Youth

We recently sent out a large postcard announcing the unveiling of our new outreach program coming up on “Be Our Guest” Wednesday, November 9 at 7pm. Parents are welcome to sit in on the services as we go through the different steps we’ll take when a guest visits our class. PLEASE don’t miss “Be Our Guest” Wednesday, teens!

A huge emphasis in the Teens of Faith has simply been on Loving God. If God can get their hearts, everything else will fall in place. And… once God gets their hearts, it should result in changed hearts toward others. Our teens have evidenced that heart for others in the way that many of them have been coming out every Saturday for soul-winning, and one of the main desires of this new outreach emphasis is that it not just become a PROGRAM… but a HEART. We can put programs in place all day… but if a program is not driven by a genuine heart to see people saved, baptized and discipled in our church, the program will fail.

“Be Our Guest” Wednesday will focus on only one aspect of outreach: what to do when guests actually visit our class. In the future I’d love to develop something that can help us reach and bring more TO our class, but I wanted to focus first on what to do with the ones that God has already brought us! Yes, we’ll definitely continue to focus on weekly soul-winning times, and yes, we’ll definitely emphasize evangelism with their friends… but those types of encounters are usually initiated with an invitation to church. What about the ones who are already familiar with our church… they’ve been here! What do we do with them? We treat them… as our guests.

Come see what I mean.

Wednesday

November 9, 2011

7pm

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The following article was written by Brother Cary Schmidt, Student Ministries Director at Lancaster Baptist Church in Lancaster, CA. It was recently posted on Ministry127.com and we have reposted it here for you today.

The contemporary church is seeing a mass exodus of young adults walking away from their faith in their late teens and early twenties. Some studies say the percentage is around 80% while others estimate it to be much higher. The statistic highlights major failures in many contemporary church ministries on a number of levels, but not all churches are seeing this lack of fruit.

While we are never content to see even one young life walk away from the faith, God has seen fit to bless biblical principles in the ministry of Lancaster Baptist Church. He has blessed the application of His Word across all ages of ministry. And over the past 25 years we’ve seen approximately 80% of our graduates stay faithful to the Lord. We’re not seeing the mass exodus in this church that many churches are seeing. And often we are asked “why?” What is God blessing?

In the next few paragraphs, I would like to share a concise summary of Bible principles that God is using to help young people grow up at Lancaster Baptist with a real faith that sustains into adulthood.

A Local Church Focus

Simply put, while our church may have classes and groups of many ages and life context, we are one local church with one purpose and heart. The youngest to the oldest members of our church are a family. We grow together, pray together, serve together, worship together, and function as a church body.

God’s institution for reaching the world, changing lives, and carrying out His work on earth is the local church. Christ died for the church, and the New Testament pattern for establishing others in the faith of Christ (of any age) is the New Testament Church. Our student ministry has never been an entity unto itself. It has always been integrally a part of our local church body. Our students may graduate from the youth group, but they never graduate from the local church.

“…that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15

A Family-orientated Ministry

The first “institution” that God ever established was the home—the biblical family. Throughout His Word, God gives clear instructions to parents to teach, disciple, and nurture their children in the ways of the Lord. Many families have adopted a bit of a secular approach to the faith education of their children. They have essentially handed off the responsibility of Bible training to the church—considering themselves either too busy, or inadequate to the task. The problem is not that the church is teaching the Word, but that the parents are not.

Nothing could be more dangerous to our children spiritually. No local church entity can out-influence a parent. And God never intended for us parents to abdicate our responsibility simply because we place our children in a “spiritual environment.” It’s not either or, it’s both and! For twenty-five years our children’s and youth ministries have partnered with families, equipped families, and strengthened families in developing faith and discipling young people. While some youth ministries are structured to separate the family in spiritual contexts, ours has always been structured to unite the family. Together, the church youth ministry stands united with parents to fight for the next generation.

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4

A Father-led Philosophy

My first morning on staff at Lancaster Baptist Church included a 7 a.m. men’s prayer meeting. I will never forget meeting in Pastor Chappell’s office with a group of men that came in early to pray. This was not a staff meeting. It was a group of laymen. That morning we prayed around the room for over an hour, and one by one I heard young Christian men—recently saved husbands and fathers—on their knees, pouring out their hearts to God. They prayed for their children, their marriages, their pastor, their church, and for lost souls.

That meeting is forever etched into my memory. I knew that morning that God was going to do something great at Lancaster Baptist. Here was a pastor dedicating himself to building and discipling men to be godly fathers and leaders both at home and in the church. And since that time, God has continued to honor Pastor Chappell’s commitment to disciple faithful men.

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2

An Age-based, Biblical Education Effort

Every now and then someone will ask me, “…is youth ministry in the Bible? Is age-graded education really a biblical concept?” The answer is a simple yes—when done biblically! While the title of “children’s pastor” or “youth pastor” isn’t found in the Bible, there are several passages that very clearly promote the concept of the church bringing order to age-based education.

First, in Titus 1:5, the Apostle Paul commands Titus to “set in order” the things that are wanting. This is a broad command that gave Pastor Titus a directive to establish structure and order in ministry. Then, later in Titus 2, the Apostle Paul gives a clear pattern for older men and women (not just parents) to teach younger men and women. Titus 2 is a key Bible passage for establishing a biblical ministry to youth and young adults.

He begins by telling us to teach sound doctrine, then proceeds to give a longer, more detailed list that older Christians (men and women) in the congregation should impart to younger Christians.

Finally, Galatians 4:2 gives fathers permission to appoint tutors and governors in their children’s lives to assist in instruction and education.

God has blessed these simple but powerful principles at Lancaster Baptist. In ministry to young people, we focus on faith-building, Bible teaching and training. Student ministry isn’t about entertainment. It’s about meat—content—prepared, delivered, and applied to young lives, just as the Apostle Paul did by addressing different age groups and life-contexts in his letters. (See Ephesians 5 and 6.)

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.” Titus 2:1-6

A Biblical Student Ministry

The contemporary church has missed the mark in modern student ministry, and the statistics prove it. And movements that are “anti-student ministry” or “anti-local church” are also missing the mark. Biblical student ministry is all of the things above, but it is first and foremost about the Bible!

Somewhere over the past few decades, many churches began to believe that young people couldn’t be serious about faith or truly interested in a personal relationship with Christ. This errant assumption led to a “dumb it down” mentality—an attempt to sort of sneak up on kids with spiritual things by masking it in fun and flippancy. The false assumption was that “Christ is not attractive enough, so we need to make the faith attractive by making it entertaining or humorous.”

Don’t misunderstand me. We have lots of fun with our young people. We laugh—that’s biblical. We enjoy and rejoice in the faith and with each other—that’s biblical. We love living life for Christ—that’s biblical. But we have never felt a need to mask the sober things of Scripture or the doctrines of God’s Word with the “icing” of the world. We don’t lower God to their level. We would rather, by His grace and Word, lift them into His presence.

Guess what?! They get it! They understand the truth. They appreciate it. And more importantly, they fall in love with God—not merely with a program or an entertaining activity. And when they grow older, when they out-grow juvenility, they won’t out-grow their Saviour.

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13

A Personal Mentoring Commitment

Developing faith in young lives at our church has never been merely a group proposition. It has always been a personal, relational process. In addition to our group teaching times, it has always been about an older man or an older woman from within the church family investing into a younger man or younger woman spiritually. This happens in coffee shops, McDonalds booths, and living rooms every week all across our city. And this personal ministry gives the public teaching context an even greater depth and effectiveness.

When I read or hear of someone questioning the validity of youth ministry, or when I hear someone say, “Youth ministry or age-based ministry isn’t in the Bible…” I wonder how young Timothy would feel about that. Long before he was a pastor or a minister in training, he was a lost youth without a Christian father, who was reached and discipled by the Apostle Paul.

In ministry to children, youth, or young adults, we can’t take the parent’s place in training the child, but thanks to local church and biblical principles, we can stand united with them—striving together for the faith in young lives. Parents should never hand off the baton of faith-training. But there’s certainly nothing wrong with being in the same boat (the local church) together and grabbing an oar!

I challenge you—parents, pastors, youth workers, children’s workers, and local church family—stand united in fighting for the next generation. God’s pattern—the local church and the family laboring together to build faith in young lives—still works, if we will commit to it!

“…that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;” Philippians 1:27

INFO

Each Parent Meeting I try to include 3 major points: Information, Vision, and Encouragement. The past meeting was the last we’ll have this year, and we wanted to communicate as clearly and as early as possible, particularly on a few cost-related activities we are coming up on.

Parent, please expect the following activities in the coming months:

• Oct. 21 – Bonfire at Pastor’s house. $0, but they will be bringing something TBA (snack, drink?)
• Nov. 3-4 – WCBC College Days. $45 (or so) for Jrs. and Srs.
• Dec. 4 – $60 downpayment due for Youth Winter Rendezvous (Jan. 5-7)
• Dec. 10 – Christmas Party. Gift and snack TBA
• Jan. 5-7 – Youth Winter Rendezvous. $135
• Jan. 9-13 – Church Planting Conference at Heartland Baptist Bible College, OKC. $400 (giving from TOF Home Missions Fund – our weekly offerings.)
• Feb. 18 – Preaching Rally. $5

VISION

Bible Study Series. The teens have the spirit to grow and learn, but it seems they are at the point that they do not know where to turn next. Every time they are challenged to read God’s Word it is convicting, but when they go to do it, it seems like God’s Word is hard to understand. We want so badly for them to make it as productive Christians, and that will ONLY come from hearing from God through His Word. If you say you love God but don’t keep His commandments you’re a liar! Wow! Strong language! But thankfully, I’m not the one saying it… God is in 1 John.

I’ve challenged teens in another post  to take hold of the Christian’s tools… books. Parents, consider spending about $40 to help you and your teen grow in God’s Word. These recommendations are a good start to Bible study, and can only help as your fervency and hunger for Biblical knowledge grows.

Outreach Program. We’re a few weeks out still from launching a new outreach program, and I’m very excited about trying to capture some of the guests that God has brought to our class. We desire 100% involvement, and hopefully these teens will be sanctified Christians and WANT to be involved… hopefully we’ll have a waiting list of people who simply want to serve God by reaching out to guests through texts, emails, postcards, visits and more. Thank God for the spirit that is growing in the teens… we pray we can spread it to everyone else as well!

ENCOURAGEMENT

Finally, I wanted to encourage the parents in a simple thought: Pray with your teen.

Especially after a week like we just came through with Bro. Beckum, we ALL at least realize the importance of prayer… how about putting it into practice?

Every time I’ve had a chance to pray with one of the guys I’ve absolutely loved it. I love praying one on one with guys making commitments, guys getting ready to preach, or guys who need help. It’s not only encouraging to hear them pour their hearts out to God and see a part of them that you might not have otherwise seen, but it’s also enlightening! You get to see part of their heart; you get to hear their burdens and feel their spiritual desires. You catch a glimpse of what they’re thinking… which is FAR more than we sometimes give them credit for! “Teens are so shallow these days!” someone says. No they’re NOT! Pray with them sometime, and you’ll see some depth that you’ve never sensed before.

This encouragement is based not on my experience or expertise but on a couple things: 1) last week’s prayer revival and 2) the recommendation of other youth pastors who have raised teens and have seen God work by following this exact model. I say that lest you think, “Bro. Ryan, you don’t have a clue! You’re not a parent, let alone a parent of a teen.”

No I’m not. But I know what the Bible says about prayer, and I know what other men who are parents of teens have said, and I know it’s possible. At least consider it, parent. It can only help, right?

Consistency and constancy will push you past the awkward stage of it and eventually bud into a deeper relationship with your child. Who wouldn’t want that?!

Have a great week!

RR

I gave the spiritual part yesterday. Now enjoy some of the fun pictures we showed at church last week, or click here for tons more!

CBC Slides-Large from Calvary Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Enjoy!

July 18, 2011

DEAR PARENTS,

Camp is just around the corner, and we wanted to give you some last-minute information. If you have any questions on anything listed below, please give my wife or me a call as soon as possible. Most importantly, please be in prayer for God’s moving and direction in your child(ren). For your information:

$__________.___ is still owed for ___________________________

SCHEDULE

Sun. July 24      am service        Camp payment due (a table will be set up at church)

Mon. July 25    7:45 – 8am      Arrive at church, load bus (31087 Nicolas Rd. Temecula)

8:30am                        Leave for camp (one stop on the way)

Sat. July 30      12:30pm          Parents pick up kids at church (one stop on the way home.

Leaving camp at 9:30am)

Sun. July 31      10:00am          Sunday school

5:30pm                        Meet at church to practice song (Jr. High and Sr. High campers)

6:00pm            “Camp Echoes” – Teen Camp testimonies

after service      Final TOF Afterglow – With a challenge from Pastor Rench

CAMP NOTES

• Please bring clothes, bedding, pillow, toiletries, towels, Bible (KJV to follow along with the preacher. Bro. Ryan will give you one free if you do not have one), and spending money.
• Please do not bring cell phones or any electronics. More items are listed on the enclosed brochure.
• Luggage. Please try to limit luggage to one large and one small bag per camper.
• T-Shirts. Each TOF camper will receive a t-shirt on Monday morning at camp (already included in camp cost). We will take group photos on Thursday in our respective camps (Jr. High and Sr. High) in our blue TOF t-shirts, so please keep them clean until then.
• Saturday. Final day of camp: have your stuff packed and in its place (will be announced at camp) before breakfast.

DRESS CODE

Whether or not the camp requires and enforces the dress code for the other campers, our church wants to be a good testimony and “step up” wherever possible.

Please see the enclosed brochure for more details on dress code.

Men

• Morning. Shorts and t-shirts are okay for all morning activities.
• Swimming. T-shirts must be worn to/from the lake but are not required to swim.
• Evening. Please wear khakis (no jeans, please), and a tucked-in collared shirt to dinner and evening services.
• Thursday. Blue TOF t-shirt for picture.

Ladies

• Morning. Shorts touching the knee, loose-fitting pants or capris are allowed for all morning activities.
• Swimming. Clothing must be worn over swimsuits going to/from the lake. Please see brochure or ask a camp counselor for guidelines on swimming clothes.
• Evening. Please wear knee-length (at least) skirts or dresses to dinner and evening services.
• General. (from brochure): Slits must not come above the knee. Tank tops, tight shirts, clothing with low necklines in front or back, or styles leaving the midriff bare should not be worn. (Sleeveless shirts are allowed.)
• Thursday. Blue TOF t-shirt for picture.

PRAYER

Every week I try to write a note in our announcement sheets for class, and a few weeks ago I gave them a prayer list. My desire is that they arrive at camp already open to what God has for them, and that they allow God to work on their hearts from day one. I included the note and the prayer list below:

     Last Tuesday I visited a camp, and it made me REALLY want to be at our camp… I cannot wait till July 25!

Begin praying now for camp. God WILL work despite your hard heart, but just imagine what He could do with a heart that is wide open already! Don’t make Him break through a hard shell of sin for three days before the messages really start to affect you at camp… make a choice now to be in on the very first service.

You know how that will happen? Prayer. Pray for God to work on your heart. Pray that He does something He’s never done with you before. Pray that He leads you in your teen years. Here are a dozen things you could pray for every day between now and camp:

1. Cleanse me of sin. (Read Psalm 51)
2. Challenge me to be and do more for Christ.
3. Help me fall in love with the Bible and preaching.
4. Help me deepen my relationship with my parents.
5. Lead Bro. Samms.
6. Lead the camp staff.
7. Lead my counselor.
8. Show me how I can be a blessing to my cabin-mates.
9. Lead Bro. Ryan and Mrs. Jamie.
10. Help me be accountable.
11. Give us safety.
12. I love you.

When you pray, God moves. On the bus trip up to camp I’m going to ask you what you prayed for leading up to camp, and I hope you can immediately raise your hands and spout something off. I pray for you often and really want you to grow. Do right. Love God. Pray for others.

—Bro. Ryan

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Bro. Ryan Rench, youth pastor –  ryan.rench@cbctemecula.com
• Mrs. Jamie Rench –  jamie.rench@cbctemecula.com
• Bro. Ken Baker, youth assistant
• Mrs. Gina Baker

The afterglows that the Teens of Faith have been doing have been great times of fellowship… not to mention fun! Through the summer we’re going to different homes after Sunday night services and spending time playing together, and it’s a time to practice outreach, build friendships, and make memories. It’s a simple but fun tool to encourage the families of our church, and we’ve enjoyed the families who’ve hosted us and the parents who’ve joined in our fun.

Below you’ll find a few silly pictures from when we went to the Bakers’ house. What a treat to have a professional photographer on board at all times…

DATE: This Friday, July 8

TIME: 6:30 pm

COST: $5/person, $25/family

Start in the Fellowship Hall for a potato-bar meal and end the night in the auditorium as the Teens of Faith perform silly skits. Proceeds will go toward their camp Ironwood costs.