I like that and I'm good with the concept in general. Clearly we err to substituting the youth pastor for parent. But I do not think it is necessary to eliminate the role. The role as well as the ministry should be kept in perspective. Too often we make too much of these ministries but overall, youth ministries, women's ministries, men's ministries, etc. could have a useful purpose.
As those that know me can attest, I think these ministries can be very good for bridge activities (i.e., outreach) and they can help with people that culturally expect these things. The key is that they remember their focus and flow people into the community of believers overall. Unfortunately most people that run these see the ministry itself as the goal and try to become all things to those that fit the target demographic. No good!
With that said, small groups are different. They are "wholistic" communities within the community design to do in the personal space what the larger community does in the public space.
As a final comment relating back to Randy's note, I once heard a person request our pastor to consider renting some space to expand our ability to provide foodstuff to the needy. The pastor's response was classic. He asked her how large her pantry at home was. Then he asked her roughly how many families she thought attended our church. He then multiplied both figures and asked her if she thought that would be enough space - end of conversation.
We need to stop looking to the organization to provide what we as individuals, families, small groups, etc. should be doing as a natural outflow of our worship toward God.
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