Vacation Bible School Disruptions

I have a problem and am asking for helpful insights on how to deal with it.

Here is the situation: I am teaching a class of 14 12+ year old girls. All but two of them are black and come from single parent homes (I think). They are so irreverent, disrespectful. This evening I passed the basket and collected their cell phones which helped some - no texting, and no calling between students in another class.

Most of these students come from homes where they are yelled at all the time. Loud, rough yelling. So maybe they are conditioned to not listen until the voice of authority reaches a certain decibel?

Tonight I had a girl who had a fit of laughing that was beyond reason. I know laughter and love to laugh, but this was so excessive I wonder whether it was demonic? (Maybe Todd Bentley could have appreciated it??)

Today I prayed that God would keep the girls at home who are disruptive and in answer I had more then ever before!

I am hoping there would be some who grew up in the culture I just described who can give me some helpful suggestions...and if nothing else pray that the enemy would be defeated. Or, perhaps there are others who have dealt with similar situations who can give helpful advice.

To suggest I am weary is a bit of an understatement...

ginnyrose

My advice would be to pray thoroughly for the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to accompany God's preached word and break from whatever formalities may have been instituted for the sake of the VBS and simply read the gospel from God's word as preached by John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostle Paul.

The Gospel and God's Word: the power of God unto salvation.

I will be praying for you. I wish I had some words of wisdom to offer but I don't. All I can tell you is that I was exactly like those girls you described. When I was a teenager I went with one of my friends from school to a girls teen youth sleep over and beach party(her mother made her go). We did not want to be there that weekend and because of that we behaved really bad, we were disruptive and disrespectful. We wanted to prove to all the goody two shoes in the youth group that we were cool and that we were above their stupid little group. I am sorry to say that I was really a brat to the lady who was in charge and that I am sure I and my friends made her time that weekend really awful. I guess my point in sharing this with you is that even if this week ends and you don't see any fruit in these young girls lives now, you never know that some day, the seeds that you are planting God may use to get a hold of one of these young ladies heart.

rdg

Thank-you,rdg. You said what I needed to hear.

There is one exercise that seems to have a calming effect: this is when we do the exercises in the workbook. They do not have a textbook, but depend on the teacher to teach it. After sharing the lesson, we go to the workbook. They think it is fun to check the answers in the back so when I read the questions, they will verbally share the answers. They are writing most of the time. They are occupied, doing something - may be there is a clue here?

Another poster suggested reading the Word - interesting thought except that I am the only one with a Bible...

Any more suggestions?

ginnyrose

I am pretty sure that the laughter is demonic. But you have no authority over any demon if you are making fun over any other christians (doesn't matter if they are deceived or not). If you want authority over the devil you cannot be critical, judgemental - even if it's todd (I am not defending him, he has to stand before god alone, and we have to stand before god alone.)

Hi Ginny,
my heart goes out to you. I am also a white guy teaching mostly black 12-14 year old boys and girls Sunday school. Some follow with a bit of interest others rather would do something else. They are all very quite, and I do most of the talking. Last time I shared my frustration with a friend. I taught them last week and had some of the most amazing responses, and some of it was inspired, no doubt. I share this with my friend who is on the same rota with me and he told me that he had prayed for me in particular.

I saw NOTMEs comment and I disagree with them. It is right that these mothers are unbelievers and you may have no mandate to eductate them in the way of the Lord, but we have a mandate to make the best of every opportunity to preach the gospel.

Colossians 4:5
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity...

Ephesians 5:15-16
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Since you are the only one with a bible, may be you print the scriptures out for each student.

You could go to [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/]Bible Gateway.com[/url] Then copy and paste into notepad or other word prossessing software. Then each girl could take the scriptures home with them.

Firstly the best thing to do is pray!
I am no expert myself but my wife works with very similar young people, she often says that shouting is wasted on them and that they are so used harsh and unloving environments at home that really nothing seems to shock them.
But... the one thing that they are not so used to at home is compassion and love. She has found that it can be amazing how they respond when offered a hand of friendship!

Dear ginnyrose,
I was thinking of you and your girls lastnight before I even had a chance to read your post. I can certainly understand why.

Just a couple of things... A friend of mine who was a pastors wife on a reservation and taught the children there said sometimes it would get to such a point that she would say, "OK, line up!" and then she would annoint each one and pray for them, she said it usually always calmed them down.... Now, not that you should do that.. but I think that sometimes young people who come from troubled backgrounds are looking for some kind of special attention, whether from you or from each other. (Such as RDG mentioned as well)

I wonder, why are they there? Are they truly being "forced" or are they just looking for some way to burn up a few hours? Don't forget that conviction can sometimes make people cantankerous! (Been there, seen it, done it!)

For teachers, espiecally of this age group, I don't think we realize just how absolutely important our representation can be. Even if it never seems that way. Most young girls are still looking for someone to "accept" them, to "love" them, although their idea of what "love" is, is usually very misconstrued. I'm not sure what the content of the "lessons" are, but at that age so many ask, what does that have to do with me? My life is not even close to what you have a clue about, if I'm miserable, confused, angry, why not make every one else feel as stirred up as I feel on the inside. (Let's test the lady to see if she means what she says...) on and on.

Just don't forget that the most irreverant person can also become the most intense for the Kingdom once they are "arrested" by the Holy Spirit.

I just pray that the Holy Spirit would make whatever words you say become arrows in these girls hearts, regardless of their outward candor! and that every word would have it's aim, that it would be relevant, and that not one would fall to the ground. Lord! make it as serious as a heart attack word to their souls! and surround the entire group with Him who will do battle on their behalf against every unseen and manifest enemy!

Your in my prayers right now, Sis.
Lori

5. Approach the bible as a story. Everyone loves a good story.

The Bible is more than just a story - it is TRUTH. We should not water down the very words of God to make them more entertaining to the World.

It is important, that even though one may have good intentions and a sincere heart to see the souls of men saved, you can still labor in vain because the work is not what God has called you to do.

I don't question the sincerity and desire that ginnyrose, or even you Mahoney, have to do the Lord's work and share the gospel with many. I do however question the means in which you are doing them.

I agree with what NotMe has said. God may save children through VBS, but it won't be because of VBS, it will be in spite of it. I myself was saved in spite of VBS and youth ministry.

Notme hit the nail on the head when he talked about the responsibility of children learning the gospel falls on the parent. I would ask Ginnyrose, what type of outreach has the church dones to these parents? It is imperative that the parents be saved and then center their homes around Christ.

It is right that you want to see these girls saved, but it is primarily the parents' responsibility to train their children in the fear and admonishion of the Lord. I would encourage you to reach out the parents of these young women. Don't waste an opportunity to reach the souls of those who have children so that the entire family might be saved.

Voddie Baucham would be a great resource regarding these issues. Feel free to contact me via pm if you'd like to explore these issues a little deeper.

Please keep in mind, this is coming from the guy who was going to be a youth pastor. God opened my eyes to the unbiblical structure of the "church" in America. It was not an easy pill to swallow, but we must examine our own pride, when we realize that what we felt was honoring God contradicts his Word.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Personally, I am not looking for revival, just to be faithfult to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I just thought I had to add that revival is the purpose of this website. If we are faithful to the Gospel of Christ, then revival will spring forth!

Based on the logic of my statement, if revival is not springing forth, then perhaps that means we are not being faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ...

just some ideas,
soemtimes the teacher does to much of the talking..
1. so get the kids to interact with each other,
for example
The teacher says something ,
and then the teacher tells the students in your own words explain what i just said..
try to get kids teaching kids.. and you make sure there doing it..
2.group work
3. have a routine down. and jump from one exercise to other..7-8 min long
anyway hope that helps.. remember , it you can get the kids to
talk, write, listen, visualize during your 30-45 min. lesson.. your teaching will stay with them..

love
andy

QUOTE from LoveGodsWay2:
\tYou could go to Bible Gateway.com Then copy and paste into notepad or other word processing software. Then each girl could take the scriptures home with them.
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tREPLY: Believe it or not but this idea came to me this morning. Thanks for the suggestion.

QUOTE from Aussiedler:
\tif you are making fun over any other Christians (doesn't matter if they are deceived or not). If you\twant authority over the devil you cannot be critical, judgmental - even if it's Todd

\tReply: Brother, the reason I compared this laughter to Todd Bentley is that this laughter I witnessed last night reminded me much of the laughter that is or was on You Tube (recorded in connection with the Lakeland Revival)that is called ‘holy laughter’. Until I saw this video I had never seen ‘holy laughter’…lots of laughter otherwise but not this kind. It is very strange, eerie.

QUOTE from Limey153:
\t
\tmy wife works with very similar young people, she often says that shouting is wasted on them and that they are so used harsh and unloving environments at home that really nothing seems to shock \tthem.

\tREPLY: I would agree. Would you also agree that these children may be filled with so much anger - hence the disruptive spirit/actions? This thought came to me this morning. Moms or mamaw \tyells at them constantly and there is no male father figure there to provide the child with balance,\tlove and leadership.

QUOTE from Mahoney:
\tThe advantage that I have is that I am able to create a relationship with them and become like a parent too them.
\t
\tHere are just some helpful hints that I have learned through experience and through other teachers:

\t1. Set behavioral expectations. These kids need to know what is expected of them while they are in the classroom.

\t2. I am assuming they do not know you, and being a mature white woman, you can be sure that they do not respect you...settle it in your mind and then move on...I know what this is like because I am a balding, very white, Irish-American, and I have had kids literally laugh in my face when they first meet me.

\t3. Get their attention off of you. Ask them what they believe about the bible, about God, about Jesus. In any classroom, the goal is to engage the students, and the best way to do that is to get them talking about themselves.

\t4. If they say some correct things concerning the bible then affirm them. If they are incorrect, then show them the truth in the Word. Use their responses to direct the class.

\t5. Approach the bible as a story. Everyone loves a good story.

\t6. Be passionate. Talk about what you are most passionate. They will listen.

\t7. I do not know if you would be willing, but it might help to find some QUALITY (full of content) Christian music (rap, r&b) that they might listen to as an ice breaker.

\t8. Remember, they are not the enemy (demonic or otherwise) they are kid that probably know little or no discipline. Show them that you care, maybe give them a gift in the beginning of class (something that they would be interested in)

\tREPLY: God bless you brother. I almost envy you the opportunity to be able to provide this kind of leadership to these children. And you are so right about them not knowing what love is about.

\tYour suggestion of teaching the Bible as a story resonates well with me. I was a child (once) and I well remember the impact these Bible stories had on me and still do. In a sense I never did grow up: I still love a good story, even a Bible Story. Hey, these were flesh and blood people like us who God loved and cared for them by providing them with love, sustenance, chastisement,judgment. King David says how he loves to meditate on God’s testimonies. The testimonies he is referring to are the stories of God dealing with his people! Too many times God is portrayed as an old man with long flowing hair carrying a big stick. This is unfortunate but God worked to remedy this: he sent Jesus who was clothed in flesh and blood like we. He got tired, weary, disgusted with religious leaders, political leaders (“that fox..” - Herod); had compassion on the weak, the children, the widows, the sick, you name it.

\tMichael, I can tell you love these children. God bless you

QUESTION: why do they come?
\tThey are not forced to come. They want to come so that must mean we must be doing something right, perhaps? We love them. We see them in the gutter perpetuating the sins of past generations. The black culture is very religious but so dreadfully short on holiness, purity. I would love to ask these girls to go home and ask their mom if my name sounds familiar to them but I dare not do that. The probability is they may have been a client of mine years ago at the CPC where I volunteered. And who knows? Maybe some of these girls are ‘my babies!’

\tYears ago our church operated VBS in a community in the eastern part of our county. It was a rural area and they came by the hundreds, so many they were forced to have at least two secessions every summer to accommodate these children. It stopped when the black churches saw how they were falling short on teaching and started to have their own VBS. Anyhow, years later these now grown adults recall with fondness the blessings they received from attending these Bible Schools. \tFor a time there was church for these young people. (It has since disbanded.) The testimony from \tthe public school teachers was that they could always tell which children had attended these VBS and Sunday Schools!

To the rest who cared enough to reply to my questions, Thank-you…you encouraged me. And continue to pray for all of us and in particular the children - especially the fatherless ones.

ginnyrose

what type of outreach has the church done to these parents? It is imperative that the parents be saved and then center their homes around Christ.

I appreciate your concern, fuehrerbe21. There is a very strong resistance in the black community to any white church reaching out to the adults. It seems as though the devil has them in such severe bondage of blindness, religion and the government makes their stay in the pig pen comfortable, hence there is little or no motivation to change. We know some Christian Blacks in the city who get frustrated with their own people as well. The area we are working in is rural, the town's is falling down on its heels - looks like a third world country town - really! It is poor because of life choices made by its citizens.

Where are the men? At least a third of them are in prison, have been in prison or are out on parole. In prison or not, they are not with the mothers of their children; they feel no responsibility to the mothers. The home is totally broken down. It is terrible, worse then bad....

Maybe I should add something else here. Ten years ago when I worked with the US Census Bureau, I did a lot of work on the field. In the interviewing process we were required to ask "who pays the bills in this home". We were told to NOT ask who is the head of this home. Too sexist. Anyhow, I decided to do it anyways just to see what the results will be. I did and the response was ALWAYS the same and since it was I reverted to doing as instructed by the leaders. What did the the women say when asked who is the head of this home? "I AM!!!" This was said even with the male present! Now, does this tell you something?

ginnyrose

Sister, the family has been utterly destroyed in the United States. It is vital that we, as believers, structure ourselves and our families around God's word.

The beautiful thing I love about the family is the picture it draws up in my mind of how Christ's church operates! Have you ever considered how the husband is to his wife as Christ is the church? I mean, we are the bride of Christ! How awesome is that!?

There is an epidemic in the land of dead beat fathers. Men, no matter what race, need to step up to the plate and fulfill their God given role as men.

If you look at the decline of "morality" in our country, you'll notice that as the family unit has been broken apart (homosexual marriage, feminism, disobedient children) at the same rate as the social decline.

If you study what scripture says about the qualifications of church leadership, you'll realize a few things. 1.) Many who are "leaders" are unqualified. I heard someone comment once about how 50% of seminary graduates are unqualified for church leadership because they are divorced. 2.) The lack of Biblical church leadership has created false doctrine and bad theology. 3.) As the family has broken apart, so has the church. 4.) The factory for church leadership is the home. A man must first lead his family according to what scripture requires before he can lead the church!

If we would simply come back to biblical family structures and center ourselves on God's word, we might see many saved. The world will continue to attack the family because it is part of God's design (and of course, it is in our fallen nature to attack anything that is from God).

I'm not trying to preach, and I know my thoughts are very scattered, but I wanted to encourage you sister look at what God's word says about the family and consider what the impact of the family has on the church. Wouldn't it be wonderful if men would labor to not only provide for their families, but to also labor to ensure their wives and children are saved? How strong would the church be if all the men in leadership were qualified?! How wonderful would it be if we would raise up a new generation of believers who might multiply the next generation into a generation of believers?

Our God is a mulit-generational God. I urge you sister to reach out to the mothers of these young women, regardless of their resistence. The only thing they need in this world is Jesus. Keep in mind, they will resist you because they hate God.

Ginnyrose,

Some will not agree with me but maybe I can offer a few words. (I'm was a youth pastor in MS for about 10 years before recently becoming a senior pastor.)

I understand your frustation more than you know. Understand this ... if you are being led by God then God will bless this week. God is also using this week to teach you even as he is using you to teach them. So if you want to teach you must first be teachable.

Here are a few things you might want to consider.

Don't be afraid to throw away the planned lesson and just teach the biblical truths of the lesson. Depending upon the students, the planned activites can actually cause more disrutions than they should. Since these students are probalby not familiar with the bible they are probably not too familiar with the bible "stories" either. So baciscally God's using you to lay some basic foundations here that can be built upon later on.

Enlist some other adults to serve as your assistants. Let them handle the minor problems. Sometimes just the presence of other adults will have a calming effect. Don't be afraid to call a student out .... most folks don't like being embarrased and while it might seem cruel it genearlly keeps others from having to be called out.

Lovingly but firmly give them a few ground rules about what you expect before hand. But know God's word WILL accomplish what it is supposed to accomplish even in the middle of many distractions. I've seen it happen time and time again.

I used to have students come into the services high on drugs. (Most of them came from broken homes, serval of them had never laid eyes upon their fathers. Trying to tell them about God being a loving father needed much prayer and spirit lead direction.) But God began to change them, not all of them, but some of them have been forever changed by the word of God. Many of them are sold out and on fire for God now. One of them is actually serving as a summer missionary even as I'm typing this.

It is important for the students know you love them, but you will not tolerate intentional disruptions. I've found students don't mind discipline as much if they know the person really cares about them.

I hope this encourages you. Remember what you do for Christ isn't in vain.