There is a growing trend among members of para-church organizations and specialized movements: a subtle, and maybe an unintentional devaluation of the local church.
They’re convinced that the movements they’re part of are the answer for the next generation. “The local church,” They’ll say, “can’t accomplish what we can do.” But they’ll always approach the local church when they need youths for their camps, or people for their next event.

The pastors are doing their best to minister to their congregation and to the church. The local church is the “incubator” producing the resources needed for these movements to take root and survive. But when their work is devalued by people in such movements, the members of the church will be confused.

Youth movements, sports movements, and all other movements are good, but we’re complicating things. These movements need to supplement the local church. Otherwise, they’ll do more long term damage than good. Or, another option is for these movements to get people who are not connected to the local church.
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