Raising the Bar by Alvin Reid- - Book Report/Review Example

Raising the Bar by Alvin Reid-Book Review Research shows that two-thirds of today’s youths are interested in having a meaningful relationship with God1. Despite this revelation, less than one-third of them are lively in the local church. Alvin-Reid-a knowledgeable youth minister and pastor argues that these statistics reveals that a time has come to change how the church does youth ministry2. According to Reid, the current generation of youths is marked by authenticity, teamwork and a “can-do” attitude. He notes that the current teens have unbelievable prospects and a desire to be shown how to be Christian adults. The book provides an ardent petition for the church to lay down their standards higher, so as to reinvent the fundamental ways teens and their families are ministered to. My future philosophy concerning youth ministry II Chronicles 34 gives an account of the young King Josiah and his reform agenda. The book reveals that Josiah began to sought for the Lord when he was still a teenager at age 16. The book also reveals that Josiah began leading a major reform when he was only 20 years old. According to him, the key to change for his generation was the discovery of the law and not technology or innovation. It is no doubt that technology and innovation have their place. As a contemporary Christian who employs technology and innovation is my daily life, still I would assert that the future of the youth ministry must be based in truth, not innovation or technology. In this regard, I am of the proposing three ways on how to raise the bar in youth ministry: Recover the biblical place in parents While thanking God for Pastor Reid who has shown commitment in raising the bar, I believe that youth ministry must provide biblical emphasis to both the evangelizing lost families of the youths who go to church and strengthening of Christian families in the Church. For instance, what could be more valuable to the future of those teens than to see their parents attend church? How many youth ministries or pastors can swank for having many youths who attend their church from unchurched homes? In addition, what more important role could older people have in the church than to bring a student from unsaved family under their control?3 With regard to strengthening Christian families, I am not insinuating that a 22-year-old youth pastor should teach parents how to nurture their youths. I am of the opinion that, despite that youth pastor having no idea with regard to raising of a teen, he can teach the teens how to walk with God, teach the world and can provide resources like strong Christian families as an example to other families to emulate. It is also worth stressing the thorny debate regarding segregation, which has dominated many churches, including my own. Some advocates for the abolition of such segregation and the entire elimination of youth ministry4. It is in my opinion that segregation is capable of happening in the church as long as certain important factors are taken into consideration. Firstly, proponents of segregating youth from the entire church must be able to show a clear biblical justification. This should also apply to segregating other groups from the congregation such as women, men’s group, and choir among others. An example of a justification of youth segregation could be for evangelism purposes or for reasons of giving specific teachings, which mainly concerns the youth. Secondly, churches should limit segregation to circumstances that call for it. It is in my opinion that these situations may include weekly meetings. Nevertheless, it would also be vital for the youth ministers to ask themselves the question, how can I take the youths away from church’s life? What can I do to involve the youths more in the church? It can also be said that teens need to learn biblical ecclesiology more than follow Pied Piper5. Thirdly, when a time comes that call for segregation, it is imperative to ensure that quite a good number of mature adults are also incorporated. Reid argues that this is what teens want more than we notice. In fact, this is what they need. For instance, many teens argue that they know how to be teenagers but only want to be shown how to be adults. Therefore, for the multitude of youths hailing from lost families and who themselves may be lost, it is important that the older adults be challenged to dedicate their lives into such youths. We must address the debate on rites of passage Rite of passage is one element that forms part of people’s daily lives. Example of rite of passage includes legal drinking at the age of 21, obtaining a driving license at the age of 16 among others. It follows that people need to raise the bar by setting rites of passage. The world is experiencing an increase in parenting movements seeking to address the important role of rites of passage. This is evident in Dave Black’s novel “Myth of Adolescence” where he explores a remarkable Coming of Age Ceremony at age 126. In this regard, it is in my opinion that parents should begin to challenge teens to prepare to use their first year after graduating from high school in missions somewhere around the world. This is ultimately the best way to unleash a militia to the world. Reid argues that it is at this time that the Mormons, who preach false gospel, can be congregation’s teacher. He notes that, for Mormons, the emphasis of their life is their mission, which is undertaken while young7. The bar must be raised in at least the following four fundamentals: It is a matter of fact that many youth ministries today are dominated by entertainment. This has regenerated strong debate with some squatters criticizing it and other justifying it. Nevertheless, the truth of the matter is that, whenever a student is being taught, and no change is realized, this implies that they are merely being entertained. Intentional evangelism It is in my opinion that having a youth weekend, such as TeensWeek pastors would be able to give a strong emphasis to worship, prayer, teachings and biblical preaching and to evangelism. In this regard, a day such as Saturday should be set aside when youths are free from school activities to go witnessing. Research reveals that youths who go witnessing for the first time quite often do not want to miss when time has come for witnessing8. Moreover, one lecturer once argued that he had met dozens of youths on fire to the Lord and who are bringing their colleagues to Christ since they had also learnt to witness by witnessing. Biblical Truth Research shows that the youths of today will not listen to a message for more than 17 minutes9. This shows how important time matters to youths than adults which needs to be factored in youth ministries. However, the youths also need to be taught that truth has no fear. The Church also needs to put the very best Bible teachers in the church especially in teens classes, who understand youths needs. Churches must also ensure that adequate materials are provided for youth ministries10. Prayer There is a lot of debate that prayers have been removed from public schools. However, the question is how many of those complainants take their time to pray with their children at home? How can these youths be helped understand the Lord if not teaching and showing them how to pray? It is, therefore, important that we begin to pray with our children back at home this is what will make them do this even in high schools instead of just complaining. Every pastor or minister needs to teach his child the truth about God that their parents do not know. Reid says, raise the bar on biblical truth11. Worship Corporate worship is one of the most obvious shifts that have occurred in many churches in recent times12. Worship is a lifestyle and not just a service as it involves more than music or service. Washing implies offering of ourselves to God according to Romans 12:1-2. In this book, Paul discusses why worship has nothing do with either music or church building but has to do with offering of ourselves to God. In this regard, we should preach the role music plays in worship. This is because music plays a big role in the lives of teenagers and incorporate worship. In this regard, the music sung in the church should be those that teach young people to worship God13. Alvin Reid talks about student ministry in the book. Reid notes that the current youth ministry has failed to produce youth pastors that can help in evangelizing the word of God. It is unfortunate that most students do not attend church services after completing their education. Students opt to leave youth groups once they graduate from high school. The faith of the students is at stake if they are not given necessary advice concerning evangelism after school14. Reid requests the parents and the pastors in charge of the youth to raise the bar for the students. In the book, a student of age 17 says that the church should be charged with the responsibility of showing the students how to be responsible adults. The basis of the book is centered on the youth pastors. Youth pastors have the responsibility to raise the bar; they should aim at coaching students to be responsible adults who are capable of respecting their faith and become life long worshipers of Jesus Christ15. Raising the bar is divided into two parts. The first part talks about test time: whether youth ministry is effective in the current world and how to reinvent youth ministry. Reid explains that the student ministry should be able to reach all people in the world in order to spread the gospel. The book is also relevant to the student ministry because it talks about how students are capable of doing great evangelism work. Reid goes on to identify how student ministry has failed. The failure of youth ministry demands that the bar be raised. Raising the bar is discussed in part two of the book. There are four main areas, which need be well thought-out in order to raise the bar in student ministry. The areas include prayer, bible knowledge, evangelism and worship. Reid notes how evangelism is important to students. Young people really want to share their faith with the rest of the world, however, Reid points out that students lack instruction and an example from the adults in order to realize their potential in evangelism. On the knowledge about the bible, Reid recommends that God’s teachings should be used in shaping the behavior of the youth. Right behavior in the students can only be achieved through God’s word16. Core values related to evangelism Parents should ground their children on evangelism. The youth should aim at reaching to more people bas possible to come to Christ. God gave every individual the responsibility to spread the gospel. I do believe that I have the responsibility of reaching several people who do not believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins. Evangelism is the only way evil thought can be eliminated from the society. If the youth spend their time in evangelism, thoughts of drug abuse, prostitution, gang violence and other social vices will be eliminated from the society. In addition, evangelism enables members of the community to learn that we are all from one creator: God. The union in one god and one fellowship help in understanding the need to love one another as we love ourselves. Core values related to worship There is more to worship than the songs and the service. I believe that every human being should offer their selves and efforts in service to God. Worship should not be seen in relation to the church building or songs. Ever individual can worship God in every place. Offering ourselves to the service of God is more important that attending church services. Music has an important role in worship. Music can influence the way in which the youth worship God. I do believe that music can be used to teach good morals in the youth so that they can discern good from evil. The youth should be able to differentiate music used in worship and those used for the sake of entertainment. The music used in the church should aim at teaching the youth how to worship God. Core values related to biblical depth The bible tells the truth about God. No person can claim to know the truth if they do not believe in the teachings of the bible17. Breading the bible offers the youth with several life saving skills they can use in their daily lives. I do suppose that any individual who constantly seeks biblical truth and depth will aim at honoring the teachings that are contained in it. The bible teaches us that we should never fear if we are called by God to spread the gospel. Jeremiah did not believe he could live to the expectation of God. God reminds Jeremiah that all his need will be provided by God and that he will be given the words he will say to the people. The youth need to understand that there is no requirement in being a servant of God. I believe that when God calls us, he will be able to provide for all our needs. Core values related to discipleship God calls every individual to be his disciple18. The younger people should not be afraid to take leadership roles. Jeremiah complained that he was young to be a disciple of God; however, God encouraged him to take leadership roles. God tell Jeremiah not to f ear because he will be with him. According to Alvin Reid, Every person who wants to be a disciple of God should know that God would always be with them. God was able to use young people to spread the gospel such as Joseph, Samuel and David. This shows that even the younger people are capable of be coming disciples of God. The contribution of parents Youth ministry should not be seen to be an alternative to the roles played by parents. Despite the benefits that are realized when the youths engage in ministry, it is important to learn that the role of the parents in providing support and advice to their children cannot be ignored. There are cases whereby certain individuals may come from broken families, some even have no parents. It is the role of youth pastors to make the youth learn that youth ministries are not their first family19. Parents have the responsibility in ensuring that the behavior of the youth is shaped according to biblical teachings. Right biblical teachings instill right behaviors in the youth. Children should be brought up in biblical settings. It is only the parents who can ensure that their children start attending the church as early as possible. Parents also have the responsibility of encouraging the youth to take active participation in ministry. Parents should never stop their children because they feel they are so young to engage in the ministry20. Overall youth ministry strategy Bible study, visiting the orphans, youth evangelism camps and choirs are some of the events and activities that I would consider to be fit for the overall youth ministry strategy. The youth should constantly visit the les privileged in the society in order to share whatever little they have. Visiting the orphans enables the youth to grow into responsible adults whereby they will be expected to love and take care of less privileged members of the society. Bible study with other colleagues ensures that the youth discover the biblical truth. The truth helps in cultivating the right forms of behavior. The youth are able to avoid drug addiction, prostitution and other social vices when they know the truth contained in the bible. Conclusion Indeed, I have been challenged a great deal during the semester on how to change and grow. Firstly, I have been challenged to grow as a God fearing Christian by my pastor, teachers and family members. I have also been challenged that whenever I go, I should always encourage any young person I come across to live radically for Jesus. It is also import to reiterate that my parents have the vision that as much as I strive to engage in youth ministry activities, I should always ensure that schoolwork and other family chores are done. Most importantly, they stress that I should be engaging in the ministry’s activities on Saturdays and Sundays when there are no much of school activities. Bibliography Jones, Timothy. Perspectives on Family Ministry: Three Views, B&H Academic, 2009. p. 42. Matthew, Thomson. Spirit-Led Ministry in the 21st Century, Xulon Press, 2004. p. 17. Reid, Alvin. Raising the bar: Ministry to Youth in the New Millennium. (2004), New York: Kregel Academic. Whang, Joone. Taste the Youth Ministry, (2011), New York: Taste the Youth Ministry. Interviews Interview 1 a. What do you expect from a youth ministry? I expect to see the ministry teaching young people how to live a clean life. The ministry should teach people how to fear God and respect fellow humans. b. What do you expect from the youth minister (both personal and corporate)? The minister should be a person of integrity, doing what he/she is preaching. c. How would you evaluate your student's current youth ministry? I like the ministry and appreciate its effort in instilling the fear for God among students. I would give it 8 out of 10. d. Why do you think that studies reveal that most students who are raised in church and regularly attend a youth ministry do not remain after graduation? Many youths end up getting employed in other sectors or engage in business elsewhere so that they may end up working away from their original ministries. e. If you could communicate anything to youth ministers without fear of rebuttal, what would it be? Please be brutally honest! Do exactly what you teach. Teach the word of God with all honesty. Xxxx a. What do you expect from a youth ministry? A ministry should care for both the physical and spiritual needs of the youth. b. What do you expect from the youth minister (both personal and corporate)? The minister should be honest and lead by example c. How would you evaluate your student's current youth ministry? The ministry is not doing so well. Very few youths attend meetings for whatever reason. d. Why do you think that studies reveal that most students who are raised in church and regularly attend a youth ministry do not remain after graduation? Some youths get disappointed by their leaders. They don’t do what they teach which is a discouragement to many. e. If you could communicate anything to youth ministers without fear of rebuttal, what would it be? Please be brutally honest! Fear God and do the right thing by teaching the truth as presented in the Bible xxxx a. What do you expect from a youth ministry? Youths being taught how to live in light and being encouraged to lead virtuous lives. b. What do you expect from the youth minister (both personal and corporate)? Absolute honesty, righteous living and sober reasoning c. How would you evaluate your student's current youth ministry? The ministry gets grade B. Only recently we had issues with several youths engaging in immoral behavior. d. Why do you think that studies reveal that most students who are raised in church and regularly attend a youth ministry do not remain after graduation? e. If you could communicate anything to youth ministers without fear of rebuttal, what would it be? Please be brutally honest! Give your best to God. Know that no one can hide from God Interview Two Interview Two: The second interview is to be with 3 high school and college students (3 HS Students; 2 College Students) who used to attend church. Ask the following questions (feel free to elaborate): a. How did you get involved with church and the youth group? I have been attending church with my parents since I was a little child. b. Why did you stop going? Do you still practice your faith? I still go to church and practice my faith strongly c. In your opinion, what changes need to be made to youth ministry and churches in order to retain students like yourself? What would it take to get you reconnected? Youth ministries need to understand the youth and appreciate their way of thinking. They should focus on both spiritual and physical needs of the youths. d. Are your parents still involved in church? They are strongly involved in church. More like they were when I was young. e. If you could communicate anything to youth ministers, churches, and youth ministries without any fear of rebuttal, what would it be? Please be brutally honest! You will be judged by God with a higher standard. Serve God in absolute truth and honesty Xxxx Interview Two: The second interview is to be with 3 high school and college students (3 HS Students; 2 College Students) who used to attend church. Ask the following questions (feel free to elaborate): a. How did you get involved with church and the youth group? I grew up in a committed Christian family and naturally adapted to church life b. Why did you stop going? Do you still practice your faith? I stopped going to church regularly. I find it a bit boring to attend youth service. I am still a Christian, not as strong though. c. In your opinion, what changes need to be made to youth ministry and churches in order to retain students like yourself? What would it take to get you reconnected? Leaders should find a way of making service more lively and follow up on members. d. Are your parents still involved in church? They are still very strong in their commitment to church. e. If you could communicate anything to youth ministers, churches, and youth ministries without any fear of rebuttal, what would it be? Please be brutally honest! Be good examples. God rewards good and punishes evil. Xxxx Interview Two: The second interview is to be with 3 high school and college students (3 HS Students; 2 College Students) who used to attend church. Ask the following questions (feel free to elaborate): a. How did you get involved with church and the youth group? I was encouraged by my best friend to attend youth ministry. I admired his quite and righteous lifestyle b. Why did you stop going? Do you still practice your faith? I am strongly in church, my faith has grown stronger over time c. In your opinion, what changes need to be made to youth ministry and churches in order to retain students like yourself? What would it take to get you reconnected? Spiritual organizations need to focus on teaching biblical truths and should focus less on the prosperity gospel common among many ministries. d. Are your parents still involved in church? They are still involved and go to church almost every weekend. e. If you could communicate anything to youth ministers, churches, and youth ministries without any fear of rebuttal, what would it be? Please be brutally honest! Spiritual leaders have a great role to play in shaping the world. They should shun evil at all costs and show people the right way. Xxx Interview Two: The second interview is to be with 3 high school and college students (3 HS Students; 2 College Students) who used to attend church. Ask the following questions (feel free to elaborate): a. How did you get involved with church and the youth group? I was introduced to youth ministry after I received Christ in a crusade three years ago. b. Why did you stop going? Do you still practice your faith? I still practice my faith but do not attend youth ministry regularly. I feel there is to much focus on material wealth and prosperity as opposed to spiritual living, salvation and righteousness c. In your opinion, what changes need to be made to youth ministry and churches in order to retain students like yourself? What would it take to get you reconnected? Ministries should engage the youth more in bible study, evangelism and visiting those in need. Currently they engage in so much talk and little action and focus less on what God demands. d. Are your parents still involved in church? Not as much as before. They feel that a lot of prosperity talk has cropped up in church which is not too healthy. e. If you could communicate anything to youth ministers, churches, and youth ministries without any fear of rebuttal, what would it be? Please be brutally honest! Xxx a. How did you get involved with church and the youth group? I got introduced to church by an uncle, someone I really admired b. Why did you stop going? Do you still practice your faith? I feel I am a bit too busy. I rarely have time to spare for church although I am a believer. c. In your opinion, what changes need to be made to youth ministry and churches in order to retain students like yourself? What would it take to get you reconnected? Church needs to be more interesting than it is if more youth have to be engaged. Parents should encourage their adult children to attend ministry. d. Are your parents still involved in church? No, they never used to go to church from long ago but at least encouraged us to go if we wanted to. e. If you could communicate anything to youth ministers, churches, and youth ministries without any fear of rebuttal, what would it be? Please be brutally honest! Do not concentrate only on those who attend church or come to service. There are many more people out there who want to know about God but they have no one to show them the way. xxxx Interview 3 Interview Three: The third interview is to be with 3 unsaved middle/high school students. Ask the following questions (feel free to elaborate): a. How do you describe your religious background and church involvement if any? I never go to church. I am an atheist b. To you, what is God like? Describe God. If they do not believe in God, don't ask the next several questions, but ask . . . To you, what is important in life? I don’t believe in God. As long as I am happy each day, that’s important to me. c. What do you think is important and not important to God? d. What do you think it takes to be straightened out with God? e. Describe what the term/name Jesus Christ means to you? f. If you were to attend a church or youth group, what would be important to you? g. From your perspective, what are some of the major problems you see with churches and youth ministries? Xxx Interview Three: The third interview is to be with 3 unsaved middle/high school students. Ask the following questions (feel free to elaborate): a. How do you describe your religious background and church involvement if any? I used to go to church with my parents when I was in primary school. Very rarely do I go these days. b. To you, what is God like? Describe God. God is an almighty being, all knowing, all powerful, one of his own kind. c. What do you think is important and not important to God? Living righteously is most important to God. d. What do you think it takes to be straightened out with God? I think going to church is a by the way. Most important is reading the word of God and living at peace with other people. e. Describe what the term/name Jesus Christ means to you? Son of God, the savior of mankind. f. If you were to attend a church or youth group, what would be important to you? Knowing more about God and how to please him g. From your perspective, what are some of the major problems you see with churches and youth ministries? Churches do less of what Christ wants them to do in terms of helping those in need. Xxx Interview Three: The third interview is to be with 3 unsaved middle/high school students. Ask the following questions (feel free to elaborate): a. How do you describe your religious background and church involvement if any? I go to church once ore twice a year. I am a Christian but not a strong one. b. To you, what is God like? Describe God. If they do not believe in God, don't ask the next several questions, but ask . . . To you, what is important in life? God is a mighty person, the creator of the universe c. What do you think is important and not important to God? God does not want lip service. God looks at people’s hearts, thoughts and actions and rewards righteous living. d. What do you think it takes to be straightened out with God? Having a commitment with him. Living by his word e. Describe what the term/name Jesus Christ means to you? The savior of mankind. f. If you were to attend a church or youth group, what would be important to you? Being taught how to think, act and live like Christ g. From your perspective, what are some of the major problems you see with churches and youth ministries? Less focus on spiritual growth. Less appreciation of the youth. Read More