— k.
PART III
A l o n g w it h u n d e r s t a n d in g our youth today, we need also to challenge them. This is a day of spectator sports and it is the day of the spectator Christian. The message at the resurrec tion was go and tell the good news. We have changed that today to “Come and sit and we will entertain you.” Our invitation to youth is “Come to the youth program in our church. We have a terrific program planned for tonight.” And what we mean is that they are to come, sit, and watch the action that takes place in front of them. By doing this, we are actually contributing to their spectator status. We need to place the same emphasis on the Christian life that we find in the New Testament. Paul was a man of action! He used such words as “walk,” “stand,” “run,” “fight” in referring to the Christian life. James directed believers to be “doers of the word and not hearers only.” He explained that whoever continues to read the law of liberty (the Word of God), and is then a “doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25). With this as the pattern, a successful youth program can be developed. Young people will re spond to the challenge of interesting and meaning ful projects. Here are some suggestions: At the church, young people can be used to direct new ones to the proper room for their class or group. A large badge with “Ask Me For Infor mation” on it would set them apart as the host or hostess for the day. Young men could usher at one service during the month. A boy or girl with artistic ability could make sharp-looking posters, telling of coming events. A “camera bug” could
take pictures of events that later could be displayed for all to see. Occasionally, teenagers can help with children’s programs, such as Vacation Bible School. There are many worthwhile opportunities for service around the church. There are also many wonderful projects that young people can do in our communities. They can visit hospitals and rest homes, singing for the pa tients or reading the Bible to them. They could put on a party for underprivileged children. They could conduct a religious census. There are excel lent opportunities to witness today in Christian Coffee Houses. On several occasions we have or ganized just such an effort. First, a place had to be secured. It must be located where the young people are. Then responsibilities were delegated to our group. Tables and chairs had to be set up; coffee had to be prepared. A number of training sessions were held so that our young people would know how effectively to present the gospel to others. Signs were made and printed and promo tional materials were prepared announcing the coffee house. Then the doors were opened. Many came. On a recent New Year’s Eve, 1100 were served coffee. Better still, everyone had the oppor tunity to hear and discuss God’s plan of salvation. More than 30 put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Best of all, our young people were really “turned on” by seeing God work through their efforts in the coffee house. One of the best ways to challenge young people today is by getting them involved in a missionary training program. This can be done in a number of different ways and in many different areas. There is even a church in Singapore that is con-
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THE KING’S BUSINESS
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