Helping an Uncomfortable Preteen Boy Engage with Church Life
Engaging the Uncomfortable Preteen Boy in Church Life
Preteen boys often struggle to connect with church life due to their stage of development. At this age, they are transitioning from childhood to adolescence, seeking identity and autonomy. Churches can play a significant role in helping them navigate this transition by providing a supportive community that fosters spiritual growth.
The biblical concept of the church as the body of Christ emphasizes the importance of unity and diversity within the community of believers [1]. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Paul illustrates this concept by comparing the church to a body with many members, each with its own function [1, 2]. This metaphor highlights the value of every individual, regardless of their role or contribution, in making up the complete body of Christ [3].
As preteen boys navigate their faith, they need to feel included and valued within the church community. According to Colossians 3:15, the unity of the body of Christ is rooted in allegiance to Jesus as Lord, which transcends differences and promotes peace and harmony [4]. Galatians 3:28 further emphasizes that in Christ, there are no divisions between individuals; all are one in Him [5].
To engage an uncomfortable preteen boy in church life, it's essential to create an environment that encourages participation and fosters a sense of belonging. The church should strive to be a unified body, where every member cares for one another, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 [6]. This involves recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of each member, including preteen boys.
Churches can draw inspiration from Jesus' interaction with children, as recorded in Mark 10:13-16. Jesus welcomed and blessed children, demonstrating a tender disposition towards them [8]. This example encourages churches to be inclusive and supportive of young people, particularly during significant transitional periods.
As preteen boys grow in their faith, they need guidance and mentorship. Luke 2:42 describes Jesus at the age of twelve, being prepared by his parents to fulfill his role in the covenant community. This passage highlights the importance of intentional discipleship and mentorship in helping young people develop their faith.
In practice, churches can engage uncomfortable preteen boys by providing opportunities for them to participate in various aspects of church life, such as worship, service, and community activities. By doing so, they can help these young people feel valued, included, and connected to the body of Christ. As the church is built up in Christ, with each member joined together in harmony, it becomes a holy temple for the Lord [7].
Sources
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:27: members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare Co1 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:15: 3:15 Just as Christ is one, so there can be only one body of Christ (see 1:18; Eph 4:4-6). Allegiance to Jesus as Lord must transcend differences and will result in peace (harmonious relationships).”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 3:28: 3:28 There is no longer: Everyone comes to Christ and receives God’s promises in exactly the same way (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). • male and female: Cp. Gen 1:27. • you are all one: The community of believers is one body, the body of Christ (see Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 2:15-16, 19-22). • in Christ Jesus: See Col 2:6–3:11.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:25: 12:25-26 The church is a unified body, so harmony and care for each other in the church is essential.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:21: 2:21 Joined together in Christ, Gentile and Jewish Christians become a holy temple for the Lord, because the Lord himself is among his people (see Matt 18:20; 28:20; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:4-5).”
- Mark (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Mark 10:13: It is looked upon as the indication of a kind and tender disposition to take notice of little children, and this was remarkable in our Lord Jesus, which is an encouragement not only to little children to apply themselves to Christ when they are very young, but to grown people, who are conscious to themselves of weakness and childishness, and of being, through manifold infirmities, helpless and useless, like little children. Here we have, I. Little children brought to Christ, Mar 10:13. Their parents, or whoever they were that had the nursing of them, brought them t”