I’ll get straight to the point -

A couple of hours ago, evidence was discovered (via facebook) that one of our adult youth group leaders had participated in a meal with some students in our youth group.  Through pictures of this activity, it was also discovered that alcohol was consumed at some point during the evening out. The country I am serving in has a drinking age of 18. The adult leader within this outing was of age, as were many of the handful of students who were also there.  We also know, however, that a number of the students were not of age.

My current role within the youth leadership is fairly limited… I am officially employed in another area of ministry within the church, but have been assigned (for the time being) administrative responsibilities to the group (budgeting, etc.)  I know what my personal response would be in this situation (and I would hope that the church leadership ultimately agrees!)

I realize that what happens is ultimately up to the leadership of this church.  That being said, however, here are the 4 questions I would pose to those who are more experienced in situations like this.  I ask them not to go in with “ammunition” for my own opinions or stances in this case, but so I might have a better understanding of both sides of the issue before I bring it to the attention of other church leadership:

1)      What action, if any, should the church consider taking against the adult leader?

2)      What action, if any, should the church consider taking against those who were of legal drinking age?  (Not from a legal point-of-view, but from a church "discipline" point-of-view).

3)      What action, if any, should the church consider taking against those who were not of legal drinking age?  (same side note as above).

4)      What advice would you give in relation to informing and communicating with the parents of the students (both of age and underage) about the situation?

I know other churches have had to sort out and deal with situations like this one in the past, so I eagerly look forward to any advice you might have for us in this situation.  If there’s any additional considerations you would suggest, please include those as well… thanks, everyone!

Chris,

I am sure, well at least I pray, that you will get wise and experienced answers to your

questions. But from a practical and ministerial point of view let me begin by advising

you to continue praying specifically for this situation. Does the church leadership

know already? Are you the one presenting the church with the evidence? Have those

who are "presumably" guilty been confronted yet? Before any action is taken they

need to be allowed the opportunity to explain the situation and give an account. This

is very serious considering that the one responsible for leading

by example has abused/neglected his calling. If/when this is confirmed, confessed and

forgiven then I believe the youth leader should be held responsible by  

publicly asking for forgiveness from his youth group. He/She should be able to

acknowledge his/her wrongdoing and demonstrate remorse. If not, then the

consequence is clear. The leader should also be given the opporunity to suggest what

he/she thinks should be the discipline administered. I believe they should be mature

enough to accept a "sabbatical". Second, those of legal drinking age should also be

held accountable by also repenting to the group. Thirdly, while those under the

drinking age should have known better, I believe they should just be admonished

strongly (with biblical support). As far as the parents are concerned, the church

leadership IS responsible of communicating this to them immediately after it has been

confirmed and discussed with them. I realize that many will think that discipline is up

to the parents, but as ministers and leaders we have a responsibility and will be held

accountable by God if we do not take action and administer godly discipline (when

needed) to those under our care. Therefore, I believe informing the church leadership

and having them take disciplinary action precedes informing the parents. Remember,

there may be some parents who might think that this is not such a big deal. In God's

eyes however, it's a different story.

I pray this helps some. I'll be praying for you and this situation.

Science and the Bible - The Bible is not a Science Text yet it is consistent with scientific facts 
        Science - Precision of movement in the universe                                                                
        Bible - Jeremiah 31:35,36                                                                                                     

Have you seen the evidence?  Did the drinking look "casual" or was there definate inappropriate use of and attention made to the alcohol?   Was this a meal that turned into a drinking party?   You state that this was a meal but do not state if the drinking continued after the meal.

If this was a drink ordered with the meal in a place that is common for adults to do so and no unusual attention drawn to the drink, then a warning may be more appropriate than a discipline.  Talk to those who were legal age and letting them know that it is not acceptable to drink at any time when out with a youth group and representing the church.  This could have been just a mistake and once they realize what they did, they will understand why they should not have.  Watch the "evidence" with them to point out student's reactions to their leader drinking.  Ask the youth leader which students at the meal were 18 years old.  He may not have been aware that someone was not yet 18?  Some 16 and 17 year olds will accept a drink when offered.

However, if there was joking around the drink and offering it to those not of age (in other words, a "drinking party"), then a higher level of discipline is in order.  Part of the discipline may be that all those of legal age attend a class on alchol.

I would also find out what the intention of the filmmaker was who put this on facebook.  What was that person's role in the evening?   If this was not a "drinking party", why would the meal be filmed and published on facebook?

In any case, I would ask the adult leader that night to personally approach each parent and apologize for drinking in their child's presence.

It is good that you are looking at the whole picture and not just reacting to your first impressions.  I pray that you will find the fair and just answer in whatever you discover and decide.

Adrianne

The first post asked for understanding on both sides and I was giving a "possible" view point of the "other" side.  I was just looking for ways to help "understand" what happened.  Not that I supported or was looking for excuses.   What happened absolutely should not have and was wrong no matter what evidence is brought forward.  "Mistake" may not have been the best word to use but may be a word the leader will use?

My answer also for some reason assumed that the adult leader was of "college" age putting the leader very close to the same age group of the students.  I realized later that I could be wrong in that area and if so, my view point would have been much harsher.  I automatically pictured a group of everyone being close to the same age which would be older teens and college age people.  Though it shouldn't be easy for any adult leader regardless of age to "fall into" these situations, something happened to cause this serious error in judgement. 

Both Pastor Joe's and Chris's input of what should be done sound reasonable.  I believe accountability is in order in this situation.  I believe people need to face the consequences and be accountable for their actions.  At the same time we realize we are all human and whenever possible need the opportunity to learn from our actions and make the decision not to let this happen again (counseling).  I also recognize that there are serious situations where second chances can not be given (at least not right away) so maybe removal of the youth leader postition may be needed.  Only those who obtain the entire evidence (who, what and why) will be able to make that call based on the adult leader's answers to the evidence.

I feel that the right thing will be done.   Usually whenever someone asks for input (view points) and understanding, they are willing to consider all the sides when deciding the solutions that are best for each person involved. 

Adrianne