This past summer I was the "interim youth pastor." As we anxiously (not sure if I was more anxious or the students) waited for the arrival of our new youth guy -- i was the shepherd of our young people. Its been nearly 20 years since being a youth pastor and that whole generation has greatly changed. They are much more savvy, more aware of things and life. They know so much more than the kids I was youth pastor to -- they know more but still have a level of immaturity. All in all, I asked myself -- "so what do I do with them?"
We challenged them!! We put out an old fashion challenge that included attendance to youth activities and classes. They had to serve for four hours somewhere. They were expected to invite a friend to youth group and experience one element of evangelism....inviting! And finally they were expected to memorize an entire chapter of the Bible -- 2 Peter 1. During youth group on Wednesday night -- I preached through the text, but they were asked to memorize it.
Amazingly some 13 completed the challenge and were rewarded with a fully paid trip into New York city...Staten island ferry ride, Ground Zero, Canyon of Heroes walk, bus ride, subway ride, walk up fifth avenue, Rockefeller Center, St. Pats and trump tower!!! And lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe -- what a day!
Sunday morning a number of the students stood before the church and recited the chapter -- how powerful that was! The fact is this generation may seem more sophisticated and mature in many ways, but a simple challenge and memorizing God's Word still can effect students and produce life change!