THE CHRISTIAN
YOUTH
Get Involved!
by Kendra Boone
Youth are the future, the next generation, and the soon-to-be
leaders of the church. We can all say we've heard it because it
seems like everyone has said it: parents, teens, and teachers. If
that's the case, what are we, the youth of today, doing about it?
How are we readying ourselves to fill the shoes of those before
us? Do we even recognize this as our responsibility?
Along with others from my peer group, I am a member of the
National Council Youth Board. When discussing what we'd like to
see change, we all voiced the need for greater involvement from
the youth. We need to see all of our youth participating in
specials, leading worship and classes, making a conscious effort
to be involved. The Youth Board decided to use a theme for the
2006-2007 year: "Getting involved in the church." We agree that
this matter is important to the future church, not to mention
that following Christ demands that we act. And if we do not act,
won't we end up like the blind that Christ refers to in Matthew
15:14?
"...They be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the
blind, both shall fall into the ditch."
Why am I speaking of this now? What better time than the present!
If there's a change to be made, why not make it now?
In the past several months, I have been asked to do things in my
home church. Some were things I wouldn't necessarily have
volunteered for. Nothing extraordinary, mind you; things like
reading the Scripture, ushering, playing a special. Tasks that
may have seemed minor at the time, but looking back, I can see
the worth of these simple acts. I'm more comfortable up front and
more willing to help. I can see that it is "my" church, too,
andthat I have an important part to play. The youth in my church
lead worship once a month. Through that, I've become more willing
to serve, to fill-in, to get up front. I'm growing through my
experiences.
"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have
not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members of one another. Having then gifts differing
according to the grace that is given to us..."
(Romans 12:4-6a).
So, youth, are you involved? Are you ready to practice now, so
that you can lead with experience tomorrow? Experience is the
great teacher. Get involved! Become a reliable person that can be
counted on in your church. This is my challenge to you. Over the
next year, prepare now for the future work that you will continue
to do for the Lord.
Kendra Boone was a senior in high school and was on both her local
and the National Council youth boards.
Taken from ACTS magazine - February 2007
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