I recommend watching this documentary which brings up the question; why do we have age segregated programs, particularly youth groups?
Just a disclaimer: I'm not against church programs and youth groups. My kids and myself attend and benefit from them. The problem is that more often than not, an extra-biblical ministry like youth groups, Sunday school, etc. is supplanted by a biblical mandate for the parents to teach their own children. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Psalms 127:3-5, Proverbs 1:8-9, Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 23:22, Joshua 24:15, Malachi 4:6, Collosians 3:20, Ephesians 6:1-2) These programs provide an easy alternative for parents to pass off their biblical responsibility to teach their own children.
What this movie did for me was convict me as a parent and as a member of a church. It helped me understand why there maybe a lack of multi-generational connection and discipleship in most churches. (Titus 2)
I wish the movie went further and discussed the separation of other age groups such as college students, young families and much needed senior citizens. Having subcultures within the body of believers is not what was intended in scripture.
As the documentary closes (A little bitty spoiler), it addresses the need of hospitality with unchurched and fatherless youth rather than bring them in a group of immature teens (Proverbs 13:30). I realized after watching this why there may be a lack of genuine hospitality within many churches. Perhaps since there is always somewhere to go every week, there is no need and time; something to think about.
Make yourself comfortable for one hour. Whether you agree with this movie or not, there is much to glean from it. The young Leclerc Brothers did an outstanding job with this piece.
Official Divided the Movie (HD Version) from NCFIC on Vimeo.
Related Article:
Is the FIC a Rebuke to the American Church?
Voddie Baucham: Danger of Youth Sub-Culture
