Yesterday was so much fun. I took my 3 girls plus 2 of their friends and we went shopping in Kelowna. The last stop of the day was at Christian Publications. Paige bought herself a book entitled Dream Catcher by Bruce Wilkinson. Danae bought the new Lincoln Brewster worship CD. Kenz bought her sisters some awesome birthday gifts. On the way home, Danae put in her new CD and we all sang and worshipped at the top of our lungs driving through Kelowna rush hour traffic. It was awesome! I am so blessed by the depth of their love for Jesus.
Now the dilemma. The youth ministry in our church struggles. It used to be huge, but that was then, this is now. There are a few leaders left who truly love the kids and are wonderful people. However, the momentum has really slowed down and at an average youth night there are only 4-7 kids, 3 of which are ours, 2 from another family, and the occasional other person who attends. If attendance is low, then a movie is usually watched or they go out for a snack. The kids want a bible study at their level. They want enthusiasm. They want a place where they can bring their friends and know that they will leave challenged and encouraged in their faith. They want a place that has many teens. The problem for me comes when it is youth night and the kids balk at going because last week was just a movie, or the study was way over their heads, or they just want there to be more kids interested in going, and so I don't have the heart to push them to go, even though I know it is so important and the leaders are trying. Kevin is much better at ensuring they attend, but when it is just me at home, it is hard. About 10 minutes away is a youth group for another church that is currently 'the place to be' for youth. The kids cautiously voice their interest in attending, but feel a bit obligated to attend our church's group because Kevin is the pastor. The girls were actually saying yesterday they don't think they will even go. Ugh. I don't know what to do. Youth is so important especially because they are so enthusiastic about their faith and I really want to encourage and nurture that.
Now the dilemma. The youth ministry in our church struggles. It used to be huge, but that was then, this is now. There are a few leaders left who truly love the kids and are wonderful people. However, the momentum has really slowed down and at an average youth night there are only 4-7 kids, 3 of which are ours, 2 from another family, and the occasional other person who attends. If attendance is low, then a movie is usually watched or they go out for a snack. The kids want a bible study at their level. They want enthusiasm. They want a place where they can bring their friends and know that they will leave challenged and encouraged in their faith. They want a place that has many teens. The problem for me comes when it is youth night and the kids balk at going because last week was just a movie, or the study was way over their heads, or they just want there to be more kids interested in going, and so I don't have the heart to push them to go, even though I know it is so important and the leaders are trying. Kevin is much better at ensuring they attend, but when it is just me at home, it is hard. About 10 minutes away is a youth group for another church that is currently 'the place to be' for youth. The kids cautiously voice their interest in attending, but feel a bit obligated to attend our church's group because Kevin is the pastor. The girls were actually saying yesterday they don't think they will even go. Ugh. I don't know what to do. Youth is so important especially because they are so enthusiastic about their faith and I really want to encourage and nurture that.
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