What is the state of the church and Youth today?
I cannot answer all the questions but let me share some of my thoughts with you. A survey was done in America recently about the future of the evangelical movement. The conclusion was that the church is losing her youth to the world and that most churches will be empty in the future. We are not attractive to our youths.
It happened in Europe now it is hitting America. If we don't do something about it, it will happen in Nigeria, probably starting in the homes of the affluent whose kids study abroad and have access to DSTV, foreign films etc. Today in Europe you find empty Cathedrals with a few old women struggling to keep the doors open. Many churches are selling their properties to developers for smart flats with high ceilings. In some cases, Muslims with petrodollars are buying former churches to convert them into mosques.
Who are we losing our kids to? We are losing them to MTV, Channel O and other music channels. The founder of MTV was quoted as saying we own 14 year olds. Have you watched some of these musical videos with your kids before? Some of the favorite artistes are Tupac (rapper now dead) 50 cents (Nigerian Breweries brought him some years ago) Snoop Dogg (This Day brought him sometimes). Channel O is available at Mr. Biggs Outlets. Our youths have been invaded. These artistes have become role models. 50 Cents was an ex-prisoner who has made good rapping. Have you seen any of his musical videos? He sells sex, beautiful women, good times, Jewellery, fast cars etc. You don't have to stay up to one hour in any Mr. Biggs before 50 Cents comes up. We have others like Whitney Houston / Bobby Brown, Janet Jackson etc.
Most teenagers who cannot recite 3 lines of scriptures have memorized all the songs of Madonna, Janet Jackson, 50 Cents or that of their favorite artistes. I understand Snoop Dogg was surprised that the crowd at This Day Concert could sing along with him on most of his songs.
Who are we losing our kids to? Hollywood, Nollywood, Big Brother Africa etc. I found out the favorite one for the teenage girls was channel E. They also loved watching Jerry Springer and cheaters. Most teenagers today can give you a lecture on the love life of stars of Hollywood. They talk about Spice girls, the Paris sisters, Footballers wives etc. It is true that these Channels have a PG rating but they discuss issues that are adult issues. Channel E also has programs such as "The girls of the Playboy mansion" also rated family. Your teenage boys and girls are being treated to soft pornography, being taught that adultery and divorce is not a big thing, which is the stuff Hollywood is made of. Your young teenager is not innocent anymore. They dance differently nowadays. We felt blues was the height of it in our days. They now have another kind of dance that is practically close to making love on the dancing floor without removing their clothes.
Do you know what some of them do with their cameras on their mobile phones? They send X-rated pictures of themselves to their boyfriends / girlfriends. In Europe young girls go out with the intention of getting drunk. Many have their drinks spiked and raped. A few months ago, a young Nigerian from a prominent Nigerian family was jailed for raping some British girls by drugging them.
Most teenagers who cannot recite 3 lines of scriptures have memorized all the songs of Madonna, Janet Jackson, 50 Cents or that of their favorite artistes. I understand Snoop Dogg was surprised that the crowd at This Day Concert could sing along with him on most of his songs.
Who are we losing our kids to? Hollywood, Nollywood, Big Brother Africa etc. I found out the favorite one for the teenage girls was channel E. They also loved watching Jerry Springer and cheaters. Most teenagers today can give you a lecture on the love life of stars of Hollywood. They talk about Spice girls, the Paris sisters, Footballers wives etc. It is true that these Channels have a PG rating but they discuss issues that are adult issues. Channel E also has programs such as "The girls of the Playboy mansion" also rated family. Your teenage boys and girls are being treated to soft pornography, being taught that adultery and divorce is not a big thing, which is the stuff Hollywood is made of. Your young teenager is not innocent anymore. They dance differently nowadays. We felt blues was the height of it in our days. They now have another kind of dance that is practically close to making love on the dancing floor without removing their clothes.
Do you know what some of them do with their cameras on their mobile phones? They send X-rated pictures of themselves to their boyfriends / girlfriends. In Europe young girls go out with the intention of getting drunk. Many have their drinks spiked and raped. A few months ago, a young Nigerian from a prominent Nigerian family was jailed for raping some British girls by drugging them.
Do you know what internet sites your children are viewing? Young girls visit chat rooms where older men lure them into harms' way. Who do you think are most likely to join secret societies and clubs on Campus?
With all these activities going on in the lives of the teenagers and our youth, the church is losing out. Many of you do not want to hear what I am talking about. Why? You have a good kid. Really? I know of a young girl who was impregnated recently in one of the popular Christian Universities in Nigeria. The parents are respected elders in the church.
We are talking of teenagers here, many below 15 from affluent people. I understand some teenagers also are in the habit of sniffing glue. Please parents watch your children. Let us be honest, the world today is getting more attractive than the church.
Please, lets make the church relevant mostly for our youth. We need to have a vibrant youth church that engages these Youths every time.
God bless the Youths
Gbenga Kolawole
Youth Pastor
Salvation Model Area
