The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
The praise and worship team sings intensely. Hands go up all over the church in adoration and praise while varying voices echoes each line of chorus. Some people are clapping, some are standing. Others are looking up to heaven and some are keeping their chest warm with their chins while they pray. The ambiance in God’s temple is inviting, and the Holy Spirit has accepted the invitation.
Yet, this very same setting is home to a different atmosphere. Sitting in the midst of the worshipers are some unconcern teens; minding their own business. Oblivious to their surroundings, they send text, check status on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, tell or receive juicy gossip, create doodles, or fiddle with their hair or the gum in their mouths. Oh, and let’s not forget the few who have no clue what’s going on in church…because they’re outside.
Teens, probably you can share with us “why is it so hard to sit and stay focus in church?” Maybe you’re not doing any of the things mention above, but your mind probably wonders a lot. Remember, spending quality time with the God you claim to serve is as important as studying for an exam. There are some of you who accept Jesus by choice, and are baptized church members. Then there are those who don’t know Christ personally, and truth be told, would rather be somewhere else. These young adults are only present because they have no choice.
For some, church is just one of the rules that comes with staying under their parents’ roof. If that’s a fact, I challenge you to find out what the big deal is about church and God. I mean, if your parents are spending so much time attending, not to mention giving this “Jesus character” so much attention, then there must be something to it. Take the time to get to know Him for yourself. Attend Sabbath or Sunday school, listen to the sermons, read the Bible, meet God in prayer, and participate wholeheartedly in church services. After a month of consistently doing these activities, you’ll draw your own conclusion. I guarantee you won’t feel like a church prisoner anymore.
For those teens who are Christians, you’ve already discovered how awesome serving God is–you just get sidetracked. Even adults get distracted and sometimes neglect their relationship with Christ and the church. It’s just like nurturing a plant. For it to grow, it needs water, sunlight, time, and care. It will die without these things. Your relationship with Jesus also needs nurture for growth and survival. Attending church is one way to nurture the union. But just showing up for service will not do. You have to pay attention. Give one hundred percent every time. Soak up all that the assembling of brethren have to offer; your relationship with Christ can only be better for it.
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25)
“But in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)
Thanks for posting this article, Amelia. I think that for too many people going to church has become just another activity, and they don’t go with any real purpose in view. I have observed the same things you mentioned, and even with some adults. People need to ask themselves WHY they go to church. Their needs to be a focus on true worship with all your heart, as you mentioned. I think it is also part of the local church’s responsibility to provide a worship experience that will make people want to be involved and will draw them into focused worship. Some worship services are downright boring! Why is it that some Christians get more excited about a football game than they do church? Thanks again, for this very timely article.
Thank you…. You also touched on a very important point John, churches do need to step up and plan effective programs that will save souls through captivating the congregation’s attention.
I think the part of the problem is the teens, but the other problem is the actual church system. Churches aren’t finding ways to engage teens. This isn’t necessarily a good excuse, but I think it’s a great starting point. Be relevant, be engaging, and call these teens to be interactive. When churches do this, I believe we’ll see more teens taking accountability for their faith. Just my two cents. God bless.
I know that for there to be a radical change, both the church and teens have to take account. True, churches need to generate interactive and engaging programs. But it is also true that teens need to be proactive with their relationship with God. If the relationship is in the right place, they’ll come bringing their own praise…their own fire!
Let the change begin!