Do you think church youth groups are a bad influence on shy kids, since many of them are very snobby?

Answer 1

Well, I was raised without religious instruction so that was never a part of my world, but I've talked to a lot of church-group attendees as adults and, generally, it was one big sexual free-for-all. It was a bunch of repressed kids getting together and getting it on. It didn't sound very snobby, except maybe if you didn't put out.

Answer 2

I was in a youth group when I was a kid and I hated it because the kids were always negatively judging people. I thought it was terrible. For example - our youth group went to some massive Christian fundraiser for aids research where Sharon Stone was the guest speaker. The head kid organized this huge stink and protest about Stone being at this fundraiser because she wasn't a "true christian" for showing her coot in the movie "basic instinct"

I was mortified that while Ms. Stone was speaking, these kids were booing her.

That was the biggest issue but smaller things like that were always happening. I don't think snobby is the word, more like just mean and nasty.

I left the group on my own after seeing what a bunch of pious jerks they were.

Answer 3

I am really shy and I partially agree with you. At my church youth group I don't feel as uncomfortable because the youth leader is really cool and make things comfortable with me. But when I go to my friends youth group everyone just ignores me and I don't feel included when we play games or do activities and that makes me feel really uncomfortable so I don't go anymore. Also my youth group was small with like 10 youth while my friends was like 30.

Answer 4

I think the 'clique-y"ness of some youth groups can have a negative effect on kids. I think youth leaders should do what they can to make sure that all the youth feel included and no one feels left out or ostracized. My church has a wonderful youth program.

Answer 5

The problem with many youth groups is that they do not know the teachings of the Church.

Answer 6

Youths in church groups aren't saints. They are youths with many of the same traits as other youth. Keep looking. You'll find one you feel compfortable with. If you don't, maybe Christian youth groups just aren't your thing. Join the choir or some other church group instead.

Answer 7

You are so right, and I am glad that you brought it to attention. Youth groups are for children and teens to fellowship with one another, learn about Christ-like behaviour and enjoy wholesome activities and entertainment--but somehow, it often becomes a lesson in establishing a pecking order. A lot of kids are harassed and teased b/c they don't fit in--they come from broken families, lo-income homes, or have been brought up in different religions, with different idealogies--and are in the process of learning the gospel.

I think that youth group leaders need to work really hard in taking responsibility for these kind of kids, to make sure that they are not hurt by their peers.

A lot of people have been permanently scarred for life b/c of the rejection that they have received from "Christians," and will never go back to the gospel. Do you, as a Christian, want to look God in the face someday, knowing that you are accountable for causing the loss of one of his children?

Answer 8

That depends on each church, I guess. It really should be the responsibility of the youth leaders to make sure ALL children are accepted and treated kindly.

Answer 9

I remember thinking, "Why should I go to youth group and get made fun of, when I get that five days a week in school?"

Answer 10

Not in my experience.