Many of the most tragic stories kids tell about their church experience deal with the issue of acceptance (non-acceptance would be a more accurate way of saying it). Youth have been turned away at the door of the church by greeters who insist they are not dressed properly. Drama groups have been lectured from the front of the church about the unacceptably of drama. Music groups have been interrupted mid-song and told that God doesn’t like their music. Kids repeating memory verses from contemporary translations have been told that they were in error for not learning from the “right” Bible versions.
The bottom line for this non-acceptance seems to be the notion that God is honored by only traditional forms of worship and only certain worshippers, and that only a few know who and what God accepts.
The Christian ideal presents a very different picture. “Stop passing judgment on one another,” Paul tells us in Romans 14:13. “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?” We must not condemn people who behave differently than we do, because God has accepted them (Romans 14:3, 4). The Christian community supports, it does not tear down. .
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose,” (Philippians 2:1,2).
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God,” (Romans 15:5-7).
Three Ways To Show Acceptance
- Be Single-Minded in Greeting. Greet young people by looking straight into their eyes and not at their clothing, hairstyle, makeup, jewelry, etc. Express your delight at their presence.
- Demonstrate Unity. Include your youth in your planning, your programming, your outreach - your ministry.
- Celebrate Diversity. Be intentional about variety and diversity.For example, plan a musical worship service that includes many musical styles of praise.
Also see: Church; Climate Issues.
From: ABZ’s of Adventist Youth Ministry© 2000 John Hancock Center for Youth&Family Ministry
Permission to copy for use in the local congregation or group.
