Where are the youth in the Rural Black Church
That is a statement I hear so many times. However, have we ever considered how youth have been treated historically in the Rural Black Church. In my research, so many times I saw it stated, anything considered entertainment or even recreation for youth was to be avoided. All I need to do is look at some of my personal experiences growing up, and as a pastor, to understand why so many children are no longer in church. I was very active in the church as I grew up. I attended Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Methodist Youth Fellowship, was a member of the Children's Choir and I was an Altar Boy. One day when I got home from school, my mother shared a letter she had received from one of our fellow church members. The member was scolding my mother for allowing me to come to Sunday School with candy. To this day, I never understood her point. But think of the effect that would have on other parents and their children. Fast forward a few years later. I had completed college and was...