An Indonesian reality TV show is pitting child preachers against one another. How young is too young to be a child preacher - at least in the Christian faith?
In Indonesia, young Muslim preachers (some as young as 6 years old) are competing in a reality TV contest - one that is far removed from the antics of Temptation Island or Survivor or Fear Factor. In this reality TV show, judges are looking for the best child preacher.
Since I'm the Protestantism Feature Writer, I will keep my focus on Christianity - and let the Muslims sort out the appropriateness of Islamic child preachers on reality TV. For this blog, I would like to ask the question: "How young is too young to be a Christian preacher?"
According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was 12 years old when he first taught in the Jerusalem synagogue. Paul's protege Timothy had to be rather young, since it would seem both his mother and grandmother were still alive - and Paul found it necessary to tell Timothy not to let anyone "despise" his youth.
Charles H. Spurgeon, considered the 'Prince of Baptists,' was a teenager when he began pastoring. In fact, in the history of the western world, there have been many Christian evangelists or preachers rather young in years.
How young is too young? Let us know what you think in the discussion forums.
