Jacki C King

I don’t know if God really deals with you in themes throughout your life, but I have a theme this week from Him, and its No Adults Allowed. Most that would read this automatically choose to be on the defensive although what I am about to say encompasses not only older adults but adults like me as well. This is categorized by the fact that you can vote, or if you are over a certain age, its more a mindset and an issue that needs to be deal with on all levels, planes, and playing fields.

This past weekend I was able to hand over my Charis Bible study to three of my seniors. They had complete reins on the study and lead from start to finish. Someone I should be a proud spiritual mom for what went on that night. I was so thrilled to hear how our girls stepped up and ministered and lead one another.

I received the tape of the Bible study and started watching it Tuesday night. The one struggle that I saw was the over involvement from some adults. (Just a note this isn’t a bash on our sponsors as they are not the problem.) I started thinking after I watched the video how prone I am to jump to the gun and talk, and lead, instead of really building and esteeming the girls to leading themselves.

Then last night we had our youth services with about 110 students all packed in the gym. We for the first time had all students leading in our worship time. The keys were off, everyone was singing a different part of the song on stage, and then all together you heard the crowd singing in unison to help those students leading. Eventually everyone ended up coming together and sang praises to their Father. I in the back, started to tear up and just thank God for our students. For their willingness to lead, to get out of their comfort zones, and serve. Hearing the voices in union of our students was so moving I felt a little revival going on inside me.

All this is conclusion has brought me to the point that maybe we as adults, need to be more in the discipling business of making students but then actually letting them perform miracles, letting them actually teach and lead. Our tendency is to think that because they are young, they can’t do something, or they are wrong, when in all actuality their purity and openness, probably due to lack of scarring from years of church, causes I believe more genuine worship and authentic living.

I am not forsaking the teachings of Titus and really the rest of the Bible in leading the younger and pouring into the others, but maybe our opinion just isn’t worth saying. Maybe when we shut our mouths and listen God will use those that are students to convict our own hearts. Maybe its time for us to take off the training wheels, and let go of the seat and watch our students ride….but still be there when they fall.