Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/65

Contributor - Anna Apon

Title - Teenagers and the Church

Topic - Youth

I suspect that everyone at one time or another has listened to teenagers grumble amongst themselves about the lack of freedom they received and the little influence they have on society.

Each year alone teenagers spend ten billion dollars on food, clothing and entertainment. Without us, a large number of businesses would collapse, department stores would miss the easy cash, and advertising agencies would have to make some drastic changes. Therefore, you can see that as a unit, we are rapidly developing into a growing that has already changed aspects of life. So why are we frowned on when we speak up and voice our opinion. The argument generally given by the adult is that we lack experience. Many of them forget that the average teenager is more intellectual and broad-minded than many adults today.

Members of the Church misunderstand our way of thinking. They believe we are irresponsible, wreckless, self-centered and time consuming. Many of them believe we are going to spend the rest of our days thinking of poetry, sipping, "Cafe au Lait", in one of our famous coffee houses. I remember a statement made by one of our prominent members, "Evil, these Coffee Houses". As you see they are often considered to be a hideout for drunkards and dope addicts. Adults think that teenagers are incapable of thinking out well-thought ideas. They fear our outrightness and our suggestions. Because of this, many of our opinions are never heard, although they are usually logical and may even clear up the situation at hand. They would rather listen to men of experience.

What we need in the Church is a group of young people who will experiment with new ideas. The church is desperately clinging to their old traditions. They are afraid to break away from ancient customs. Jazz in the church - out of the question, early sun rise services - unspeakable, debates and sing songs - unheard of. And why not? Because it is different, a break from regular routine. The church should be more broad minded and soak up new ideas, but instead they are closing their doors to any change, just as it was before The Reformation.

As it has been said, Christianity starts in the home". What about the teens who don't have this opportunity? It is the churches' duty to spread the news and attract these young people. It should be a joint effort, young and old together. Too many members of the congregation believe that their sole effort should be concentrated on the present members. Granted, this is important, but we should also look for new individuals. It usually turns out that the teens put up the best effort.

Although our ideas are slowly being accepted, they are not being taken seriously. It is time we did something about this awkward situation. But What ? ? ? ? ? ?

Old ideas should be modified to meet modern needs. Such a change occurred in the Catholic Church when the English language took the place of Latin. We, as teenagers are not rebellious against the Church, but we are being realistic.

We can see the need of change within the church to keep up with this hectic pace. Unlike the adults, we are exposed more directly to the changing world, and we are geared to keep up with the present, rapid pace.

I hope you will dwell on some of the things I have mentioned and govern yourselves accordingly.

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