Short answer: Maybe. 🧐

It depends on the specific church, their activities, their beliefs, and what they’ll be teaching. This is why having discernment is so important. 🛡️

It's not necessarily a bad thing to go, but it’s wise to stay aware of what’s being taught there. You might encounter beliefs or teachings that don’t align with your own or even some that aren’t biblical. 📖❗

❓ So, what would be a deal breaker?

If the group expects you to participate in activities or affirm beliefs that go against your faith or that are sinful, that’s a red flag. 🚩 (Remember, attending some events might imply that you support them.)

Understanding Different Types of Churches ⛪

Churches that teach beliefs contrary to yours. ❌

Other confessional Lutheran churches. ✅

Churches that are somewhere in the middle – Here is where discernment is key. ⚖️

💪 How do you grow your discernment muscle?

▶️Study the Bible. 📚 This helps you recognize errors when you see them.

▶️Study the Small Catechism. 📜 Use it to compare foundational Lutheran theology with what you hear in other places. It’s a solid guide to help you know if a teaching aligns with your beliefs.

What’s the purpose of a youth group, anyway? 🤔

To guide youth in transitioning from childhood to adulthood in the church. 👶➡️👨‍🎓

To give practical skills, like running a meeting. 🗂️

To deepen understanding of the Christian faith. ✝️

To provide opportunities for service work. 🤲

To create a space for fellowship with others. 👫

Contributor Chris Brademeyer is Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oakes, ND.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #youthgroup