Double Dipping: What Would You Do?

Sep 20, 2011

There’s a group of youth workers that I meet with from time to time just to share life and talk shop. No agenda, it’s just hanging out and discussing community, ministry and family. Being that there are several churches and youth organizations in the area it’s no surprise that from time to time that the name of one student will pop up over and over again. It’s not a negative conversation; however, as the name is discussed we notice that they are attending multiple youth ministries. The teen is positive and a has potential to be a student leader; however, lacks commitment to really get involved.
It’s not one student checking out a bunch of churches; but, actively involved in a few. It’s the case of double dipping, so might ask, “What would you do?”
Do you make the case for your church?

While we are all about bring teens to Christ, you believe the theology of your church is slightly more aligned than the others. You want the teen to see while there is no bad choice; but, going with the path your church has laid out is slightly better.

Do you encourage them to commit to the other church?
Again we are all in this together and you realize that the church down the road would benefit greatly from this teens commitment. Again, they are a student leader, so instead of keeping him for yourself, you decide that others need him more.

Do you just let it go?
If the student is making it work, why try and fix it? The teen seems happy, their small group leader doesn’t seem to mind, so why even bother? As long as they are getting fed and learning how to spread the Good News all is fine.

So how would you address the situation? Would you address it at all? Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments.

Double Dipping: What Would You Do?