By Adrienne
Pickett
By Adrienne
Pickett
FORT WORTH, Texas--Sixty-two people gathered Aug. 12 for a reconciliation service for the teens and leadership of the Fort Worth congregations.
After much prayer asking for God's presence and direction, the service started with comments from Pastor Tom Pickett. Mr. Pickett apologized and asked forgiveness on behalf of our church for hurts that the teens had suffered because of our works-based approach to religion.
This was followed by comments made by elder Max Devereaux, in which he confessed and apologized for his participation in turning teens away at times of their deepest need for love and support.
Deacon James Godwin, of African-American descent, confessed his lack of standing up for his teen sons when he saw expressions of prejudice directed toward them.
Other church leaders made comments and confessions regarding the lack of honor and respect toward teens that has existed in our fellowship through the years.
Deacon James Welshans confessed that even though he did not have children of his own, he realized that he tended to avoid teens. He said a prayer asking for forgiveness and for unification between adults and teens.
Nicole Moore, a young adult who had grown up in the Fort Worth congregation, then stood. She expressed her appreciation for all the time and effort the adults had so lovingly given through the years, so that the teens could enjoy numerous fun activities.
This period of confession and repentance was followed by a ceremony marking the inclusion of teens as active, viable members of our congregation. An ornamental sword was used to represent the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12) expressing the leadership of Jesus Christ. This mantle of leadership was passed to the 17 teens in attendance.
Our adult leaders took turns passing the sword to individual teens asking if they were willing to accept the leadership being offered. All of the teens accepted the mantle of leadership. The adults then washed the feet of the teens. The evening concluded with adults and teens coming to and sharing the Lord's Table.
"It was a meaningful experience," said Andrew Fredrikson. His sister, Julia, commented, "It was an exciting and happy occasion." Daniel Starks said: "It was just a really healing time for our church. There has always been a gap between the youths and the adults. This was the first step in bringing us closer together."
Jason Orth said: "It was such an awesome night. The Holy Spirit was so alive in the building. I could feel the presence of God. The leaders showed that they and God care for us deeply. It was a great experience."
Jason's mother, Brenda, commented: "I think many will look back at this ceremony as one more step toward healing. The adults and children are learning to appreciate one another and not be afraid to speak from their hearts. The adults verbalized to the children how special they are to God and to our church."
At the end of this service, we felt that true reconciliation had occurred. We felt a sense of unity in the spirit of Jesus. Since this service, the teens have stepped forward and have truly become involved in our weekly worship service.
Regardt van den Bergh, director of Visual Bible's Matthew video, was a surprise attendee of the evening. He had spoken to our brethren several months previous, so he felt at home with us. He commented afterward that he could have made some comments, but felt he should just observe.
He said: "I felt like an outsider with my face to the window viewing a private, intimate family gathering. I was blessed by it."
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000