You were in a tough situation, but don’t think it was an uncommon situation. Happens all the time.

I used to handle it that way, by presenting the facts, stating both sides of the argument, and letting them decide for themselves. Sometimes I’d even state which side I am on. It’s not a bad strategy.

The problem I had was then the next question would be, “So why are you Church of Christ?”

Perhaps I’m wrong about this (in fact, I probably am)…but it seems to me that if that question is asked, things aren’t going so well.

Adolescence is such a confusing time. The last thing I want to do to my teens is confuse them even more.

But, again, I work at a pretty conservative COC. They have some things they tolerate and some things they don’t. Needless to say, challenging the views of the elders isn’t on the tolerable list.

I’m thankful to be at a wonderful church with a blessed eldership and one of the things they do tolerate is my mistakes. I’ve made some mistakes and I was up front with the elders when I interviewed that I would make mistakes. It’s nice to know that they are committed to me and have given me the chance to grow and mature as a minister.

I’m sure, if you continue teaching, that you’ll encounter that situation (or a similar one) again. All in all, I think the most important thing is that you’ve devoted your time to those kids, and it means a lot to them. Rather or not it seems like it at first, kids being loved by adults is one of the greatest things that could happen to them.

That may seem like an obvious statement, but you’d be surprised. That, however, deserves its own blog post.

I would like to keep teaching classes, but I don’t think I risked stirring up the pot so much that they would keep me from doing so in the future. Not having enough teachers in the first place kind of ties their hands on that one, so I’d have to be pretty outrageous to wear out my welcome.

Since you aren’t as obligated to the eldership as I am, it probably made it a bit more difficult. It’s a difficult decision.

Office Episode was good.

In such situations, I generally let them see what the Bible says for themselves, and then if I give my opinion on the matter, I’m clear that it’s just that—an opinion.