In I Corinthians 9:24-25 Paul writes, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."

With these words in mind, and with a desire to minister more effectively to teens, I have started a new program for 2007-2008 called "Initiative 70." The goal of this program is to encourage those teens with a heart for service to Jesus by rewarding them with recognition and special privileges. We also want to create an atmosphere of positive peer pressure that will encourage those teens that are on the fringe to be more involved.

This year’s program promotes the following initiatives: Sunday School Attendance, Youth Night Attendance, Scripture Memorization & Recitation, Youth Activity Attendance, Visitors, and Youth Service. The goal is for the youth to complete 70 initiatives every month for 7 months (September - March). Points are assigned to each of these 7 categories.

The church will provide the winners (top 3 boys and top 3 girls) with transportation and conference fees for the Hyles-Anderson Christian College Youth Conference in July, 2008. The conference theme for 2008 is "Training You To Do The Hard Thing." Activities include sports competitions (boys), singing competitions (boys & girls), exciting speakers and skits. (Other eligible youth may also attend the conference.)

These are simply a ministry tools to help teens make the next step spiritually. If you have any questions regarding this program, please feel free to contact me.

For further information, please read our Youth Ministriy Position Statement.

In Christ,
Pastor Marty
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Additional Resources: Youth Activity Dress and Conduct Standards