Bulletin Articles: Full Article for Record Number 1009
Comments On Young Folks’ Gatherings
by Larry Ray Hafley
(Recently, a sincere brother wrote, concerned about young folks’ gatherings to study the Bible and have a party at the same time. Yes, there are dangers, areas of concern, especially when such things have the appearance of being "sponsored by the church." We have all seen abuses of such things through the years-some of our liberal brethren have become imitators and rivals of YMCA’s and other social institutions. Having said that, it is still possible for folks to get together, study the Bible, and have fun, without violating the will of God and without putting the church in the recreation and entertainment business. So, to this brother, I said:)
Sounds like your young folks are doing about the same as ours here! All in all, in my judgment, it has been a good thing. Many of our young folks sit on the first two rows during services, and are very attentive, respectful, and devoted to the truth. We are so blessed with godly parents, good homes, and young people who want to do right. Their Bible studies and social time together seems to be encouraging to them.
Our young folks sometimes get together and go to a meeting in the area and then go somewhere afterward to "party." They spread the word among themselves and others about such gatherings.
The fact that one who is a deacon or an elder may be involved in such gatherings does not mean that they are serving as elders and deacons when they assume that role. My father, who was an elder in the church, had access to a community center that others did not have. He rented that building, and others, usually the ladies, arranged for parties and picnics from time to time. Singing was engaged in for a while during the sessions. Prayer was led before we ate. Game were played and gluttony was nearly committed. My father, though, was not exercising his role as an elder when he saw to it that the building was rented. Deacons, who may or may not have helped set up tables, were not serving as deacons in the church when they, like many others, performed such duties.
My dad went around with a baseball hat and took a collection for the rent of the building. It was not a "church collection." Could it have been? Yes. Would that have been wrong? Of course. As my mother used to say, "You can make a sin out of anything." However, may Christians get together as individuals and enjoy such activities among themselves, whether it involves a Bible study or not? "Come ye apart and rest a while" (Mk. 6:31). I believe they may (Eccl. 3; 11:9f).
Here in Baytown, some of the older folks (usually 20 to 32 are present) get together every Thursday evening. Everyone is welcome. It is handled privately. A good time is had by all. We always have a "pot luck" before every gospel meeting and before our annual Vacation Bible School so all may "socialize" with the preacher the night before the meeting begins. We have food and usually sing for 30 minutes or so. Again, could we abuse such things? Certainly. Does that mean that we should not do them? I think not. (Some brethren have such a picnic the Sunday afternoon that a meeting begins. Are there dangers in that? Perhaps, but that does not, in my judgment, condemn such gatherings.)
Does the church there announce the birth of babies and/or the death of certain ones, perhaps a relative of one of the members?
If the right things are taught at those Bible studies the young people are having, the dangers you fear likely will not materialize, for they will know better than to make such things a part of the work of the church.
