Just who is listening?
Train children in the right, and when old, they will not stray. – Proverbs 22:6 (NRSV)
Just a few weeks ago on September 18, 2011, a “Real Talk Youth Summit” was held at Celia Phelps UMC, Greensboro, North Carolina where the Rev. Larry Fitzgerald serves as Pastor. The WNC BMCR North Youth Committee, after having met on several occasions prior to the event, witnessed a turn out of approximately 86 young people. From varying churches in the Greensboro and High Point Districts, teenagers [12 years and up] and children [11 years and under] came together in a show of enthusiasm and expectation. Proud of the fact that churches rallied to the cause of getting their young people out to the summit, the Youth Committee did not leave any stones unturned when it came to providing music, dance, mime, instructional teaching, and of course a hearty meal.
Beginning at 3:00 PM, the sanctuary at Celia Phelps was tailor made for introductory prayer, praise, and worship. However, from 3:20 until 4:05 PM, children ages 11 and under were sent to the fellowship hall to have “Town Hall Discussions” on such topics as
bullying, grades, abstinence, self- esteem/confidence building, and family problems. The leaders for that group included Aja Salaam, Ryan Herbin, and Cody Barnes. The adults met in several designated spots to discuss issues of the family and children.
For those 12 years and up [remaining the sanctuary], consideration was given to look at stress, grades, relationships and confidence building – guided by the esteemed media personality Buster Brown who was assisted by Kimberly Waldron and Jamal Dearman.
A light meal was observed from 4:05 PM until 4:50 PM; afterwards, both groups came together as a wrap up. An inspirational message from Mr. Brown was earmarked as well as to hear concerns from Ms. Pam Shoffner, Coordinator of WNC BMCR, the Rev. Rodvegas Ingram, the Rev. Larry Fitzgerald, the Rev. Dr. Tina Mosby, and the Rev. Otto Harris (who serves as the chairman of the Youth Committee).
I personally had the good fortune to serves as photographer as well as to cash in on the good news that went forth. For instance, Buster Brown encouraged the youth not to hang around those whom they considered to be cool so that they could be cool. He told them that they were already cool because they knew God-in-Christ Jesus. Mr. Brown inspired the youth to be the child that he or she would want for their ideal parent. In other words, to behave or to live in such a way that his or her parents would be proud of him or her. Likewise the challenge for each adult is to do and be the same. In both cases, God is glorified.
Just who is listening? It is my estimation that seeds of encouragement were sown. In response to many of the questions and subsequent challenges that Mr. Brown offered, those children and youth that volunteered to voice their concerns mainly that older adults send out mixed messages; that is, dance and shout all over the place at church and then go home only to be mean and grumpy for one reason or another. I distinctly heard also one youngster quote this familiar statement “We’re not only are the future church of tomorrow, but we are the church of today – right now! Wow! Proverbs 22:6 provides a marvelous relevancy here. Train children in the right, and when old, they will not stray. What does this mean? What does it imply? Here is how I see it as a proud Father of two adult children and six (6) grand children. In the process of helping our children to choose the right way, we as adults must discern (to come to know or recognize mentally) differing paths for each respective child. It is natural to want to bring up all our children alike or train them the same way. This verse implies that parents should discern the individuality and special strengths that God has given each one. While we should not condone or excuse self-will, each child has natural feeling/inclinations that parents can develop – overtime. By talking to teachers, other parents, and grandparents, adults can discern and develop the individual capabilities of each child.
Many parents want to make all the choices for their child, but this hurts him or her in the long run. When parents teach a child how to make decisions, they don’t have to watch every step he or she makes. They know their children will remain on the right path because they have made the right choices themselves. So, when a child is trained in the right way, you and I as a God fearing adults can give an affirmative, I am one who is listening. Selah
Train children in the right, and when old, they will not stray. – Proverbs 22:6 (NRSV)
Just a few weeks ago on September 18, 2011, a “Real Talk Youth Summit” was held at Celia Phelps UMC, Greensboro, North Carolina where the Rev. Larry Fitzgerald serves as Pastor. The WNC BMCR North Youth Committee, after having met on several occasions prior to the event, witnessed a turn out of approximately 86 young people. From varying churches in the Greensboro and High Point Districts, teenagers [12 years and up] and children [11 years and under] came together in a show of enthusiasm and expectation. Proud of the fact that churches rallied to the cause of getting their young people out to the summit, the Youth Committee did not leave any stones unturned when it came to providing music, dance, mime, instructional teaching, and of course a hearty meal.
Beginning at 3:00 PM, the sanctuary at Celia Phelps was tailor made for introductory prayer, praise, and worship. However, from 3:20 until 4:05 PM, children ages 11 and under were sent to the fellowship hall to have “Town Hall Discussions” on such topics as
bullying, grades, abstinence, self- esteem/confidence building, and family problems. The leaders for that group included Aja Salaam, Ryan Herbin, and Cody Barnes. The adults met in several designated spots to discuss issues of the family and children.
For those 12 years and up [remaining the sanctuary], consideration was given to look at stress, grades, relationships and confidence building – guided by the esteemed media personality Buster Brown who was assisted by Kimberly Waldron and Jamal Dearman.
A light meal was observed from 4:05 PM until 4:50 PM; afterwards, both groups came together as a wrap up. An inspirational message from Mr. Brown was earmarked as well as to hear concerns from Ms. Pam Shoffner, Coordinator of WNC BMCR, the Rev. Rodvegas Ingram, the Rev. Larry Fitzgerald, the Rev. Dr. Tina Mosby, and the Rev. Otto Harris (who serves as the chairman of the Youth Committee).
I personally had the good fortune to serves as photographer as well as to cash in on the good news that went forth. For instance, Buster Brown encouraged the youth not to hang around those whom they considered to be cool so that they could be cool. He told them that they were already cool because they knew God-in-Christ Jesus. Mr. Brown inspired the youth to be the child that he or she would want for their ideal parent. In other words, to behave or to live in such a way that his or her parents would be proud of him or her. Likewise the challenge for each adult is to do and be the same. In both cases, God is glorified.
Just who is listening? It is my estimation that seeds of encouragement were sown. In response to many of the questions and subsequent challenges that Mr. Brown offered, those children and youth that volunteered to voice their concerns mainly that older adults send out mixed messages; that is, dance and shout all over the place at church and then go home only to be mean and grumpy for one reason or another. I distinctly heard also one youngster quote this familiar statement “We’re not only are the future church of tomorrow, but we are the church of today – right now! Wow! Proverbs 22:6 provides a marvelous relevancy here. Train children in the right, and when old, they will not stray. What does this mean? What does it imply? Here is how I see it as a proud Father of two adult children and six (6) grand children. In the process of helping our children to choose the right way, we as adults must discern (to come to know or recognize mentally) differing paths for each respective child. It is natural to want to bring up all our children alike or train them the same way. This verse implies that parents should discern the individuality and special strengths that God has given each one. While we should not condone or excuse self-will, each child has natural feeling/inclinations that parents can develop – overtime. By talking to teachers, other parents, and grandparents, adults can discern and develop the individual capabilities of each child.
Many parents want to make all the choices for their child, but this hurts him or her in the long run. When parents teach a child how to make decisions, they don’t have to watch every step he or she makes. They know their children will remain on the right path because they have made the right choices themselves. So, when a child is trained in the right way, you and I as a God fearing adults can give an affirmative, I am one who is listening. Selah
