Congregations must reach out to at-risk kids
Listen, Pilgrims. It's August and time to get moving on the new fall schedule. And I would like you to think for a moment about a paradigm shift that could put your congregation into a growing mode.
First, let me describe a congregation that, I believe, exists in every town and neighborhood in the nation. In fact, it may exist in multiples in every town and neighborhood.
Let's call the congregation The Little White Church Behind the Shoe Shop, for it sits just a block off Main Street right behind Ernie Brown's shoe store where the good Mr. Brown sells and repairs shoes and boots.
It has existed for 96 years and has always had a membership of about 150 people. Now, its Sunday School has almost closed because only seven children are in the congregation; three are infants. The average age of the membership is 60 and the weekly attendance is down to about 85 people.
In its history the Little White Church's ministry has focused on its own membership, offering Bible studies and potluck dinners. The social ministry has consisted of sending money to the denomination for foreign missionaries or domestic projects for the poor. Not much was done for the poor locally because there were few needy people around the church.
But now the congregation is surrounded by poverty. Juvenile vandalism is rampant and much of it seems aimed at the Little White Church. A stained glass window was cracked. Someone tried to break through the back door. One night a thief succeeded in entering the church and stole a computer and some communion wine.
Church members are upset and wondering what they can do to stop the vandalism. They decided to put bigger and better locks on the doors and cover the stained glass windows with half-inch Plexiglass. There they now sit, enclosed in their fortress, fearful and determined to keep the world out.
That's a fairly sad congregation because within 10 years much of the congregation will be deceased and there will not be enough people on a Sunday to pay for a pastor. Within 15 years the church will close forever.
As congregations such as the Little White Church plan their fall programs one thing is certain; they must reach out to the world. If they remain fortified, they will die. But if they vigorously reach out to at-risk kids and families, they may have a chance at new life.
Frankly, it's the only chance they have at survival.
In the history of outreach to children, it's interesting to note that at-risk kids will respond to just about any program you can create. Look at the Salvation Army, which comes into poor neighborhoods with one supreme program: teaching children to play in a brass band. The bands are outstanding and the children have pride in the fact they can do something with excellence.
Those at-risk kids have a need for tutoring, mentoring and being loved by at least two adults they respect and admire. Day camps, field trips, theater excursions, art instruction and sporting contests are just a few of the things just about any church could do.
The point is, every church should be doing what they can to help these children who were born into families that often don't love them or because of dysfunction, can't manage their parenting duties.
It's a fact that churches without a mission have no future. But congregations that reach out to the vulnerable are seen as heroic and draw people who may be wandering but are certainly not lost.
One of the most important memories I have of church was the annual father-and-son banquet. Because my father worked nights, he was never available to take me. But other men, some of them important men, would volunteer to take boys who had no fathers.
You may think I'm crazy but that was a big thrill for me. It doesn't take much to please a child, and every church should be trying. Now it's your turn.
Clark D. Morphew
8-17-96
