Reaching the Rural Teen

(This post was written as a comment on http://crossroadsfarm.org/blogs/no-one-wants-this-type-of-ministry/)


I would agree with the "get saved act like a beleiver" direction. I believe that is a Biblical concept. Now the process doesn't happen overnight, repentence is a life long daily action, not a one time deal. The problem I have seen within the local church is that we have spent a ridiculas amount of hours trying to train goats to act like sheep. It is the same for "church kids" or "outreach kids" I have heard it so many times I can't count.


"O well we know little Johnny is saved he said the prayer at VBS when he was 5, I was there and now that he is a teenager he is just going through a time of rebellion."

Ask "little Johnny" if he is saved you will recieve a harty YES, ask him what that means, and what he is saved from he will look at you with a blank stare or spout off some "christianeese" that he heard from the pastor.

Have we forgotten about Regeneration? Do we not understand the old has gone, the new has come? What does it take to reach teens? The same thing as it takes to reach adults. What the Scripture teaches. Preach the gospel! Use the law as a school master to lead them to Christ. Show their depravity, reveal their wickedness. Once they are humbled, and broken then and only then once the soil has been plowed plant the seed of grace and mercy, and show Jesus Christ.

Your absolutly right about making the mistake that everyone who attends Crossroads is a Christian. We make the same mistake assuming everyone who attends church is saved. Withoug going into a mini sermon on false conversions, let's just say there are a lot weeds among the wheat, a lot of goats among the sheep. It is time to stop teaching the goats to act like a sheep then getting frustated when they turn their back on the church and walk away. After all if they have gone out from us, they were not of us to begin with.

O that God would raise up a generation of true believers. The fancy brick buildings filled with false believers that we call "the church" are far to worried about living their best life know, and becoming a better them, then they are about preaching the truth! "Here are three helpful points to live life, and here are 5 tips to deal with difficulty", and bla bla bla. How about confess, repent and believe in Christ to SAVE you from the wrath of Almighty God!

We have this idea that the "church" is failing today. Let us make no mistake about this, that there is ONE church and it is not failing at all! The Church of Jesus Christ is a beautiful bride preparing herself for her groom. The church is preaching the Gospel, removing themselves from wickedness, walking in the light, obeying the commands, fellowshiping with beleivers, bearing good fruit and bringing glory to the Father.

Taking a new convert and placing them in 99% of American "churches" is like feeding a lamb to the wolves. But fear not, because the shepherd is good, faithful, and powerfull. And He who begins a good work, will finish it.

"Churches" truly don't want the the teens they claim to want, but they also don't want the God they claim to love.

It's So Simple, Isn't it?

For about the last week my oldest son Truman has decided that he is a "Super Hero"  He runs through the house wearing his Super Suit yelling "T-Man to the rescue!" He has even came up with his own theme song that changes frequently but goes something like this "He's T-Man, he's a big guy, yeah he's a big guy, he's T-Man, he can rescue anything, he's got the power,  he's got the pooooweeerrrrr!!!!!!" Trust me if you could see the dance that goes along with it you would be falling out off your chair right now.

The greatest thing about T-Man is just ask him where he gets his power from.  With both hands in the air and as loud as he can he will respond "GOD!!!!!!!"  Isn't that great.  A super hero, with the power to rescue anything and he get's his power from God. 

There is so much truth packed into these simple words from a four year old that I don't know where to begin to unravel it all.  It has been rather convicting for myself as I have thought about these words.  "How come my four year old get's it, and I at 29 continue to try to draw the power to rescue from myself?" 

I have been in a variety of roles in church leadership.  From Deacon, to Trustee, various commitee's, Youth Pastor, Chrisian Education Pastor and as I review the vast majority of my efforts I am alarmed at the discovery.  I have sat through endless brainstorming meetings, planning meetings, confrences and retreats focused on how to build a program, or grow a church.  Methods, techinques, how to relate, how to be relevant, and on and on. I have focused the majority of my "career" on man made ideas desinged to win and whoo people into some kind of religious commitment to Jesus Christ, (to rescue them).

Where does the power to resuce from? God, Who has the power to save? God.  Where do all these man made ideas about relevance, and method come from? There is so much focus how to do "church", and we have all kinds of ideas about what it takes to be succesful.  But what does the Bible say?  Can anyone tell me where Paul wrote to any of the early churches and gave them a list of methods and techniques?  Is the book of Acts filled with how to be culturally relevant?  Did Paul write Timothy, a young preaher and say what you really need is a more exciting kids program on Wednesday night?  Did Jesus, in any of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation say anything about programs, outreach events, confrences.

I will tell you with great confidence the answer to all these questions is no.  Instead we read warnings of false teachers moving into the church, the need to preach the Word, and Jesus' last word to the church was repent.

Is God not soveriegn? Is His providence not perfect?  Are not all our answes about how to "do church" found in God's Word?  Where are we drawing our power to rescue from?  God or Man?

I feel I am rambling so I will finish with this thought.  We can learn a valuable lesson from a four year old super hero  named "T-Man"  The power to rescue everything comes from God and God alone. Let's take the glory off of our own efforts, and return the Glory to God.

Things are Getting Kind of Blurry.

I have spent my afternoon preparing the first lesson in a new series I will start teaching Sunday Night.  Through my studies I came across a very simple statement, simple and direct.   It is in William Evens book titled What Every Christian Should Believe.  Mr Evens says this "Philosophy and science never have nor never can save a soul"

Isn't that great!   I never have been a huge fan of science.  Dissecting a frog in High school was pretty cool, but really as a whole science, not my thing.  I took Philosophy in college and loved it.  I would have to read the chapter in the book over and over to try to get it, but I loved wrestling with the "deep thinkers" of history and trying to disprove their silly ideas.

Science and philosophy are not as a whole "bad"  However they both can take our eyes off of what is actually important.  Where should our eyes be focused?  Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (ESV)

I have spent countless hours debating philosophical issues trying to convert a lost sinner to no success.  I have reasoned science with many athiest and agnostics, elequently showing the logic of Scripture, trying to win souls with no success.  The message that should constantly be our focus is the Gospel. 

Not the prosperity gospel, or some messed up version of our own gospel, but the gospel of Jesus Christ!  The Truth that we are hopeless sinners in need of a Savior.  The Truth that it is God's law that shows us our utter depravity.  The Truth that Jesus Christ was the substitutionary atonement on the cross for us, and absorbed the full wrath of God so that we could be made right in the eyes of a Holy God!  The Truth that if we die without the Savior, we face the wrath of God for all eternity in a literal hell.  The Truth that if we put our trust in Jesus, and repent we will be saved from eternal punishment.  THE GOSPEL!

I would like to encourage you today to stay focused.  Stay focused on the gospel.  Philosophy and science may do some good things, but they have never nor will they ever save a soul.

O the "Joys" of Birthdays

Yes today I turn another year older.  Hard to believe because this morning I woke up the same way I do every morning, over weight, tired, sore ankle, sore knee, and a sore back.  As I looked in the mirror I saw the same double chin staring back at me that stared at me yesterday.  Truly I feel no wiser, smarter or adult, then I did last week.

B-days are kind of a funny thing.  For my wife, her birthday is a grand celebration.  A month long celebration actually.  Cake, ice cream and a house full of balloons, and streamers, and my dog wearing a Barbie party hat.  She loves it!  And although she is several years older then me (just wanted to point that out) on her B-day she has the joy and excitement of a child.  It is truly a joy for me to do all I can to make her special day even more special.

However for me, my B-day is just kind of another Tuesday.  And really that is kinda of how I like it.  For me, my B-day is filled with mixed thoughts that bring me to high peeks of joy, and deep valleys of regrets.  One thought is "wow, what happened to life?" and the other thought, "Man life is so much better then I ever imagined it!"

As I start my last year in the glorious 20's I am reminded of my childhood thoughts of fortune, fame, and a booming career with the Detroit Pistons.  I was going to have it all, superstar status, and a pocket full of cash.   The reality however is as different as black and white.

Instead of the fame and fortune of the NBA, I have the fame of an Associate Pastor, and the salary to match.  As I look in my wallet, I see nothing green, only a bunch of recites showing where the green went.  My mansion is a 3 bedroom farm house, built in the dark ages, my Corvette is a Pontiac G3 (yes it is a real car).  And I was sure by this point in life, I would have it all figured out, and I would be an "adult."

But really, life truly is better then I could ever have pictured it!  I have been married to my high school girlfriend for 10 years, and she is still the love of my life!  I have the two greatest boys in the world, whose smiles and laughs are worth more than any amount of cash.  As I woke up this morning to my youngest (Justice) who is 7 months old, pulling on my ear trying to eat it no doubt, and my oldest (Truman) who is 3 giving me a big wet, "cheek fart" and driving his bony elbows into my side, I thought, "this is the life." 

I doubt I will ever feel "grown up," and I cannot get back the wasted 28 years of my life however if it never get's better then this I will die a happy man.  Thank you God, for knowing what I need, better then what I do!

A Unique Taste

Question for ya, what do chicken nuggets, peanut butter, and shredded cheddar cheese have in common?  The answer, dinner with my 6 year old nephew.  I had heard rumors about this bizarre taste, but could not believe it  until I experienced it for myself last night.  It didn't take long and I had to taste this fine cuisine for myself.  As I chewed up my chicken nugget, covered in peanut butter and sprinkled in cheese my nephew Connor's grin grew from ear to ear.  Through his teethy grin, his words were of pure delight.  "Yeah you like that don't you Uncle Travis, you are going to go home at tell Aunt Jenny that you ate something delicious tonight"

This great night brought me to a part of my memory that I had all but forgotten.  A time in my life where such creations were an everyday experience.  I recall eating peanut butter and catchup sandwiches, and a pickle juice popsicle.  Looking back nothing sounds more disgusting, but there was a day  when I would dive into some concoction that I was sure would be the next greatest taste, and no one could tell me otherwise.

For Conner the peanut butter, cheesy chicken nuggets were great all by themselves, but where his passion really was, was not to just enjoy them by himself but to share this delicacy with someone else, and win a convert to this unique taste.

For many of us who claim to be followers of Christ we have lost this desire.  Psalm 34:8a says"Taste and see that the Lord is good" and we have done that.  We have seen His blessings, His comfort, His provision, and most importantly the salvation that He has provided, however we have become content to keep these treasures to ourselves.

Maybe it is because we have tried to share it, but have been told no by to many people.  We have become discouraged, and have given up.  Or maybe we think it just sound to crazy and no one else would believe us when we speak to how good God is.  Or maybe we have been tasting for so long, we have allowed the sweetness of God to become as bland and tasteless as a rice cake.

My thought for the day is let us remember the great taste of God, that we once enjoyed and savored each precious bite.  Let us become passionate again to share His goodness with everyone we meet.  Let us not become weary when others think we are crazy, when others are not convinced of His goodness.  Let us go today, and tell someone "that we have tasted something so delicious" then offer them a bite.

Just a Follow Up.

I would like to thank you for the thoughts I received after yesterday's post.  Great stuff.  I do however sense a little confusion.  In  no way am I saying we should do away with the church, or am I speaking down to the church.  I believe the church has been established by God for His purpose, and my only thought is to stay in constant evaluation of the actions of today's church to ensure we are truly doing all we can to be most successful at fulfilling God's purpose.

Sometimes when God brings a thought to your mind it pushes you to great lengths.  It can cause a shift in personal philosophy and ideas drawing you closer to God and His will.  Some because you realize you were wrong about some stuff, others because you realize you were right.  My goal is to maintain within the boundaries of God's Holy Word, (since His Word never changes) and do all I can to reach the lost. 

I would like to specifically respond to the comment I received which was stated as follows "as what you knew as fact yesterday, you question today."  May we not forget that Saul of Tarsus believed he was doing all he could to serve God, by destroying the name of Jesus.  It was only after the Holy Spirit opened his eyes that he saw the opposite to be true.  He went on to be the number one church planting missionary of all time (the Apostle Paul).  What he knew yesterday to be fact, he questioned today.  May we never believe we have it all figured out, and that we have all the answers. 

God is living and active in our lives, His word is living and active in our lives if we read it.  I do not believe it is wrong to question anything, it is the questions that drive us to deepen our relationships, and stay true to the Word.  Let us as Believers constantly strive to understand the will of God, and wrestle with His ways which are high above our ways.

On a much lighter note, I aim to lighten things up tomorrow on "Then They Will Know."  Not that I oppose or shy away from deep theological thoughts, but I just feel like it!  So for now I say farewell, and focus on the Savior!

I hope to see you in church

What an interesting day it has been.  Many discussions on a variety of topics, with a variety of view points that have left a jumble of thoughts bouncing around my somewhat hollow head.  Today I would like to lay something on you, that I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and insights. 

I have mentioned this before and will bring it up many more times in the future.  I am surrounded in youth ministry.  Jr. and Sr. High youth and how to better reach them with the message of salvation is a passion in my life.  Through this passion it has placed me in a culture that I really don't understand, and in many meetings with other in my shoes who understand as little as I. 

There are many views, ideas and strategies about how to "plug youth into the local church."  This is the topic of so many of my conversations, that I could wright a book simply titled "We Don't Really Have a Clue"   You see everyone says they want to get teens into church, but what they really mean is they want to get teens into their church. 

I have been wrestling with this idea of what church is, and what it is supposed to be.  There is a ridiculously large population of teens that have only set foot in church when their dad got married for the third time, or grandpa died.  We have a tendency to sit in our cozy religious buildings waiting for these youth who have no knowledge of God and no desire for God to come strolling in our doors and fill our pews with an active "youth program."

Every so often an organization rises up with the goal of reaching the lost with the saving message of the cross, a desire to mentor and disciple teens, and train them to live out their belief's through their actions.   All of a sudden it is grab the pitch fork and torches to go slay the beast that is "stealing" the teens from our churches!

My thought for today is simple, and allow me to phrase it as a question.  What and who is the "church?"  Is it not the body of Christ?  So if an organization is reaching the lost, and making disciples, isn't it part of the church?  And if it is part of the church, how in the world are they "stealing" youth from the church?

Let me encourage you to wrestle with this as I have been. Let me warn you it just may push us to where we are no longer comfortable, but I think it is worth some long hours pondering, and seeking out the Holy Spirit's guidance.  Is "the Church" our individual local churches, or is it the the Body of Christ as a whole?  And if it is the body as a whole, how far are you willing to go to grow "the Church?"