Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Ellen's avatar

I grew up as a mainline denom kid and made one of my best friends in Catechism preparing for confirmation, where we were the only 2 students (for the precise reasons you outlined already.) The critical pieces of my growing faith were a pastor who spent time in faithfully and kindly teaching us Luther's small catechism, a mom who discipled me through allowing both wonder and critical thinking (and teaching me to challenge some of the concepts I brought home from evangelical friends) and my parents' own steadfast faith & participation in the church we were part of. And, the Holy Spirit's abiding presence. Today, I have far less to deconstruct but more acceptance of wise, thoughtful and faithful deconstruction. My friends weren't church kids. And, I still really love Jesus. There is a place for kids in the mainline church, but it needs to be faithful & intentional.

Expand full comment
Christine Greenwald's avatar

I appreciate your unapologetic appreciation of your youth group experience! I probably had somewhat of a similar youth group, but probably more conservative, but still from a well-off background — had a lot of kids there from highlands ranch, if that gives you an idea! — but as a shy awkward introvert, I never felt like I fit in. Didn’t love it. But survived it.

To be honest I’m slightly terrified, especially of we stay in this tiny Ohio town, that one day one of my kids will ask if they can go to youth group with a friend. *shudders* I’m afraid of how they might be indoctrinated and worry that they’ll want to go the opposite of how mom and dad believe. I can just hope that we set a solid enough foundation! (Also, their dad is a pastor but in one of those mainline churches that have just a handful of kids…)

Expand full comment
6 more comments...

No posts