Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June 1/56

Contributor - Jacob Dykstra

Title - How do we compare with American Young People's Societies?

Topic - Youth

It is easy to understand that there is sure to be a fair amount of difference between the young people's meetings of Americans and Dutch Canadians. The temperament of the two groups as well as the background would almost surely make this so. Let us note in a friendly way a few comparisons.

Perhaps the most striking difference between American and Dutch Canadian meetings is that of length of time. Very few American meetings are more than an hour long. Perhaps this is due to the psychological makeup of Americans which tends to make them impatient and less able to concentrate on a single thing for a long period of time. It is possible to have such a short meeting because there is no "Pause" nor "tweede gedeeltell in the American meetings as a rule. These ordinarily do not even exist. Often two meetings will be held on one evening to which many of the same people will go, such as senior catechism after young people's, or choir, the one meeting at 7 and the other at 8.15, and all over by 9.30. Americans don't have the patience for a long meeting and soon become bored.

Another difference is in the type of meeting. American meetings are usually more inspirational and evangelistic. They deal with the application of the Bible to the conduct of young people, at home, at school, on the job, at play with other young people. Generally, the idea is, How can I live a more Christian life? How can I let have Christ have greater Fontrol of my life? You see, very personal and inspirational. The Bible study characteristic of the Dutch Canadian meetings is, of course, gotten in the Sunday Bible class. The material for the meetings is not usual prepared by the individual, but is taken quite generally from the Church Herald or the Sunday School Guide. These articles are frequently read, and seldom is there any discussion following. Discussion is not common in American meetings unless it happens to be in some area of definite interest to the young people.

The age group of the American young people-s groups is usually quite a bit younger too than that of the Dutch Canadians. Americans generally get married a little earlier and married people a-re never members of the young people's. For them there is again a special group called "Couple's Club," or the like. If the church is large enough, the young people's group will likely be broken into two groups, junior and senior, of age groups 11 - 14 and 15 - 20 for example, to overcome the span of ages and consequent interests. Older American young people seldom feel at home with the younger group and the younger feels it is too young for the older group.

To be noted too, is a bit of a different spirit in the meetings. Americans love variety and try to obtain variety in their meetings too. Often someone will be called on to give some special religious number - a musical recital or a reading or the like. Things are kept moving rather quickly lest interest lag. The meetings are started pretty much on time, especially since they are so short. The singing is usually quite lively, more so than that of the regular Sunday worship services, going often to the extent of choruses and spirituals.

What happens to the "tweede gedeelte" idea, or don't Americans care to have fun or hear a special topis discussed? 0 yes, but its done a little differently. Outings are a little more general among American young people's groups. About once in two months, summer and winter, the whole group will go out skating, or sledding, or on a hay rides or a beach party, or a hike in the hills, or a general fun night. Common too are interchurch ball teams. Quite generally there is a rally of the various groups of the Reformed Church in a certain area to hear a special speaker. This, however, is in addition to the regular meetings. Games, fun, popular songs, and the like, are seldom mixed with the more serious devotional meetings, but are set apart for a time of its own.

No doubt you have made some judgements on the basis of these comparisons as to which is better. It is not the purpose of this article to point out which are better, but rather to leave that up to personal decision. Comparison can well be for the betterment of both groups concerned. We hope that shall be true in this case. Further, it should be noted too, that what is said is not necessarily true of all groups either in Canada or the United States, but are merely general comparisons. May this comparison prove fruitful and upbuilding to us all, may our meetings be for the greater glory of God and the strengthening of our Christian walk of life.

Please click the "Back" button of your browser to return to previous page.