"Heavenly Language"

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by alwayslearning

IMHO by the time kids are in HS they don't need to hear more about their "parent's religion". So I think high school ministry should be a minimum of doctrine and even general bible teaching and instead should focus on addressing practical issues from a biblical perspective: human sexuality, relationships, life skills, career choices, etc. Plus music with the genres they are accustomed to and many outings and activities e.g. trips, sports, etc. And social justice (which in my observation is a concern among young people today) i.e. actively helping the poor, disadvantaged.

According to my best recollection, TC was critical of every brother who ever served with the young people, no matter how fruitful or effective they were, that is until his son-in-law starting working with them.

I mentioned this story before. Three brothers I knew from three cities were coordinating for summer activities (derisively tagged by Titus as the "Summer School of Slaughter.") They prayed together and felt fervently that they had to ask Titus to stop with his criticisms. The young people themselves were mocking the summer camp, and the morale was low. Titus said in response, "you want me to stop, then I will do it 10x more!"

How does one serve under a leader such as that? None of these three brothers still meets or serves. When one considers how many gifted brothers have come and gone over the years, John Myer's hypothetical exhortation from his final chapter should have long ago been implemented --

... accountability is a key factor here. What would happen if a number of influential elders set a policy for leaders: “You will not be given free pass for rude, abrasive remarks and public shaming. Insults from the podium will no longer be treated as the Lord’s Word from an angry prophet. Instead, it will be seen as sinful human weakness and will be met with censure. Outbursts of anger are works of the flesh. It is simply childish to insist on something and then make snide remarks (especially from the pulpit!) when you don’t get your way. If you continue to act out in unchristian ways, regardless of your elevated status and past history, you will be asked to step down.” -- A Future and a Hope, Chap 15, page 28

Step down indeed! And how many brothers would have remained! And what a different scenery might we see today!