Emeritus Rev. Dennis Brech
THIS CHURCH OR THAT CHURCH – THAT IS THE QUESTION.
This months discussion will be about the Nones Hope
There are many competing forces. Many people and things influence our children every day: video games and TV, streaming services and music, social media and sports heroes, teachers, and friends.
Yet, in survey after survey, whether in Christian homes or not, youth say it is their parents who influence them most. This is a great and joyous responsibility to influence, shape and form the lives of our children. Research also reveals that parents influence their children not only by their words, but also by their own habits and example.
Parents want what is best for their children. Christian parents believe and confess that Jesus Christ is best for their children - His Word, forgiveness through His death and resurrection, and eternal salvation. That is why parents both dad and mom - go to church every week to hear God’s Word and receive the Lord’s Supper. That is why parents take their children to church and Sunday school from infancy until the child leaves the home. That is why parents have their children in a Lutheran school, if possible, and sacrifice to make that happen. Above being happy or successful, above being sports stars or concert musicians, Christian parents want their children to know Jesus Christ and have eternal salvation through Him.
The Holy Spirit creates and nourishes saving faith through the Word. Luther wrote, “We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it” (SC, Third Commandment).
According to Set Apart to Serve research, current church workers stated that their pastors influenced them the most to consider full-time church work. It is not surprising that pastors identify, encourage and form youth to consider this work since God calls pastors to preach the Word, administer Christ’s life-giving Sacraments and apply His efficacious Word. Since the pastor provides spiritual care for the youth, he also has a vested interest in forming and identifying future pastors, teachers, deaconesses and all church workers. This is what pastors do. Parents also influence their children as they regularly receive the Word and Sacraments from the mouth and hand of their pastor.
Just like parents, the pastor influences through his example and life. He does this by carrying out his pastoral ministry with joy and speaking about his ministry as meaningful and as doing the Lord’s work. The congregation readily notices his humility and kindness to all, which leads young boys to say, “I want to be like Pastor Schultz.”
The most important work of all influencer’s is leading these children to fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of their saving faith.
ADD THE NOTE THIS IS THE FINAL ONE FOR SERIES – UNLESS YOU REQUEST MORE TO BE INCLUDED
