Hey Donna.... I can relate. I have teenage kids too who are in mega-churches and see what goes on. So far, they have not expressed any concern. I am glad that they have at least adopted the predominantly stated moral values (as opposed to the un-stated moral practices) of the organizations. I would rather they glean that amount of morality for their own well-being rather than trip over issues that frankly, I believe I am tripping over to a large degree.
With my kids, I am finding I am needing my program so much more. The act of surrender is a very powerful thing. However no higher stakes in trusting the surrender process than with our own children eh?
Our kids are entering a zany world. I have learned the value of the scripture that wherever evil is in abundance, grace is in abundance as well. So like you, I wonder what messages my kids are getting from their lives including their church experience. I am happy though that a day at a time, they are safe, fed, educated, and happy. Given that their parents went through a scorching divorce with some pretty dramatic behaivours by both parents, I feel that Go is showing himself as faithful in this situation.
Sorry to scare you with my mega-church rant. I am projecting a lot of my own hurt and distaste. Frankly, in stating what I am stating, I am glad that my kids are influenced by the church as much as they are even though it is to a great degree from the mega church culture. There is good in it. God has proven himself to me to be able to work wonderfully with and through flawed people and organizations. Hey... their own Dad (me) became the "yuppie coke-head"! And God has seen us through that. I have a great R with my kids in spite of this imperfection.
So ya, I concur with you... Thank God for the 12 and 12! For me, it has been my connection with God in a so much more simply authentic way. Hey.... maybe I will become a missionary to the Mega-Churches?
Keep doing what you are doing. Sounds like you are on a good path.
Ciao.
Chazz
PS... my ex-wife judged me for my drugs and booze. My new wife joined Al-Anon. So did I in fact. So I have a healthy respect for your program.
