Putting the Fun in Fundamentalist for Youth Group

I believe it is fun to be a fundamentalist and that a fundamentalist can also have fun. Fun and being a serious Christian are not mutually exclusive. A person can and should find enjoyment in learning and applying the truths of God. While at the same time, a person who loves the truth of God and wants to obey Him can do fun activities in a God honouring way. Fun and serious aren’t enemies. They’re friends. Within youth groups the question has been asked, “are you guys a serious kind of youth group? Or are you all about fun?” My answer is both. Let me explain with some examples from what is going on in the youth ministry this month:

It’s Fun to Be a Fundamentalist

Youth at Prayer Meetings

Last Wednesday we had a church prayer meeting. Youth group meets on Wednesday evenings. When we have a church prayer meeting youth is not cancelled. Instead, the youth group meets at the prayer meeting and participates with the rest of the church. We are serious about this. It is important to have the youth actively involved in the life of the church. Youth need to be called to a high level of seriousness. They need to be challenged at their hearts and worldview to recognize the joy that comes from being serious about Christ, the church, and prayer meetings.

Finishing Titus

Later this month we will be finishing our serious on Titus. After this series, we will be starting a new series on Scripture, then in May we’ll be going through Jonah. We are committed to God’s Word. There is joy in being serious about God’s Word. There is joy in knowing that those who trust in the true God have eternal life through Jesus Christ. When you are walking in seriousness with the truth of God’s Word, it is truly fun, because in Christ there is true life.

A Fundamentalist Can Have Fun

Youth Social

During March break we have small group socials. Some of the groups are going to trampoline parks, some are having nerf gun fights, some are baking, and some are going to a farm to have a campfire in which each person must bring their own piece of meat to cook. When led with responsibility, these are all wholesome and fun activities. They have value. They build relationships. They create memories. Having fun in this way is not a compromise to being serious. In fact, through relationship building there is a vulnerability that develops in which youth feel more comfortable to confess sin and truly repent. A youth group can be serious and take fun seriously.

Conclusion

A youth group can have fun being fundamentalists, while also being fundamentalists who have fun. Fun and serious aren’t mutually exclusive, but when exercised responsibly together, they point to the joy that is found exclusively in Jesus Christ.