today’s young people do not appear to have the same appetite for evangelism as evidenced by the members of early Youth Societies may be they’re getting little exercise in evangelism. Adventist youth in the 21st century, particularly in western culture, are in danger of being spiritual couch potatoes — over-entertained and under-challenged, and filled with spiritual junk food. To appreciate the meat of the Word and the beauty of a living, life-changing relationship with Christ, they must once again organize and seek training in order to experience the rejuvenating reality of evangelism.
It is yet possible that this generation of youth will re-capture the vision of early Adventist youth societies and become that segment of the church body who model, lead, and inspire the church at large to engage in Spirit-led inclusive evangelism. Maybe it will be today’s youth who will see beyond gender, age, education, power, and tradition so that, “the boundary of man’s authority will be as broken reeds, and the Holy Spirit will speak through the living, human agent, with convincing power.” (Selected Messages Book 2, pp 58-59)
———-
1 I am defining evangelism here as sharing the Good News about Jesus (the gospel message) in the context of the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14.
2 There are some fine exceptions. Philadelphia Youth Challenge and REACH Philadelphia led by Pastor Tara Vincross is a model of systematic, on-going youth-led evangelistic training.
3 A good example of such coaching is in Robert Folkenburg’s generationally inclusive ShareHim initiative.
I agree with your main point regarding making evangelism a main part of church life for youth, and adults alike I might add. Following Jesus doesnt work all that well as a spectator sport. That said, I must ask why you have to insist on evangelism being about shuffling cells around within the body of Christ. How does influencing someone who is christian by the preaching of Peter or Apollos to become a christian by the preaching of Paul count as evangelism by any biblical standard or definition? As if there were a lack of unbelievers. What exactly is the deal here?
it is becoming increasingly rare to find an Adventist youth professional who is willing to identify ‘Babylon,’ much less suggest that the mission of Adventist youth includes calling other Christians out of it."
If that is to be the central theme, it is no wonder that it is neither appealing to Adventist or other youth. Looking upon all non-Adventists as being in "Babylon" is a terrible motive. People want to be invited INTO something that is better, not coaxed out of their former lifestyle as Babylon. Adventists must eradicate these outdated words from their vocabulary and mind if they wish to look at others as just as good, kind, and worthy of the kingdom.
Has anyone asked the youth for suggestions on approaching other young people? Perhaps we should also remove the word "other" signifying they are not "one of us, the saved" and consider that all of them are God's children and have equal rights to heaven.
Stop looking and treating non-Adventists as needing "to be salvaged" and they are just as worthy as we who are "out of Babylon."
The whole vocabulary and mental view of non-Adventists must change if we are to welcome them into our family. Just as a marriage brings into a family someone who we may not know too well, she instantly becomes part of the family, no training in family practices, rituals, and habits must be taught first, by rite of marriage, she is now "family."
With this attitude, young people would have to make and be friends with those not in the church. This is a complete turn-around, as since Adventism began we have been taught to have nothing to do with the "world" and its amusements. Young people are eager for the new, and they are far more jaded than their parents with all the visual and aural technology available. Discover what they are looking for, what they want in their future. Listen, Listen, Listen, both to the SDA youth and all young people. Make friends with them, remembering that most young people don't initially trust "anyone over 30" and you must be able to both understand and talk their language.
This is a daunting task, but the most important of all is a complete change of attitude: see all young people as valuable and worthy and that understanding the third angel's message is probably so far down their list of importance as to be unrecognizable. They are worried about their future: education, jobs (where are they?) and far more than what Adventists have usually been eager to tell them. Remember: telling someone about something in which he has no interest will be given no interest.
Elaine,
You are making a great point.
Something that gets quickly overlooked in most discussions (and laments) about youth evangelism is that our teachings are historically weighted heavily toward convincing people about facts first and hoping their hearts will follow instead of winning their hearts first so the facts can follow. Over time this has become a horribly negative presentation, except we're so convinced of the facts that we have a hard time understanding how anyone outside the church could see it as negative. My Baptist friends go around telling people they need to accept Jesus so they can avoid going to hell. That makes the Gospel sound like it is the only slightly better of two very undesirable options. The love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus to make salvation possible are presented as minor attractions.
Just like you and me, our youth are repulsed by negatives and attracted to positives. The big reason so many are leaving the church is all the negatives they see as compared with positives elsewhere. So, what if we were to reorient our message to focus the the incomprable positives of how much God loves us, what he's done and doing to save us, and the joys of having a daily walk with God? This is the challenge we must meet if we're going to keep our youth in the church and have that army of well-trained workers to spread the Gospel.
Elaine,
You have provided a lot of good insight in your above post. Listen and know their needs.
William, I agree with you as well. After listening and helping, present that message that brings a life time of stability and peace that we wouldn't otherwise enjoy.
Elaine,
What an insightful post! There are a lot of "terms" we need to get rid of in Adventist ministries. I am an American citizen and hardly associate myself and lifestyle with what the term "Babylon" encompasses. Maybe Cindy should ask another question. That is, why is the SDA message so unappealing to 21st century youth?
"Today’s youth programming and ministries are usually adult-initiated (GYC might be an exception) and administered. Although there is still an underlying aim of evangelism, that focus is often centered on evangelizing the youth of the church, rather than for the conversion of non-Adventist youth."
I think we need to be clear who we mean by "youth." In much of the world, that term means 18-25 year old young adults. In the US, it tends to mean teenagers (sometimes even children). GYC, though operating in the US context, has a global understanding–it targets young adults over 18, and was organized by college/grad students and young professionals.
That being said, I think you are right about the shift in focus. Though in my church, our youth invite their friends to Pathfinders, and we have seen baptisms as a result.
It might be well to remember that we got the idea of Missionary Volunteer societies from Evangelicals–specifically, from John Mott (complete with his call to "keep the morning watch"). We followed the evangelicals then … and we're doing so now (for better or worse).
Cindy,
I think you have hit the nail on the head. We have become so worried about 'losing' our youth that retaining them has become the main focus. However, this inward focus comes from adults that seem to inevitably focus on youth and kids rather than externally, as keeping the kids/youth is extremely difficult, but reaching out to secular minds is even more daunting.
I would have to question the idea suggested by Kevin Ford that youth don't see the relevance because there is no game or mission to use the tools provided as surely there are many reasons and motivations for using them. The anachronistic calling people out of Babylon would not be the answer in terms of motivation.
Cindy,
Again, you have given us a thoughtful exploration of a timely topic. Thank you.
What happens with our youth is critical because they are the future of the church. With growing numbers of churches in North America having few or no children it is obvious that our denomination is headed for a serious decline in membership as the senior generation dies.
You touched on a number of serious contributing factors. First is that the youth are not allowed ownership or even significant input into the ministry that is supposed to be for them, so they become disconnected from it. Second is that the historic emphasis on calling people out of Babylon has ceased to be an issue for them, not because it is unimportant, but because the way it is presented is so boring and negative. What is there in the topic to give them purpose and make the topic a priority when they have no ownership of it and the topic fails to resonate with their community? Adults who are quick to answer that they should feel otherwise are illustrating how differently they view things than our youth.
Sometimes success requires that we let failure be complete, that we let the wrong approach die and stay undefenced long enough that whoever takes on the challenge does so with a view unatinted by the failures of the past. That may be what has to happen with youth ministry. What clearer proof of the failure of the old model do we need than the current working state of youth ministries? Our youth need a vision of effective mission outreach that they are not seeing in the church today. They need to be given ownership of the challenge and the freedom to run with it without interference or limits from older generations. When that is allowed to happen we will all be amazed at what God does through them.
Cindy,
How relevant is the Value Genesis Report to your observations? In addition, do the youth see evangelism as the work of witnessing / taking Christ to a lost world? Or do they see evangelism as a process of making Adventists? With so many Adventist youth leaving the church, and many joining the other churches, how do they see the value of being a 7th Day-Adventist?
As you well know, there are many theological in-house differences / debates (many very much intrenced). This has been as much a turn off to young folks as anything we have / have not done in our planning for their active participation in the church / evangelism. How can we train the youth aright with so many in-house disturbances going on?
Could it be that the grown-ups can / will only be able to empower the youth for becoming that "army of youth well trained" when we determine to lead by example? By that I mean, follow the lead of the disciples in the upper room after Christ's ascension and work out / settle our differences in the light of Christ's great love for us in the context of how much we have actually misapprehened what He's called us to do / be? What will happen when the grown-ups determine to no longer do anything that will cause Christ the grief that He has borne because of our self-styled (that which we are actually not yet aware of = Revelation 3:17) ministry / evangelism? I believe this has a lot to do with why the spirit of evangelism is waining in the church today. Let the Media Ministries do the work, we'll support them as we watch them from our couches, and send the our $$$ so they can keep on doing the work we were called to do.
The body of Christ, which includes the youth, lacks the unity that only the Holy Spirit can develop / bless. And if there is anything a young person can detect is disunity. All of us want to belong to something thing that gives us a sense of belonging / well being, especially 21 century youth. So my question is this, is the church ready to receive, much less develop a youth movement that will change / charge the world for Christ? Or are the present schisms within the church doing their appointed work of dividing and conquering, of which the youth (or lack of) are a documented casualty?
If the same 'vibrant spirit' that was part of the MV Society in bygone years were even just a small part of the current AYS and AY (both Senior and Junior), there would be a whole different ballgame. I have found that much of today's focus is been directed towards getting the youth 'qualified for buying power', which has its important place, however this is done at the expense of spiritual development and growth. Yeah sure, the youth are 'smart' and can see right through hypocrisy, dodgy standards and of course the self-righteous lukewarmness of those who profess Christ. Economics (including Sabbath work/vocation/affluenza), Cultural peer pressure (including worldliness/dress/music/lifestyle/behavior), friendships and marriage, sinful living, etc., all play a major factor in choices young people make. Then also a major player all of this is education which in itself is good but this can easily sway a child of God by virtue of the 'buying power' it affords which in turn can also lead one astray.
I was a different case. I left the church in my teens as a result of many reasons but much of it was a result of losing my focus on Christ. I got mixed up in some political activism at school, messed up with drugs, alcohol, smoking, sinful living – I even played in a band which made music a negative influence too – you know, the textbook prodigal – been there, done that, got the fed the pigs T-Shirt.
I don't know if this will work for the youth of today, but I got saved the old fashioned way: the Cross. (Sorry to mention this all the time but this is the best way I know by my own experience. Someone even remarked on another blog that I make a big deal of the Cross. Well yes, guilty as charged but I will stand by this position: THE CROSS OF CHRIST WILL SAVE OUR YOUTH!). It wasn't saved in a church or evangelical meeting with fiery sermons etc., jus' Jesus and me. Yeah! I got saved – hook, line and sinker – by God's grace power and mercy. Jesus changed my life and I KNOW he can do the same for all the young people of today.
There's a song that the Sunday Churches and some Adventists sing which I like to sing too: "I went to the enemy's camp an' I took back what he stole from me…" – It's time parents, and church leaders and young people take back their turf from the devil and take back the young people he has ensnared and "In Jesus Name" claim them back…
Maybe that is one route we can use: the Cross. Now I know the First World kids are smart – but the love of Christ outsmarts us all. I would suggest though that if ALL church leaders, including Pastors, were to complete the good old Master Guide Class at least, either doing the Junior or Senior Youth course or both, we would have leaders equipped to commit to the objectives of the Adventist Youth Society.
There are some other points regarding some of my thoughts about in-house reasons why we as a church need to 'come to the party' so to speak regarding Youth Ministry but I cannot discuss this on a public platform where many good non-Adventists and ex-Adventists frequent and I don't want to weaken their faith further by any Adventist ordinary domestic issues which may alarm them.
By the way, let's not forget that there are many many youth in our churches and outside who are faithfully walking in the path God has blazed for us, under the blood-stained banner of Christ our Lord. Praise the Lord for the youth we HAVE and have always HAD!
I would say though, that part of the Adventist Youth issue seen in the cultural dominated churches is that many adults, both members and parents, have openly given Ellen White the boot and historical Adventism the backseat which unfortunately the Youth are bearing the brunt. That's why we pray for them ALL. Sadly though many pass the blame on Traditional Adventism for this; but they have themselves to blame – not the Church.
♥T
Trevor,
You mention two different paths to salvation in your post. The path of the cross where you meet Jesus, and the path of the evangelical meeting (revelation seminar type?). Those who champion the first path, which brought you to God, often get slandered as goodless liberals by people who champion the second path. And despite of having been brought to God through the cross, you conclude your post in your final paragraph as a champion of the second path, which did not work for you to bring you to God (per your testimony above). Tell me Trevor, is it the Gospel of the Cross, or the "yes gospel, but/and" of the historical Adventism that is needed? Is the church in lack of the message that worked for you or the other message?
Hey Thomas "Vastergotland"
Didn’t mean to confuse anyone but let me explain. My personal experience was different as I didn’t get back to God via a formal evangelism program of some sort. It just happened under odd circumstances which I have mentioned on another blog. A chain of events so to speak, while still away from church. So my point is that one doesn’t necessarily have to have only certain forms of ministry or programs to reach others. We shouldn’t limit evangelism to just a few options only but rather that ALL possible avenues of evangelism should be pursued where and when or if possible albeit that they remain in principle – ‘Christ centered’. Neither should youth ministry be a forced overbearing effort but one that is stimulating, uplifting, energetic and most of all loving and supportive without compromising our church standards. Different strokes for different folks would also apply here. We should meet the needs of our youth in terms of spiritual direction and their personal development also.
(I know of a preacher who learnt about Jesus from his ‘drunkard’ dad who used to have regular family worship in spite of him been intoxicated). That obviously won’t be our first choice to minister to our youth or even as a mainline means for outreach though. I’m saying that the cross has to be the central focus in all our formal and informal efforts at winning souls to Christ. There is no name under heaven by which we are saved (Acts 4:10, 11, 12).
I only stressed the Cross and its ultimate importance in all of this to make my point and in no way intended to allude ‘different’ paths to salvation. At the end of the day it is the Cross that matters and young people should not be denied this or be side-tracked with fixing their focus on just entertainment and compromise only.
Regarding Ellen White and Traditional Adventism. There’s no denying that Ellen White, by default, points sinners, always, to the Cross. Cultural Adventists have lost the beneficial Ministry of Ellen White by, as I have said, giving her writings the ‘boot’. Then they blame Traditionalists, who I must add, preach the Cross just the same, yet they are blamed for not compromising enough with cultural and socio-political changes and therefore responsible for youth leaving the church.
The ‘but/and’ gospel is an illogical approach to me: I would prefer the ‘either/or’ which we all have to eventually at some point make a choice. This would include the youth. I have a seventeen year old son and a thirteen year old daughter (a real cutie) – which I as a parent have by God’s Grace been committed to leading them to Christ – firstly by example and then with much prayer and supplication, allowing them to make their personal decision for Jesus. Both aren't baptised yet but I am praying and doing and contributing towards a conducive 'place' where they can choose whom they will serve. In our church planting effort which my family is involved in, we have about fifty or so who meet in a school hall on Sabbaths. About ninety percent are 'pre/non-SDA' and come from diverse religious persuasions. Thirty of the fifty or so are children and young people. We really 'get down' with praising and worshipping God and learning about Jesus and the Cross. A lot of hard work and sacrifice goes into something like this and we usually spend the entire day at 'church' doing stuff and cooling off. Our youth and kids at church accompany us into the neighborhood where we have singing, stories and some tasty treat for kids on the block. Just a guitar and lots of energy is all you need for this exercise. Youth enjoy going out in the community and distributing, clothing, food, toys, tracts, dvd's, etc. We work in an area with many souls from poorer communities reside and have made a difference together with our young people leading out with us.
Peer pressure, music, the media, fashion, worldliness, ungodliness, sexual immorality etc., etc., is a reality and challenge we must face. I would be fully in agreement with Ellen White when she wrote that “While men have slept, Satan has stolen a march against us”. Many youth regretfully have and will also become casualties in this war against the powers of darkness. Christ is our only hope.
♥T
Trevor
When you write, "At the end of the day it is the Cross that matters and young people should not be denied this", I agree fully with you.
Regarding Ellen White and Traditional Adventism, the problem with Traditional Adventism would be that it does not take the good example of Ellen White and point sinners always to the Cross. Rather it wishes to entertain those who would hear and whos ear are suitably tickled with prophetic interpretations of days both in the future and the recent past. Had this been otherwise, it would be the Desire of Ages that was printed by the milions to be spread over the earth, rather than the Great Controversy.
I find the work done through your church commendable. Really, how you describe it, it sounds like the average SDA church has much to learn from it (including churches of any theological leaning). I wonder though whether you missunderstood what I meant by "yes, gospel, but/and". To try and be a little less cryptic, it meant a refusal to let the gospel stand alone. "Yes, the gospel is important, but not until these other requirements have been fulfilled." Or, "Yes, the gospel is important, and it will apply to you as soon as you have ticked off this modest list of other requirements."
The Gospel, meanwhile, teaches that there is nothing you can do to make God love you more, nor is there nothing you could do to make God love you less, and every aspect of your salvation is provided for free by God. Last weeks SS-study indicated that this includes even the faith that leads to salvation. And, the implication of this is that since you provide 0% of your salvation requirements with God providing the other 100%, there is no foundation for stopping someone who is not with us from preaching the gospel (Mark 9:38), and there is no valid foundation for placing any pride in comming to faith through this preacher rather than through that preacher (1 Cor 1:12). Indeed, when Christ is become all in all (Col 3:11), gone is all foundations for and desire to place ourselves as better than others (Phil 2:1-10).
There is a time and place for the "either/or", but that line is not drawn through the church, or between the churches, or even at the borders of the Church. That line is drawn equally accessible for all men and women, and it goes through the heart.
/Thomas
Dear Thomas "Vastergotland"
It's nice to know that we can agree on a number of things. Thanks for explaining your "yes, gospel, but/and". I read it loud and clear now. I did misunderstand what you meant. Maybe it's because of the mandate in Matt 28:19, 20 that some may tend to get a bit carried away which really isn't necessary. The Gospel has that covered quite adequately. All we have to do in essence as instruments in God's hand is to preach and teach the Good News wherever, whenever, however and let the Spirit of the Lord water the seed that is planted.
Thanks for the kind words regarding our church planting effort. I have been involved with other church planting efforts in the past but this one has been special to me as it is the only one which is, not just a 'low' budget initiative, but a NO budget initiative, which has been faith based from inception and going strong for over six years now. The Lord God Almighty, Jehovah Jireh is indeed Provider. We don't have fancy pews and airconditioning and other five-star church luxuries, but hey, what can I say – the we have the Lord…
I like this statement you've made regarding how God provides everything we need in terms of Salvation: "this includes even the faith that leads to salvation." God is Provider.
♥T
Thomas Vastergotland: An excellent post and quote: … . "Had this been otherwise, it would be the Desire of Ages that was printed by the milions to be spread over the earth, rather than the Great Controversy."
You have really made the point that is right in my opinion. We are to point to Christ first. I was appalled by the decision to send GC to millions of people as it gives a wrong first impression of what the SDA church is about. It is not the Gospel and it is not even the Gospel in the context of the third angel's message. (Neither of which I believe is being spread at this time.)
Cindy
Perhaps you should take a look at the STORMCo program in Australia. It is led mostly by youth (with the adult supervison required by law) and finds creative ways to reach the community. It has had an impact on the youth in my church.
http://stormco.adventistconnect.org/
With all the youthful energy and innovative skills, they should be trusted to design their own programs. They are not attracted to a church where the main activity is sitting and listening to a speaker or watching 3ABN, but need action. Let them decide their weekends could be spent helping the many in every community today who desperately need so many things. Let them walk and take a census of a neighborhood, registering the specific needs and addresses and then return next week to help. All help does not involve money. There are yards that need cleaning, houses that need painting (ask for donated paint from nearby stores), perhaps transportation to doctors. All these are wonderful sabbath activities and imitiate Jesus who did not spend all day sabbath sitting in a synagogue.
These activities from a high school group or club are regularly shown in the local papers. Wonderful publicity and far better than announcing an upcoming Revelation Seminar.
Sitting here in my SDA K-12 School office, after 35+ years as SDA educator, after 1-18 grades of SDA education ( plus non-SDA M.A. and numerous+ summer non-SDA workshops) (choral music, by the way), (plus Music Director in many Protestant Denomination churches), I find myself wondering about the value of the SDA educational system from the standpoint of this blog. Are our members stronger in their witness as a result of our system of education? I have found that my biggest enjoyment of Christian witness (no-not SDA witness), and my greatest growth in my Christian experience, has come in conjucntion with my relationships with non-SDAs. Too much fish-bowl ing our denomination. Too much salt staying in the shaker. Too much light under the bushel. What would happen if we let our kids go to public school, invest half that tuition-cost into the church directly, and minister to our kids needs via the church? I wonder what would happen. I see the Mormons doing it that way, and they don't seem to be shrinking. I watch us, and look what's happening.
Harlen,
Excellent question! I think the value of SDA education varies from place to place depending on circumstances and whether or not it is a "mission" school that recruits students outside the membership of the sponsoring SDA church. This turns teachers into evangelists and gives students real-life experience testing their beliefs by contrasting them against the beliefs of the non-SDA students. This produces both more believers and more students who know what they believe.
In Australia, most of our schools have a majority of students who are non-SDA, sometimes up to 90%+. It changes the nature of the school. Most schools have baptisms of non-SDA students (and sometimes their family as well) each year. Because of government limits on how small schools can be and remain open, we don't have a multitude of small struggling schools like the US.
Mr./Dr. Miller, I found your particular post very interesting as our son is about to graduate with a piano performance degree from a secular school. He's interested in masters programs in sacred and choral music and has been directing our church choir. Unfortunately, our he had a rather bad experience in the one SDA school he attended with his sister and they both did much better at the primarily Baptist though nominally nondenominational school where they did most of their pre-college education. While both of them are uncomfortable with churches that emphasize Ellen White, I think both of them are better Christians than I am as far as their walk with God. They're both very active members of the churches to which they belong. They weren't exposed to some of the more rigid SDA beliefs that aren't particularly biblical in origin but rather more social 1800s cultural, and I think they are the better for it.
SDA education risk innoculating young people to Adventism, and with rejecting Adventism they also risk rejecting Christianity as that is the only form of Christianity that they know.
Whether or not this is the intent, the results demonstrate it. A Mormon family I know sent two their four children to BYU, the other two to public unversities. Guess which ones remained Mormon? Not those who attended BYU.
What surveys have been done of SDA-educated youth vs. non-SDA education some 10-20 years later. If we don't know, how can we make plans for the youth?
You're a walking Gallup Poll with a representative sample size and a margin of error of +/- 3%? What was the confidence level of your survey? Just curious….
Kevin, I'm headed "down under" on Monday. Would love to hear more about "STORMCo"!
Cindy,
Ask any Youth person. They will tell you as much as you're prepared to hear.
Kevin,
I am prepared to hear about anything that combines an outreach to the whole person–body, mind, and spirit. Painting houses is great, as well as soup kitchens. My students and I have done plenty of it and been blessed. But if we are not combining acts of mercy and progressive social concern with care for their souls, that is, taking an interest in where our neighbors are spiritually and pointing them to Jesus and His Word, we are missing the proverbial boat.
What are the specific details for "caring for the soul"? Is this a corporate or private undertaking? Does individual prayer and/or meditation not aid the soul? If it not merely a cliche, please explain in detail what a church or group should be doing to properly care for the soul.
Cindy,
Part of the reason many STORMCo teams return to the same towns year after year is that it takes time to get to know people and be able to talk to them about Christ. I can't speak for every STORMCo event, but unless the youth in my church are telling less-than-truthful stories when they come back, they do take every opportunity to share the gospel when they see an opening. Australia is a lot more secular, and I suspect has always been less overtly religious, than the US and most people do not appreciate having religious forced upon them.
In regards to the Kevin Ford quote.
I'm kind of new to this so hear me out. It seems (to me, after switching from public school to Adventist) that any Adventist (undergraduate) program should have a steady, important witnessing program. I mean when I went to public school I had a need to represent my faith because there was so few Adventists and I wanted to give it a name it deserved as well as witness about it when times when the subject was brought up (which was like every other day). At my current Adventist academy everyone is Adventist, so it feels that there is no reason to "get the word out" or give the faith a good name. I have no reason to witness (that they tell me of) and nobody to do it to. I/we (I feel as Adventist youth) not only need a "game", but also a field to play it on. That field is the mission field, in its many forms – something all Christian youth (Adventist or otherwise) should be all-too familiar in.
Konner,
Great point! Our traditions in the church typically limit our concepts about where and how it is "safe" to minister God's love instead of being willing to expand our views and go anywhere. That restrictied attitude shows how little we trust the power of God to be a light that dispels darkness.
I was raised in the church and taught that the apostle Paul's statement about spiritual gifts being for the "building-up of the church" was so we could be more effective at public evangelistic crusades and other overtly spiritual outreaches designed to bring in new members. Along the way I've seen at least as many people leave the church as we brought in because the church was not a loving community of believers who nurtured each other in various facets of life. Fortunately, I am not part of a congregation where gift-based ministries are encouraged and nurtured. What we have discovered is that the first blessing from spiritual gifts is building the internal community of the church. That makes it something people really want to be a part of, including visitors and non-believers. That is a big reason why we're growing without holding public crusades, distributing literature, or any of the other traditional outreach methods. The sooner we expose our youth to the unlimited creative opportunity that gift-based ministry offers, the sooner they can find their own opportunities to minister.
Konner,
You are right. Every Christian school should have some sort of outreach to the public. This could be community work (even within already-established organizations). It could be creative evangelism. It could be a concert series or Christian dramas or musicals at the school (and a reception) in which to invite the community.
You are in a position to suggest something like this and bring it to the attention of the faculty.
Konner,
When I was a Bible teacher at various SDA day and boarding academies, I organized outreach and witnessing activities for the students to do in the communities where the schools were located.We had hundreds of students involved. You could get ideas for such activities from my book "Teens on the Witness Stand." It's out of print now, but I noticed you can still get it on Amazon for a student affordable $3.24!
Cindy,
Seems to me that much "entertainment-oriented" ministry results – not from youth leaders gone astray – but from a church that has no greater vision for its youth than to "keep them in the church" – or perhaps, to "keep them in their place in the church." There is a tendency for adults to view adolescents as either gods or monsters. We both fetishize and fear youth. We want to be assoicated with their energy and vibrancy, yet see them as a threat to order and stability. So we try contain them and use them to our advantage.
We may do this in a couple of ways. 1) We placate youth with programs meant to socialize them into a "nice' but otherwise lack-luster life in the church. We diminish any real transformative power they might bring to the table and treat them in ways that could be seen as hegemonic. 2) We use youth as poster children for an idealized image of the church. We send them door-to-door and take pictures for the union paper, as if to say "See, all is well with the church." We may even try to use young people as foot soldiers for our agendas. One youth organization I know of comes dangerously close to this. It concentrates its resources on the production of large conventions, which includes short bursts of "witnessing" activities. Church administrators flock to the photo-op and organizers claim victory for their cause. I would call this the ideological approach to youth ministry.
What is needed more now than ever before is a deeply pastoral approach to our youth – one which takes them seriously as persons – not as a market segment, an ideal category, or "boots on the ground." They each have real hurts and struggles. Unimaginable wounds, at times. They are looking for purpose and significance, yes. But they don't want to be used as props. They long to be drawn into a accepting, healing and passionate communities of faith filled with adults who are leading the way. They need real mentors in life and in mission, not just someone to drive the van while they knock on doors. If we seek to involve youth in mission and evangelism, it should be the mission and evangelism of the church as a whole. Kenda Dean fears that the church may be "just another sagging social convention, like Dracula, that needs young blood to survive." And that is my concern, too. That the church may simply be "shooting up" on the enthusiasm of youth, like a heroin addict looking for another fix. This is a dead-end street – for young people and for the church.
SsecondOpinion,
I agree whole-heartedly with many of your points. Though I think large conferences or events, particularly those that train for evangelism, have merit, it is not the ultimate solution. Most young people will not return home from these mega-events and continue to engage in systematic, regular mission activities. Thus, the spiritual enthusiasm generated at such convocations could end in apathy or even disillusionment. Pastors and older church leaders need to partner with the youth to provide on-going leadership and witnessing opportunities and training.
I am indicting myself as well. When I was conference youth director, I did have a program whereby 35-70 youth were trained for evangelism and engaged in it systematically for eight weeks each summer of my tenure. For four of my six years as youth director, I even had a school year program of training and engaging in evangelism one night a week. I was focused and intentional in mentoring the student leaders among the group. and several of them have gone on to establish their own on-going evangelitic missions, even training other youth to become engaged in active witness.
What I did NOT do, and regret deeply, is have regular training events for local church leaders to show them how to develop a plan whereby all of their local church youth could be invited to participate in on-going witnessing. We did sporadic training events, but nothing that really resulted in training a conference-wide movement of youth to not only know how to give an answer for the hope that is within them, but provide structured opportunites for that witness to occur on an on-going basis.
Youth rallies and short-term mission trips can be a great experience, an enriching experience, even a learning-more-about-what-it-means-to-be-a disciple of Christ experience. But again, I don't see those things as the ultimate solution. Witnessing for Jesus must become a lifestyle. Leadership opportunities must go far beyond Junior Deacons. Interest in our young people, many of whom face huge spiritual and emotional challenges, must go beyond "casual." It will take time, effort, self-sacrifice to know them in ways that allow trust to develop. We neglect those opportunites at peril to their souls–and ours.
SecondOpinion,
My contention is that the concept you defend is a major reason why the youth are leaving the church. That traditional approach has become hugely ineffective because our society is no longer as receptive as it was once upon a time. I want to urge you to buy and study the book "Unchristian" because it will give you an unvarnished "look in the mirror" to both see Christianity as the world sees it and understand why. That book was a real eye-opener for me that changed my thinking about evangelistic outreach. It is time for new approaches with continual ministries that focus first inside the church before reaching out.
First, my admission is, I have not read every post in this blog. I would like to make a defense of the "youth". In attending a pre-mission trip planning session with my son last night, I learned that many students at his "Adventist" high school, arrive to school without breakfast. One of the teachers, is trying to set up a corner in his classroom, to address providing breakfast options. In this same meeting, of 5 student missionaries, there was one student with his father present. The other 4 students were there with their mother(s) or other significant female relatives. Maybe part of this issue is that there has been no leader, no father power, in the lives of our youth. "I just need a dad", one student said, so clear and profoundly. Can we consider, many of our youth, do need to be reached to as if they themselves, are the mission field? This is a fatherless generation. This takes the wind, completely down, out of their sails. Even Jesus, had Father Power. What about the youth, who have yet to see a role model who they can call "Daddy"?
You can't feed someone the Gospel until you first feed his stomach. There are longings which will not be met by the G.C. or 2300-day prophecy. Meet people's needs FIRST, then be willing to listen to those needs.
1) The Love-Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Matthew 25:36
2) The Gospel-Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18
3)The Doctrine- And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen,… I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Revelation 18:2,4
I was thankful when became old enough to say "no" to going door to door. Kevin Ford's tool kit is sadly incomplete: "read the Bible, have devotions, study, pray, do God’s will, do the right thing". They are very general tools. There are more tools that are needed to apply these to specific situations, problems, issues. William Noel mentioned Spiritual Gift based ministry. That is getting closer. Helping youth to discover and develop their Spiritual Gifts is one part. But it is even bigger than Spiritual Gifts. It is discovering and becoming the person God created us to be. The hard part is finding the tools to do that. Part of that is a community that recognizes and expresses appreciation for people and also role models the wide variety ministry. Cleaning up after potluck is just as important a ministry as singing in the choir.
Kevin,
Please allow me to expand your understanding of gift-based ministry. The relationship we enjoy with God in a gift-based ministry blesses us in many ways and He uses that experience to teach us what He wants us to be regardless of our age. Listening to sermons about what we're supposed to become fills us with theory that is generally detached from reality. Actually working with God helps us discover things about ourselves and God we might never have seen otherwise. It is a wonderful experience in both spiritual and personal growth. What is more, gift-based ministry is not getting closer to what God wants us to be, it is actually experiencing what God wants us to be today as He leads us into tomorrow.
My ministry is called the Angel Team. We were given that name by the people we helped who said we were like angels to them for what we had done. We focuse on home-related projects that improve lives by solving problems. Two years ago we had a project where we were helping a widow in the church after her house flooded. A two year-old insisted on going with his mother to help. His mother recounted to me with amazement about how he had avoided play and worked steadily at her side because he wanted to help "Grandma Linda." Today that boy is four. He has no idea what he wants as a career when he grows up, but will tell you without hesitation that he wants to do things that make people happy by helping them.
When I think back on my youth which was not really a happy one after my sister died. I was not part of a church, but when the family went back (after my father's heart attack and his awakening), I was so shy I hardly spoke to any one. I attended a youth convention which was helpful spiritually but not socially. I wish the Adventist schools/colleges I went to after that would have taught me how to socialize and build self-worth and give me a cause.
I think youth need a mission and to be taught how to give. Youth by nature are very self-centered on their appearance, acceptance, popularity, and self-worth. They need affirmation but also that they are needed to give affirmation, to help and to be sensitive to others. They need to mentor as well as to be mentored. They need to have leadership roles in the local church and beyond. None of them should be ignored no matter how introverted they may seem. They may be hiding some wonderful talents.
Running a youth organization is a daunting task. Those who succeed, in spite of unbelievable temptation, are very special people.
I saw many failures during my four college summers as an MV camp cook. Even the most sincere prayer can barely quell a continuous display of raging hormones all summer, every summer! Between the married staff members, counsellors, campers, and co-workers, it was like walking throgh a mine field. Chastity, in my case, was due to fear rather than virtue.
There are probably many reasons that Adventism is out of synch with today's youth. Post modern attitudes, lack of ownership, and other factors no doubt play a role. But, the fundamental problem is that Adventist theology, community, and culture have unbreakable ties to the 19th century. Somewhere in that century Adventists came to believe that their doctrine and Biblical interpretation were very close to flawless.
The power and influence of those who are determined to preserve the near flawless movement has fluctuated through the years. But, progress toward an Adventism that is more interested in glorifying God than itself has been reversed again and again. With each of these reversals larger percentages of the youth see the church as a self-preserving institution that refuses to make reforms needed to make its message more closely align with gospel of scripture and focused on the spiritual needs of their time and place in history.
Most of these young people have been indoctrinated and discouraged from thinking critically about their church. The undaunted spirit of youth desires authenticity and relevance and the churches resistance to reform creates a greater and greater strain on each successive generation. So, they drift away. A few come back, but many of these "prodigals" quickly take the "elder brother's" posture.
Few Adventists are prepared to face the truth about what the majority of Adventist youth feel and think. Many young people are embarrassed by Ellen White. Regardless, of what they think of what she wrote, they have a hard time seeing the difference between Adventism's reliance on her as a prophetic authority and other cultic groups whose beliefs are dependent on authorities we would disparage as false prophets.
Obviously, loyal Adventists are prepared to defend Ellen White as a "true prophet". But, long ago we have sacrificed our integrity in our desire to win the argument and young people are quick to discern that lack. We insist that we do not put her writings on par with the Bible, but clearly there are many who are prominent in Adventism who do. We parrot the notion that Ellen White's body of writing is the "lesser" light to lead to the "greater" light. But, this is little more than semantics. How can volumes and volumes of specific Biblical interpretation that is treated as "unassailable truth" be a lesser light than the Bible which is a fraction of its volume and challenging for many lay people to interpret? It simply isn't an honest claim as long as she is accorded the authority that she is by prominent Adventists.
Our young people are embarrassed by a "denomination" that equates itself with God's remnant people and often projects a superior and judgmental attitude toward not only non-Christians, but other Christians. They are embarrassed by a denomination that clings tenaciously to "life style standards" while fundamental teachings of scripture are routinely neglected. They are embarrassed by evangelistic tactics that seek to hide the Adventist identity (which btw serves to justify their embarrassment of Adventism).
The list could go on, but that is more than sufficient to illustrate the point. Shuffle the chairs on the deck of the Titanic all you want and it will not save our youth. We need to boldly embrace the Biblical truth that is clearly relevant to every generation instead of ideas that are rooted in 19th century religious culture.
Rudy, you have summarized the many problems that Adventists, both young and old, are unable to accept.
Rudy Good says: "Many young people are embarrassed by Ellen White."
—–
Well obviously they would/should be embarrassed when they find that her writings 'cramp their wayward sinful style' but not because her writings are what is embarrassing but because many young people themselves are. Christian youth today are over pampered and in many instances 'spoilt rotten' – yet they, just like all other text-book sinners, fall short of the glory of God. Some ‘activists’ who fight for youth to do as they please, get quite popular among desperate parents and churches especially when they come out strongly in support of condoning wrong behavior trends among youth and are then called upon to spin-doctor some entertainment to indulge them and 'keep them in the church' and gain support by means of the old ‘don’t judge them’ straw-man they use as their trump card in order to win favor. Some dish out some sympathetic sale of indulgences which they offer youth by supporting their recklessness and disobedience to God and parents. The Bible says that children will be disobedient to parents (Rom 1:30, 24-32, 2Tim 3:2, 1-9). This rebellion of the 'last days' can be seen instilled in the lives of many (not all – Praise God!) youth. I, even as a rebellious prodigal myself during my teens never was ever embarrassed by Ellen White. It has been those very ones from within Adventism (including many influential leaders and parents themselves) who by their own actions, have sought to destroy the positive influence and spirit filled admonition of her inspirational messages for the Church in the end times.
♥T
Trevor, how's that working for you?
Just fine – Thank you Ma'am. Praise the Lord!
Trevor,
Is there any possibility you could take a step back and look at what you are communicating. It is people who defend Ellen White the way you do that have destroyed Ellen White's creditbility with the most SDA young people. You didn't say one word to address the issues I suggest create her creditibility issues. Read carefully, I did not say the youth were embarrassed by Ellen White's writings. I said they are embarrassed by the double standards and double talk we use to describe the SDA relationship to Ellen White's writings.
Unfortunately, you seem to be one of those prodigals who returned to become the elder brother.Self-rigtheouness and judgmental attitudes are every bit as destructive sins as "the wayward sinful style" you attribute to the "spolt rotten" and "pampered" youth of our day. Your attitude makes it obvious why Jesus had to include elder brother in His parable of the prodigal. Sadly, the prodigals that hear your rhetoric will be have little reason to believe they can prevail on the Father's mercy when they discover their desperate need.
Trevor,
Are you suggesting that EGW is the entry gate into heaven? Unless we believe in her we will be outside the gates? Please explain your meaning and intention on justifying her role in salvation.
Question 1 = No.
Question 2 = No.
I do NOT justify her role in salvation! I justify her legitimate role in Christian Ministry – ie. Leading Souls to Christ and the Cross of Calvary and offering good Counsel to His Church, INCLUDING our valuable youth for whom He also died on the cruel Cross of Calvary so that by His death we may all receive life.
Hey- Rudy Good – The undercurrent of your comments were anything but generous to Ellen White writings. Don’t blame the Church and use the greater/lesser light straw-men as reasons why youth can’t cope with peer pressure and cultural compromise today. Contrary to the way you see things, the Prodigal’s brother represents the unconverted youth and adults. Though at home, in the Father’s house they choose not to enjoy the blessings and rich experiences God the Father offers them. I think that because youth today are getting so much of mixed messages from unconverted compromised adults and peers that it has served as bad examples which is largely due to compromised faith and the subtle embracing of worldly living.
Youth are smart and see right through all the hypocrisy arising from such worldly compromise and unconvincing Christian lifestyles. This is the problem, not the 19th Century scapegoat you offer. Judging whether I am a prodigal or not won’t warrant a response from me. In fact what you have said and commented about me IS similar to the reaction of the Prodigal’s brother. I spoke generally about the clear cut comment you made on Ellen White yet you have made personal attacks on me. The basis of my post was that children are disobedient to parents as per end time conditions which Paul brings to our attention and not as a result of Ellen White disillusionment which you have proposed. My previous post mentioned that the CROSS is the way to go. It is the only way that anyone is saved and that is where we fail as parents and as Youth Ministry enthusiasts: We’re not leading them to the Cross. Hence the value of Ellen White writings which ALWAYS lead us to the Cross. I never claimed to be a perfect example but I can testify of my experience at the Cross. God forbid that some should suggest offering the cheap grace/ social gospel model as this would only make matters worse.
Lastly I think that the damage done by the Desmond Ford issue some years ago also left a trail of bitterness and animosity across continents which many came out holding a very negative view of Ellen White which I think even some may even hold to today, but obviously in the quiet – and who is paying the price? Our youth!
Trevor,
I aplogize if my comments were too direct or critical.
My original post was not directed to you or anyone in particular and therefore was not personal. You responded directly to my comments and still have not treated the issues I raise seriously, and in my opinion your post included a lot of venom for those you consider sinners. My comments were not directed at sinners or youth, but those who are in positions of responsiblity that should be challenged if they are poor shepherds.
You on the otherhand filled your post with harsh criticism of those you have decided are sinners. I gave a rationale for my criticisms of the way the church disrespects its youth while you just made blanket condemnations using derogatory terms such as "spoilt rotten" youth. Do you really believe this blanket condemanation serves any role in winning the hearts of "our valuable youth for whom He (Christ) also died on the cruel Cross of Calvary."
Ironically, in the last paragraph of your most recent response you seem to be suggesting that there are issues in the church that are harming our young people. I guess on that point we agree, we just don't agree which issues are the problem.
Sir your harsh attacks on Traditional Adventism is clearly visible and blaming the church for all the youth problems and issues is an overkill. You accuse me of doing to the youth what you are doing to the church which shows that we both do have valid concerns for both the youth and the church. For some weird reason I see a jab at Ted Wilson in your remarks which I very well may be wrong about. Yeah, the church ain’t perfect and neither are the youth, which is what I was trying to point out in my terse comments which to you seem to have came down like a ton of bricks. I have two kids of my own, one in his late teens and real cutie who is her early teens. I have served the youth for a number of years and know very well why I say what I say. Youth don’t trust people that beat around the bush and mince words especially concerning church and religion. You are right! There ARE many hypocrites in the church but that would include the youth too, many of whom have been baptized for whatever reasons. Fortunately NOT ALL, as I have said before, are dodgy youth. There are a vast number who are committed, confident, faithful, and active young people in our churches all around the world, make no mistake about what I say.
Most are readily able to assess what is genuine and are able grasp right from wrong by God’s Grace. Most are quite truthful and would readily admit when they are struggling with religious choices and issues. This they will have to deal with as personal choices between them and God and wherever the church and parents can facilitate a conducive 'environment' they should give time and support as required in making such decisions. Using strong accusing remarks at the same church these youth belong to doesn’t help much either – it just adds fuel to the fire. The indoctrination remarks are unwarranted and is subjective to say the least. Again, hopefully without sounding obsessive, the Cross, should be the first stop for our youth AND for us all too! It may be old fashioned to some – but for the sinner coming home, this small step, the Cross, is the 'giant leap' of our faith.
Have a great day – ♥T
Trevor,
I agree that what we learn about God and ourselves at the Cross is the foundation of true Christianity. Do you really believe that Traditional Adventism is focused on this foundational experience or does it tend to take this experience for granted and focus on behavior? Do you really believe that your "dodgy youth" perspective is an accurate read on the hearts of the youth? Have you not learned from your own journey or examples in Scripture that we can exhibit our sinful rebellious nature openly or hide it behind outward behaviors that others interpret as righteous?
I speak plainly (harshly according to you) because I think that honest observers can see the “dodgy” attitudes that characterize Traditional Adventism. I do not claim the right to criticize Traditional Adventism because I am sin free. Actually, my boldness to criticize comes from my deep conviction of my own sinful nature that makes me immeasurably grateful for the grace and mercy God extends. My criticism of Traditional Adventism can be summed as in one simple statement. It is stingy with grace.
A reluctance of professed Christians to make a central part of their message the abundance of God’s grace is a tell-tale sign. It betrays the lack of understanding of the depth and breadth of our sin problem and our great need. It indicates our willingness to tailor God’s saving Gospel message to one that permits us to credit ourselves with a greater victory over sin than we have achieved. It demonstrates our willingness to withhold the real hope from others so we can perpetuate trust in our own righteousness.