October 9, 2019

I will be in the church in 10 years. . .

Children and teenagers from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) were asked why they would be in the church in 10 years. The National Study of Youth and Religion found that almost 60% of emerging adults made their first commitment to live their lives for God before the age of fourteen. (See footnote)

"I want to go to church in the next 10 years because I would like to show that I love and believe in God. I’ve always been the one who doesn’t believe in god I’m starting to know that love is what you can get from god even though I still don’t truly believe in god I’m getting there."

"I will be in church when I get older because of the support the church gives. Church can be such a great place to be in. You can see things in a new perspective. Church is a great sacred place to be. I won’t want to go if people judge me in the group. I want to get a better relationship with God."

"Why will I be in the church when I grow up? Yes, I love the support of the community. Any problems you have will be prayed for if you ask. I also love to have the chance to travel and help people while seeing the world (on mission trips)."

Week Three: Luke 8:18-21

Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.”

Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

(The Message)
So be careful that you don’t become misers of what you hear. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.”

His mother and brothers showed up but couldn’t get through to him because of the crowd. He was given the message, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside wanting to see you.”

He replied, “My mother and brothers are the ones who hear and do God’s Word. Obedience is thicker than blood.” 

Weekly Scriptures
Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.

*Faith Formation with a New Generation by Lisa Brown, Tanya Eustace Campen, Lynn Barger Elliot, and Lee Yates

*National Study of Youth and Religion

*The view represented in these devotions come from a variety of diverse perspectives. We do not seek to agree but seek to welcome all to the conversation and the table.