Asking them to sign a contract they haven’t read yet
16 July 2010 by Claire Hill |
I think sometimes we ask young people if they want to become a Christian before they’ve had a chance to think about or even hear what they’re committing to.
Know what I mean?
Like a kid comes to a youth event for the first time. And they’ve never really heard much about Jesus or had much to do with anyone who follows Him. And by the end of the night – even though the preacher didn’t do any teaching around what it means to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour (maybe they did a 20 second thing as part of the appeal) - the kid’s being encouraged to do just that.
It’s the most massive, significant choice and hardcore commitment they’ll ever make and we seem to sometimes ask them to make it based on the most limited information.
Sometimes it can seem like we shove the contract in front of them to sign before they’ve even had a chance to read it.
Maybe we need to make it common place at our events to have an altar call for those who have heard about Jesus today or experienced something and they want to make a decision right now to say before God that they’re open to him and that they really want to find out more.
I’m keen to know what others think about this…
Comments
Older comments-
Mel
16 July 2010 at 10:36 am
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Claire Hill
16 July 2010 at 10:48 am
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Rachel
19 July 2010 at 2:33 pm
It’s a funny balance, because in a room full of kids, there could be a bunch who have been coming regularly and know their gospel, but just need to make a commitment, as well as the regulars and a handful of newbies. I’ve also heard a lot of people say that you should always give an opportunity for people to accept Jesus into their lives.
Perhaps it’s up to the person praying with the kid to go through what they’re signing up to, and make sure they know that they can think about it, ask questions and THEN make a decision if that’s what they feel more comfortable with. Just a thought.
This is definitely something that needs more discussion though. Some people would say that the follow up covers this, but does that cheapen the actual response if you’re all decide now, think later?
Yeah I think training the people who pray with them in the way you suggest is a really good idea.
And I would totally agree with the idea that we should always provide an opportunity for salvation. I just think it’d be great to provide this other option too.
I’ve heard people say that the explanation can happen in the follow-up stage too…I’m really not down with that.
I’ve tried doing follow-up with young people who identify themselves as Christians (because, based on the info they were given when they made the commitment they are) but either:
* Aren’t experiencing the Holy Spirit’s presence, power or peace, don’t notice any difference whatsoever and feel totally let down.
OR
* Continue to indulge in lots of destructive sinful behaviours and don’t see any issue with it, because as far as they understood when they made their decision to become a Christian – they didn’t make any commitment to change.
Really hard. :(
Yeah I agree it’s hard.
I think some of the youth in our church have been caught in that trap sometimes where they’re asked to make a decision without really knowing how it affects their lives.
But I love seeing the gradual changes that happen as youth get to know Jesus more.
We’re seeing these gradual changes in youth in our church and it gets more so much more excited than a quick decisions made without much thought and not knowing what to do next or how it really affects their lives.