The Church and Age Segregation, Part 4

May, 2003

by: Jeff Jones

Today it is rare to find a Youth Ministry that is truly a part of a local church. Youth Ministries are generally found isolated from the rest of the body, oftentimes becoming their own little mini–church. We must ask the question: Is it beneficial for Christian youth to be isolated from the rest of the body? Is it beneficial for youth to only meet with a certain brand of older people, namely, those who have been deemed “good with youth” or those who have been identified as having an ability to “relate” to teenagers?

Many, if not most, would answer those questions with a resounding “yes!” Many say, “It takes a special sort of person to work with junior–highers and high–schoolers — and that's definitely not me!” So, they hope someone else will make sure that the youth are taken care of, as long as it's not them. But you've never said that before, right?

Well, before I discuss your personal responsibility to the youth, I want to expose some dangers of segregating youth.

It goes against the Biblical model.

The Book of Ephesians, for one example, addresses children along with the rest of the body. In Ephesians, Paul teaches on predestination, regeneration, body life, spiritual warfare, etc., which, in his day, even the children would have been present to hear about. Also, in Deuteronomy 31:12-13, God commanded the nation of Israel, including the children, to gather and hear the reading of the Law, so they all might learn to fear Him.

It removes them from the wisdom of older saints.

Perhaps if the seniors and the youth had more interaction, the youth would be able to gain much wise counsel and avoid foolish decisions.

It promotes their dumbing–down.

When youth are segregated on Sunday mornings, especially from preaching, it teaches them that they can't handle it, it must be over their heads.

It puts a lower expectation on them.

Many do not expect youth to sit still and pay attention, or contribute spiritual service to the rest of the church. But does God have that expectation for Christian youth? No! God commands every Christian to be attentive to His Word; He commands every Christian to contribute to the body, including the youth.

It promotes spiritual and social immaturity.

Does the Bible teach anywhere that we are influenced by those we associate with? Try the Proverbs. I have noticed that youth who spend time with older people mature much faster (both socially and spiritually). On the other hand, those who spend zero time with mature people, never seem to mature.