Is Modern Youth Ministry Contrary to Scripture?
 

There is a controversial new documentary produced by the National Center for Family-Integrated Churches (www.ncfic.org) claiming that modern youth ministry is contrary to Scripture. The NCFIC is making the entire movie available to watch online for free during the month of August.

From the film description:

I've watched it twice, and the photography and technical aspects of the film are excellent. The message is thought-provoking and challenging. However, the film is extremely controversial. In fact, Tim Challies posted a review on his blog that generated a large amount of interest in the evangelical world.

Here is the free video (55 minutes). [They require your email address to watch the movie.]

What are your thoughts?

Re: Is Modern Youth Ministry Contrary to Scripture
 

Movies are contrary to scripture.

j/k :lol

Re: Is Modern Youth Ministry Contrary to Scripture
 

Possibly so in some circumstances, I guess.

As for me, not buying it. I couldn't be more thankful for our youth ministry. They have their own services on Wenesday nights and one Sunday night a month they lead the service in the main church.

My two daughters recieved the Holy Ghost and were baptized in Jan this year, the influence the youth ministry has had on them is phenominal. They have their own bible studys on Monday nights, game night every Friday night and are constantly arranging meetings almost daily at the local Starbucks or Lemon Tree just to meet up and fellowship. Our youth group (about 26 teens) are a close knit family and it all revolves around the body of Christ. The change they have made in my daughters life I can never be thankful enough for.

Re: Is Modern Youth Ministry Contrary to Scripture
 

i remember a preacher one time preached against sunday school, he said its not biblical so we shouldnt do it...


the fact is sunday school, youth ministries teens and up, play a important role in the our life.

he does make good points.

The fathers discipling their kids, i have been neglected my duties in that as well

Re: Is Modern Youth Ministry Contrary to Scripture
 

I agree with Tim Challies review 100%.

I leaned toward this mindset (FIC) for several years. It didn't turn out favorable results for us. I am now strongly in the other camp.

Re: Is Modern Youth Ministry Contrary to Scripture
 

We have been looking at this view for a while, don't really agree with the principle of the segregated SS. or youth.

Interesting.

Re: Is Modern Youth Ministry Contrary to Scripture
 

Forgive me as I have not yet reviewed the video. What I see trending in many youth "produced" worship services is an emphasis on the music, the beat, the rhythm, and for lack of a better phrase, "the show." The effort sometimes loses it's focus in whom we are worshiping. I am not saying that the effort is not sincere or impractical for reaching a certain generation, but when the meaning of the lyrics, the purpose of praise and worship is lost in the emotions generated by the music or its production, it troubles me.

Re: Is Modern Youth Ministry Contrary to Scripture
 

hmm

Re: Is Modern Youth Ministry Contrary to Scripture
 

Could it be that we are not teaching our children at home?

6And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

8And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. Deuteronomy 6:6-8

Re: Is Modern Youth Ministry Contrary to Scripture
 

Scotty
please don't take this personal, but when I have seen young people cause problems in the home it has been my experiance that there are home problems, not saying this is the case in your home. Just the fact that the "youth program" changed your children is cause for reflection. I ask this simple question, what did their youth leader do that you did not do to cause them to dedicate to God?

On the other hand what do you mean by "youth produce" worship services? Sounds to me you are like Micheal when David dance into Jerusalem because the ark of God was brought back. If the effort is sincere, then the meaning of the lyrics must be right. Else it would not be praise, don't get on the emotions generated by the music soap box. As I have been in more Pentecostal services that were all emotion generated by the man behind the pulpit (worship leader) pushing or cheer leading than Carter has liver pill. And then we wonder why our youth like loud music?

In the eyes of God it is praise if it comes from the heart.