Faith Talk Help!

How do we keep our students faithful? Part 2

The idea of youth ministry seen in scripture is two fold: home and village. This can be supported by examining Deuteronomy 6:4-6 and Luke 2:41-52. The passage in Deuteronomy, Moses is encouraging all of Israel. Therefore, his words are to the individual family with children and all of Israel and their responsibility to her youth. Further, many times Joseph and Mary obtain a bad reputation for not knowing that Jesus was in the temple while they were already one day down the rode. However, scripture enlightens us by informing us of the custom of the day that families travel in groups and looked out for each other. 
     Last week we examined the idea of how to help raise faithful children from an individual family stand point. This week I want to share six helps from Growing Young by Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Brad Griffin in order to aid us in raising faithful children on a congregational level.

1. Unlock keychain leadership - Empower others to lead. Begin with small leadership opportunities and then build up. Empower young people to be leaders.
2. Empathize with today's young people - Share compassion with youth, attempt to walk in their shoes rather than sharing what our shoes are or were like.
3. Take Jesus' message seriously - Model a Jesus-centered life rather than a formulaic gospel life of do's and don't's.
3. Fuel a warm community - Foster warm peer and intergenerational relationships. This begins by stepping out of our comfort zone first and talking with young people. 
5. Prioritize young people and families everywhere - look for creative ways to tangibly support, resource, and involve the youth and families in all areas of the congregation's ministries.
6. Be the best neighbor - Enable young people to neighbor well locally and globally. This works best when they are taught by example and mentorship. 

This Wednesday night, look for one way to empower or equip a young person, and watch what God will do. Will you pray for the youth of Bartlett Woods with me today?

May God bless you today!

Parent Encouragement 

1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
    his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
    let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
    and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
    and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
    and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
    and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
    around those who fear him, and delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
    for those who fear him have no lack!

This Week at a glance.

July 22 – MNM (Monday Night Madness) • Golf - N - Games – meet there at 6:30; pick up @ 9 – cost $12

July 23 – Pray N Play –Guys meet at the building; 10:00 - Noon

July 23 – Soaking Up The Son – Girls meet at Stacy Turner’s; 10:00 - Noon

July 25 - TNT, 4-5:30 pm, location TBD

July 26 - Service Day beginning at 8 am at BWCOC

August 17 – Digital Parenting Seminar; all parents encouraged to attend; lunch provided