Students held couch pillows up to their faces in shock, disbelief and to keep from laughing out loud after hearing the quietest student in class drop a curse word in Sunday School,
"He was a piece sh%*"
How did I react? Not nearly as much as the other students in class did.
I stared at this mild mannered, usually quiet kid for about 5 seconds. It felt like an eternity. I didn't yell or scream or tell his parents, why? Because this kid was reacting to a young lady's comment about an ex-boyfriend who was abusive to her. All the kids were acquainted with the situation.
He wasn't wrong, but it was inappropriate. I simply asked him,
"Do you think you could self-edit your thoughts before speaking them next time?" He agreed he would and that was end of the discussion and we prayed.
My hope is this young man learned 3 things
Being passionately against abusive boyfriends is ok.
Showing self control and self-editing ones thoughts is a good thing.
He knew he was loved in spite of his passionate faux pas.
I can only hope the other students did not mark themselves safe from Sunday School outburst.
Have a great week everyone,
Paul
P.S. If anything like this has happened to you, respond to this e-mail with your story.
10 Things You Must Do To Have A Successful Outreach
Start planning 6 weeks out
What is your WHY? Why are you having an outreach?
Who, exactly, are you reaching out to? Athletes? Middle Schoolers?
Do you have the budget?
Check the church and community calendar before choosing a date.
What roles and responsibilities will adult volunteers have?