Bullying and the Gospel

Bullying happens all the time in every single school in our nation. There are probably students at Mount Pleasant and in every other youth group that have experienced getting bullied. Schools and national media seem to be making a better effort to help in this area, but Christians must be doing their part in recognizing bullying and implementing the gospel.

First we must recognize when a student/child is being bullied. Often students are subtle about it and they really don't share much about afterwards. If your student ever comes home and says "I was picked on today", make sure you have follow up conversations, otherwise the child will feel like they were ignored. After a student mentions it once, they usually withdraw themselves from everyone so they don't have to deal with the situation. That's why it's so important to have more than just the initial conversation.

We must have a desire to see a student/child open up about the situation. Now that we recognize there is a problem and we're having follow-up conversations, it's quite possibly might be hard to get the student to open up. Parents and Youth Workers need be able to foster open conversations about what the student is experiencing, and have them put it to you in their own words. And then give them scenarios of how they respond to "if this were to happen to you." This way students are already thinking through situations before it happens. Then, most importantly, point them to the life of Jesus and how He dealt with difficulties of some of the same kind.

Realize the church is here to help. It is our desire to create a safe environment for all the students that attend Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. With that, there will be times where you might need myself or one of our youth workers to speak with your child so they may be able to open up. We're here to help in those situations, so that your student is able know how to open up and respond biblically to their situation. If any of the bullying ever happens at church, please inform us and know that WE WILL NOT tolerate it.

Our goal is to protect students and seek reconciliation with the gospel. In any situation of bullying we urge parents to talk to the authoritative person responsible for the students during the bullying. Do not accuse them of lack of control, but explain the situation and that you'd love to see the situation reconciled. Often that individual will be your biggest advocate. With that, we are showing the gospel in how the situation is being handled. We are showing that we love the individual who is doing the bullying, and we're seeking reconciliation with them. I believe Christ would want that for all of us and that should be your goal.

Hopefully this has helped you think through bullying and the gospel encase this happens to someone in your family. Know that showing the gospel in all things is essential. God Bless, Joe Mayes.