If churches want to attract teens, they have to begin to value them the way God does. Churches must begin to recognize that teens are gifted by God and can be used by Him in powerful ways. Our teens used to lead worship once every six weeks, then it became once a month. Now it is up to two or three times a month. They don’t just lead worship, they also help with children’s church, they are active raising money to pay off the mortgage and they even help clean the building. Three weeks ago I was nearly moved to tears as I watched one 17 year old young man put his offering in the offering box, it may have been small, but it was one more example of his growing spiritual maturity in Christ.
At Faith Community Church teens are full partners with the adults in leading the church and in sharing the Gospel with our community. If you find yourself in a place where teens have no real value, perhaps its time to come worship with us and watch what God can do in the life of your teen.
Dr. T
Learn more about reaching young people in Dr. Terry Dorsett's book, Mission Possible: Reaching the Next Generation through the Small Church.
Our youth praise team was a vital part to my brohters memormial service on Sun. They did a wonderful job and the songs were just perfect. The message they had were perfect to help give me comfront to the loss of my brother. I was so proud to have them take part and when asked they were just fine with it. Thank you just does not eem enough for the service they do in Faith Community Church. Thank you Joyce Dorsett
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring and encouraging post. We will continue to lift up this ministry to the Lord. Tell your teens that they are setting an expample for churches everwhere.
ReplyDeleteYour words are right on target. When I went to pastor one church, there were several teens. But they were just there. Had no real responsibilities. First I enlisted some to take up the offerings morning & night. Next, our choir director enlisted them for a youth choir. Within one year we had a 60 voice youth choir, & youth helping with various ministries. Are youth important in our churches? You better believe it, & give them a place to serve. I am glad you are encouraging your youth today! Bob
ReplyDeleteLooking for practical ways to put some of the principles in this blog post into action? Purchase my book, Developing Leadership Teams in the Bivocational Church. The first part of the book explains why bivocational ministry is biblical, normal and missional. The second part of the book explains how to mobilize the laity to do high level ministry in a team setting with the pastor so that the church can be effective in reaching its community for Christ.
ReplyDeleteThe book is published by Crossbooks and you can buy the book directly from them at: http://www.crossbooks.com/BookStore/BookStoreBookDetails.aspx?bookid=58188
The book is also available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles.com and a many other online bookstores.
If you live in Central Vermont, you can purchase a copy at the Faith Community Church in Barre, VT.