I have a saying that I use in jest, but sometimes it just fits. Church would be a great place if it weren’t for all those dang people!
My wife and I recently attended a bible study. It really was a great time. My son went to the High School youth meeting at the Church. His meeting is over at 8 pm. However the bible study runs to about 8:30-9 pm. So, I left and picked him up and brought him back to the bible study. Now I knew this was classified as an Adult study, but my son is 15 years old and is confirmed in the Church. He was allowed to attend and participate. On our way home he told us he really enjoyed this study and wanted to continue. This is a big step for our son. He always relates better to people that are older than he.
Since this was labeled as adult, we went to confirm that our son could continue. I was told however that the other adults were a little uncomfortable about talking in front of a 15 year old. Also the pastor did not think it was a good idea. Now, it is not like this is a support group, but a bible study for adults. I knew what my son would say when I told him. He did come back to me as I suspected. “Wait a minute, I am an adult in the Church. I have been confirmed and am considered an adult voting member.”
So, now we put these young adults in a really bad position. You are an adult in the church, sometimes. You are a youth, when it makes other adults feel uncomfortable. Wait a second, you
are what you are, not what others want you to be when they do not feel right.
I will be speaking to the pastor about this situation, but I have decided to do my own study, that is for parents and their 9th grade youths or older. This is an Adult Adult bible study that will be very clear as to who it is aimed at.