youth vs elders in the nazarene church

[Leon Prinsloo]

me been a young student in this denomination I have picked up that there is this constant friction between the youth of my local church and the older christians,there is this constant friction because the young people in the church feel as if they are been kept back from doing what God really wants them to do,me included. I think its got a lot to do with the older culture that doesn't acknowledge young people as worthy of playing much part in society which is not biblical
This issue I believe need to be resolved very soon before the youth and young students walk out of this denomination which I and many others love but just can't seem to work as God has inspired us because of the restrictions the elders put on us...any advice on this will be much appreciated

[Todd Erickson]

This is true in any organization on the planet, and is a cultural issue as much as anything else, though it's become more and more pronounced following World War II (at least within America).

People have to decide to love each other where they are and prise their differences, rather than fear them, which takes work. *shrug* That's all there is to it, really. We can all lay down our lives for Christ, or we can insist that everybody lay their lives down the way we want them to. And then die.

[Kyle Borger]

Luther, Wesley, Breshee, etc.... Each generation seems to have the issue. It isn't recent you can find it all the way back to the first couple of centuries. Does that make it ok? No, just an on going issue. I am in my 40's and now in the middle. Now those who came before me and are coming after me irritate me a little bit!

It would be great if one generation could allow the next one to exist outside of their own experience.

[Marian Schwaller Carney]

me been a young student in this denomination I have picked up that there is this constant friction between the youth of my local church and the older christians,there is this constant friction because the young people in the church feel as if they are been kept back from doing what God really wants them to do,me included. I think its got a lot to do with the older culture that doesn't acknowledge young people as worthy of playing much part in society which is not biblical
This issue I believe need to be resolved very soon before the youth and young students walk out of this denomination which I and many others love but just can't seem to work as God has inspired us because of the restrictions the elders put on us...any advice on this will be much appreciated

Leon, can you tell us more about what you, and perhaps your young peers, feel called by God to do that the older ones are not approving? That is a good starting point to working through this important question.

[Leon Prinsloo]

Me and my friend in the church were both told that we need to tame our fire and I refused to take that to heart because I know God placed it there...the both of us are eager to go preaching and starting outreaches but we always have to place it befor the elders and they never support it.last year my friend daniel wanted to start a 7 o clock prayer meeting on a saterday morning because we wanted to pray for Gods guidence in what he wants the church to do in our community and then we were told we have no right to start the prayer meeting because we don't own the church...we eager to answer Gods call and to apply the things we learning in college but never get that chance instead we get told to keep our mouths shut...I don't have any bitterness in my heart toward my brothers and sisters in the church I just hope and pray that they can see what God wants the church to do...I wish they can see that church isn't just confined within four walls but that we are the church because God has united us in one spirit that abides within our hearts

[Hans Deventer]

Leon, when I read this and I understand God has laid this on your heart, I would say your friend and you need to start praying anyway. Every Christian has a right to pray. Start it in your home, can't see how that could not be allowed.

[Todd Erickson]

Let it be known that you are praying together, and you welcome others to join you. But people do not try to make the whole church do something because you feel that it is necessary...God wants willing hearts that come to Him from a desire for Him, not coerced hearts.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Leon, when I read this and I understand God has laid this on your heart, I would say your friend and you need to start praying anyway. Every Christian has a right to pray. Start it in your home, can't see how that could not be allowed.

I think he's wanting the blessing and support of people in the church who are older than him. Generally speaking, there's two sides to situations like this so we're likely hearing one person's view of things.

Still, you are right. It takes one person to pray and two to start a prayer meeting.

[Kyle Borger]

I also once wanted the authority and blessing to minister within the church. The question to you is what is ministry? God calls us to build relationships with others and then through those relationships introduce others to Christ. You have no need to call people to a building. There may come a time for approval of a community to develop a community of believers. But for now, go out and build relationships. Mentor each other. Learn as much about God and the Bible as you can. Develop groups in coffee houses, fast food joints, and the like where those you are called to reach hang out. Be available. This will accomplish much.

Don't mistake me. There is a time for working within either the local church organization or perhaps a district wide setting, but there should be nothing that prevents you from reaching out to others in Jesus name. Go talk, go serve. Now!