There is a local area youth service once every two months. Between 60 and 80 attend. It is hosted by young people.
They do all the links, they play the music and sometimes it is a young person speaking. It lasts about an hour and a half and often finishes with food. It sounds ideal - young people organising the event that they want. They are being encouraged in areas of leadership, music and learning together. They see friends from other schools or churches and are built up together as Christians. What a great set up!
So why do I find myself very uneasy about the whole thing? Am I against young people meeting together? NO! Am I against young people having control or practising leadership skills? NO! Am I against fellowship with other churches? No! My biggest desire is to see young people strengthened in their faith and grow up to become a strong generation of Christian leaders. What's the problem and what should guide our thinking about special youth services?
