Total Devotion - Starting The Group

[Glitch801]

I'm Troy, while I'm only 16, I'll be 17 in July.Some people automatically think, why would this kid be leading a Youth Group? Others may be open to the idea. Permit me a moment to explain myself. I've dealt too much with that - God has given me the gift of spiritual discernment in many areas - answers questions such as, Where did God Come From (The Linear time - he is not bound by it, therefore there is not beginning or end explanation), What about Dinosaurs, The fact that the Floodwater from the Great Flood did not come from rain but underwater springs and the water vapor canopy - and the long science and biblical evidences behind it, proving creationism, among MANY other things - I have studied for a long time, I don't claim to know even 1% of what there is to know. But I'm learning.

Point is, I woke up 4-5 Weeks ago with the thought to start a Youth Group. I tried to get away from it, but God kept pressing it on my heart. To those who say a "regular teen" cannot lead a Group - I am not a "regular teen." I do not drink, have never smoked, done drugs, had sex, the like. Yes, I've sworn. And no, I don't anymore. I'm no where near perfect - but I'm not like most teens in school. God has given me not only insight but has told me to teach the teens in my small area (theres about 20-25 kids interested so far), I plan on witnessing and saving the lost the way Jesus did - by using the Ten Commandments. The Way of The Master with Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron has helped me out a lot in that area.

At any rate, my Youth Group, titled "TOTAL DEVOTION," was to begin this Sunday, but due to the weather being snow/rain, I have had to cancel it. This is due to the fact that I am unable to procure a building at the current moment, for use, but only a Pavilion in the Public Park. I live in a very small community - one resturant, no police, a fire-department, K-12 School, Post-Office, and one convenience store. I plan on going to college to be a pastor, I've been discussing this with my Guidance Counselor, who is a Christian, and I believe this is where to start.

I guess what I'm asking is this: Yes, I already have several lessons, tentative to change, lined up. Notes and all. Music including Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Sanctus Real, Third Day, Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, etc. I could use suggestions on topics, ideas for creative things to do - keep in mind that I'm only 16, unable to get work with my current situation (Mom/Dad split, take care of brother), but will this summer - and I don't have any money=no budget. My Dad said he would buy me a white-board and my Church, Believer's Chapel, will help with Bibles, other than that, this is independent. I need ideas, and I could certainly use prayers, and any other suggestions you may have. If you have something that you don't want to post publically, please feel free to Message me - I would be very greatful. Thanks for taking the time to read this drawn-out question/story, God Bless, and Take Care.

 

[Keithrils]

I can offer you one of my own written curriculum. It's twelve weeks long but pretty basic. Other than that, get a good curriculum bible if you don't have a budget.

 

[beforHim]

First off, never again justify yourself like this. "I'm not like most kids in school"- bleh! Even when this follows, and is followed by, an admission to your being a sinner, it's way too close to justifying yourself rather than saying you were called. Like God told Cain, if sin is crouching at your door (this sin "in the form" of selfjustification), be careful, it'll master you! Paul never said, "I don't sin as much as other guys", but bragged on the authority given him by Christ. We don't need to know how "good" you are (as Paul ever said how "good" he was to the Cornthians), but if you've been called (as Paul told the Corinthians). You youth group should hear it this way as well.




So why not just start a youth group with your church? No kids? Well, if God is behind this, then you'll probably get kids, and if so, they can come to your church sometimes. Having a good church to back you is good. Extra adults when needed, sound advice from pastors and other mature christian adults, budgest support, etc.

As far as "curicullum" goes, first off you need sound training in theology. If you follow curriculum to a tee, you'll be pretty much just saying what they say and who knows, it might be askew. And if you only know a "little" theology (and studying science+Bible doesn't help much with "pure theology"), then whenever you run into places in the curicullum were you disagree with the theology, then you'll get all confused.




OK, so once you've killed your self justification, and once you've mastered sound theology enought to spot and correct askewed theology on the spot (clearly and concisely), then I'd say you're one step closer to being a youth pastor. I'll be praying for you. I'm always overjoyed whenever a "newbie" youth pastor shows up.

 

[Glitch801]

I can offer you one of my own written curriculum. It's twelve weeks long but pretty basic. Other than that, get a good curriculum bible if you don't have a budget.

I would very much appreciate this. My pastor, my former pastor, my parents, friends, and others have helped me prepare the messages God has placed on my heart. I am unsure as how I would obtain the curriculum, but we can discuss that in Private Messages if you wish. Thanks

 

[Glitch801]

First off, never again justify yourself like this. "I'm not like most kids in school"- bleh! Even when this follows, and is followed by, an admission to your being a sinner, it's way too close to justifying yourself rather than saying you were called. Like God told Cain, if sin is crouching at your door (this sin "in the form" of selfjustification), be careful, it'll master you! Paul never said, "I don't sin as much as other guys", but bragged on the authority given him by Christ. We don't need to know how "good" you are (as Paul ever said how "good" he was to the Cornthians), but if you've been called (as Paul told the Corinthians). You youth group should hear it this way as well.




So why not just start a youth group with your church? No kids? Well, if God is behind this, then you'll probably get kids, and if so, they can come to your church sometimes. Having a good church to back you is good. Extra adults when needed, sound advice from pastors and other mature christian adults, budgest support, etc.

As far as "curicullum" goes, first off you need sound training in theology. If you follow curriculum to a tee, you'll be pretty much just saying what they say and who knows, it might be askew. And if you only know a "little" theology (and studying science+Bible doesn't help much with "pure theology"), then whenever you run into places in the curicullum were you disagree with the theology, then you'll get all confused.




OK, so once you've killed your self justification, and once you've mastered sound theology enought to spot and correct askewed theology on the spot (clearly and concisely), then I'd say you're one step closer to being a youth pastor. I'll be praying for you. I'm always overjoyed whenever a "newbie" youth pastor shows up.

Now let me begin by saying something I normally don't say. Just because I didn't spell out my entire life story or word things correctly, doesn't mean that I'm a self-centered prick. The ONLY point I was trying to make in saying "I'm not like most kids" - is referring to My Local Area. My school only has about 400-500 kids. It's a K-12 school.

I've been through enough to know that. Perhaps I should have given guidelines for my post. But let me tell you why I said it that way, since It obviously came across wrong. I said this because EVERY OTHER Adult I've gone to has shunned me away, saying that, "Oh, he's too young, oh, you're just like every other kid, I'm sure you drink, smoke, curse, do drugs all the time." That's what my school is know for. I'm sorry I started off that way, but every other time I couldn't get my point across. I am sorry that I tried to make it appear as if I was standing out in the crowd - my life in centered around Christ, nothing else. If you ask anyone that I've talked to about My Youth Group, I've told them the story of exactly HOW I was called. If chose not to share that story on here. I told when I was called, but It began with my Mother a little before I turned One. Perhaps I can talk about this another time.

I am 100% a sinner. I was in no way trying to justify myself. All I was trying was a different approach instead of being shunned just because of my age. That was all. I've broken God's Commandments - I use his commandments themselves to make people realize that none of us are truly good, and without Jesus, there is no salvation.

Sorry if that sounded unsensitive, I guess I've just heard that too many times from people. =[

Moving on. The reason I don't start one at church - is because we already have one. It's called Breakaway. I'm speak there sometimes. The leader, Joe, who is in his later twenties, has helped immensley with the preparation, brothers. He is a blessing sent from God himself. Joe is hoping to regularly attend Total Devotion, to hear what the Holy Spirirt has to say through me, just as I go to hear what The Holy Spirit says through Joe.

I've gotten support from all of my pastors, from my Church Families, (including former Church families), from my family, from my friends, and so on. I've been taught and am continuing "training" with certain pastors, websites, curriculums, and other things.

I've also just began a website, a Blog called "The Truth." I urge you to send this to people, my friends. The messages do not come from me but from he who works in and through me, just as he does in you

I thank you for all your kind words and criticisms, I will be certain not to "justify" myself in that manner. That was simply so that it would help whoever posted back understand where I was "coming from." I apologize. =]

Take Care, God Bless, I look forward to continuing this thread with you and others, so that I may not only help my Youth Group, but better my walk with Christ. Thanks Guys

 

[beforHim]

I've been through enough to know that. Perhaps I should have given guidelines for my post. But let me tell you why I said it that way, since It obviously came across wrong. I said this because EVERY OTHER Adult I've gone to has shunned me away, saying that, "Oh, he's too young, oh, you're just like every other kid, I'm sure you drink, smoke, curse, do drugs all the time." That's what my school is know for. I'm sorry I started off that way, but every other time I couldn't get my point across.

(sorry, this is sort of long)

I get exactly what you're saying. I've been in the same situations before, multiple times. And what have I learned? Again, never justify yourself this way. I promise I understand why you said what you said- I understand because you elaborated, but mostly because I've been there as well. <- - - - that's me (and you) being there




But you can't, I repeat can't justify yourself this way. You must justify yourself like the apostles do: they claim to have been given authority from Christ, and that's their justification. When they were not listened to, they did not start saying, "But wait, I'm not like those other Christians", or "No, I promise, I don't comit adultery or steal- I'm a sinner but not that bad of a sinner". No, they either ignored the criticisms and the people who dismissed them off right- because they knew Christ had called them; or else they did "signs and wonders" to prove themselves. Since miracles are VERY far and few in days like today, the "signs and wonders" we must do is to teach sound doctrine, be dependable, always be in a helpful and joyful mood, pray a ton and read scriptures a ton, avoid gossip like the plague, speak out when necessary, etc. Eventually people will start to notice these "signs and wonders", and either a)they will accept you, or b)they will keep dismissing you, but you know you're innocent before God (Jesus told His disiples to shake the dust fromn the feet", and Paul would "shake the dust out of his clothes"- when people refused repeatedly to listen to the message and accept their authority and Christ as the All-in-all).

OK, I'm guessing you got all that. From the way you replied to my post- you explained yourself, you apologized in case you were in the wrong and agreed to think it over, and you didn't reply rudely or angrily (sorry if I sound angry- I'm not, just very serious)- from these things, I can tell you are full of wisdom and stature. As Paul said to the Thesselonians, keep striving, keep going.






Now, for the technical stuff. This is just a question, I'm not trying to "be all serious" right now: why do you want to start yet another youth group? Why wouldn't you want to strengthen the one that already exists? Doesn't multiple groups just create more division? Or is it more like the New Testament were they have many Churches for an area (for reasons of travel, secrecy, and in general they fellowshipped with who they knew, no need to make some huge group to go to and then hang out wth friends later). Like I said, just curious.

Also, it's totally awesome you have backing from other pastors. Wise, mature Christian adults can be some of your BEST resources. And for a ghood amount of internet resources on youth ministry (and Christianity in general) go to my website, home (beforhim) It's very sloppy and plain, but there are links to TONS of websites. Hopefully this will help with your God given eneavour.

Remember, don't go to the lengths of having to justoify yourself by saying, "But I'm NOT like them!". When people accuse you of this, or mention it, either ignore it and walk past or else just conversate with genera conversation- your "signs and wonders"- your active faith, active god deeds- they will show themselves, and will prove your Christ given authority.

 

[Glitch801]

(sorry, this is sort of long)

I get exactly what you're saying. I've been in the same situations before, multiple times. And what have I learned? Again, never justify yourself this way. I promise I understand why you said what you said- I understand because you elaborated, but mostly because I've been there as well. <- - - - that's me (and you) being there




But you can't, I repeat can't justify yourself this way. You must justify yourself like the apostles do: they claim to have been given authority from Christ, and that's their justification. When they were not listened to, they did not start saying, "But wait, I'm not like those other Christians", or "No, I promise, I don't comit adultery or steal- I'm a sinner but not that bad of a sinner". No, they either ignored the criticisms and the people who dismissed them off right- because they knew Christ had called them; or else they did "signs and wonders" to prove themselves. Since miracles are VERY far and few in days like today, the "signs and wonders" we must do is to teach sound doctrine, be dependable, always be in a helpful and joyful mood, pray a ton and read scriptures a ton, avoid gossip like the plague, speak out when necessary, etc. Eventually people will start to notice these "signs and wonders", and either a)they will accept you, or b)they will keep dismissing you, but you know you're innocent before God (Jesus told His disiples to shake the dust fromn the feet", and Paul would "shake the dust out of his clothes"- when people refused repeatedly to listen to the message and accept their authority and Christ as the All-in-all).

OK, I'm guessing you got all that. From the way you replied to my post- you explained yourself, you apologized in case you were in the wrong and agreed to think it over, and you didn't reply rudely or angrily (sorry if I sound angry- I'm not, just very serious)- from these things, I can tell you are full of wisdom and stature. As Paul said to the Thesselonians, keep striving, keep going.






Now, for the technical stuff. This is just a question, I'm not trying to "be all serious" right now: why do you want to start yet another youth group? Why wouldn't you want to strengthen the one that already exists? Doesn't multiple groups just create more division? Or is it more like the New Testament were they have many Churches for an area (for reasons of travel, secrecy, and in general they fellowshipped with who they knew, no need to make some huge group to go to and then hang out wth friends later). Like I said, just curious.

Also, it's totally awesome you have backing from other pastors. Wise, mature Christian adults can be some of your BEST resources. And for a ghood amount of internet resources on youth ministry (and Christianity in general) go to my website, home (beforhim) It's very sloppy and plain, but there are links to TONS of websites. Hopefully this will help with your God given eneavour.

Remember, don't go to the lengths of having to justoify yourself by saying, "But I'm NOT like them!". When people accuse you of this, or mention it, either ignore it and walk past or else just conversate with genera conversation- your "signs and wonders"- your active faith, active god deeds- they will show themselves, and will prove your Christ given authority.

Amen Thank you for that. No worries, you didn't sound angry at any point - I was hoping I didn't sound that way. I will admit that self-justification is an issue, and I certainly try not to do it, but you've already covered what I would have said about it. It's something we certainly should try NOT to do.

As for having a separate group from Joe's group, "Breakaway," my Church is a little ways away from where I live. In other words, Joe has his group that he teaches, and he and I teach in... tandem I think is the word for it? He has messages that God has given him to share, and I urge my group to go to his, and I visit his, he visits mine and urges his group to go to mine. Division among the Followers of Christ is certainly a major issue. Certainly not something I'm trying to do.

The main reason is this: Joe and I have tried to merge our groups, but the timing and locations of each do not work - we would lose a lot of people by merging. Because of locations - Total Devotion is a local group, where mostly teens from my small community gather, it is more of a study and insight into God's word. I am trying to work with Joe on doing joint projects, however. We do not want to keep fellow believers separate.

For the time being, my major ministry (aside from Total Devotion) is my nightly blog, The Truth. If you find the time, please read it yourself, I will visit your site, it certainly sounds helpful. I'm trying to cover a myriad of subjects people have asked me about backing up my answers with research and scripture. Some of it sounds outlandish to some, but when you look at what Scripture says, I find it to be true. Anyways, please check out my blog, and if you find it to be noteworthy, pass it along to whomever you think could use it, or read it rather.

God Bless, my Brother in Christ =] Hope to be talking to you.

 

[Glitch801]

Hmm. Sorry about that, I suppose I already mentioned the blog in the previous post. Well, at any rate, thank you for everything my friend, I certainly have things to work on - and work with.

 

[heymikey80]

I think it's great that you'd like to lead a group.

Um, you'll be exposed to pressure on all sides. Don't let it get you down: know that Christ had the same kinds of pressures, you're following Him.

You part of a church? If you are, what's their take on you leading a group? If not, what are the prospects for working with a church? This kind of foundation is capable of helping you, not hurt your ministry. Christ Jesus started the church. He has reasons for you being a part of His church.

Going it alone is something of an issue. You will run into situations where there are people who will best you at debate. It'll just happen. Check out on YouTube -- Comfort & Cameron are not always winners at debate. You'll need an environment that's open enough to entertain non-Christian ideas, but enough of an advocate to permit Christian ideas a fair hearing.

And unless you've been in debate team for years, you'll run into plenty of situations where it's hard to answer. And you'll be dogged personally by your own doubts as well.

Having a mentor at that point will be absolutely critical. We're not cowboy Christians out here -- we need people who can help guide and grow us, and who will have time & opportunity to do so.

If you want ideas for activities or subjects, we've got 'em.

-> Find if your town has homeless support shelters or day gatherings. Your police can probably tell you where, or your church may already be serving them. Go down there and ask the leader if you can arrange to help or coordinate donations for them. Just talking with homeless people can open your eyes and turn on lights in darkness & fear of how other people live.
-> Got campsites? Anyone in your group like to camp, or have a tent? Consider what it'd take to camp out -- food, a place for necessaries, lights if you're going to study, a tent. It might be some dollars, depending whether or not you have farm owners who'll let you camp. Churches may help with such small expenses.
-> I'm in the middle of a half dozen books, but "Do Hard Things" comes to mind. TheRebelution.com also comes to mind. You might try joining there and asking. As I'm ... over their age limits, have no kids, and don't want to create an exception for my own situation as an elder for youth, I don't know what you'll find. The book's good though.
-> the Navigators and Campus Crusade both have basic curricula.
-> Beware obsessing on apologetics (defense of the reality of Christianity) and neglecting devotion (growing in Christian faith, Christian walk).

 

[beforHim]

[QUOTE="Glitch801]Division among the Followers of Christ is certainly a major issue. Certainly not something I'm trying to do.

The main reason is this: Joe and I have tried to merge our groups, but the timing and locations of each do not work - we would lose a lot of people by merging. Because of locations - Total Devotion is a local group, where mostly teens from my small community gather, it is more of a study and insight into God's word. I am trying to work with Joe on doing joint projects, however. We do not want to keep fellow believers separate.
[/QUOTE]
Dude, awesome. Location can be a hinderance. The more people brought to and lead by Christ, the better.

 

[Glitch801]

I think it's great that you'd like to lead a group.

Um, you'll be exposed to pressure on all sides. Don't let it get you down: know that Christ had the same kinds of pressures, you're following Him.

You part of a church? If you are, what's their take on you leading a group? If not, what are the prospects for working with a church? This kind of foundation is capable of helping you, not hurt your ministry. Christ Jesus started the church. He has reasons for you being a part of His church.

Going it alone is something of an issue. You will run into situations where there are people who will best you at debate. It'll just happen. Check out on YouTube -- Comfort & Cameron are not always winners at debate. You'll need an environment that's open enough to entertain non-Christian ideas, but enough of an advocate to permit Christian ideas a fair hearing.

And unless you've been in debate team for years, you'll run into plenty of situations where it's hard to answer. And you'll be dogged personally by your own doubts as well.

Having a mentor at that point will be absolutely critical. We're not cowboy Christians out here -- we need people who can help guide and grow us, and who will have time & opportunity to do so.

If you want ideas for activities or subjects, we've got 'em.

-> Find if your town has homeless support shelters or day gatherings. Your police can probably tell you where, or your church may already be serving them. Go down there and ask the leader if you can arrange to help or coordinate donations for them. Just talking with homeless people can open your eyes and turn on lights in darkness & fear of how other people live.
-> Got campsites? Anyone in your group like to camp, or have a tent? Consider what it'd take to camp out -- food, a place for necessaries, lights if you're going to study, a tent. It might be some dollars, depending whether or not you have farm owners who'll let you camp. Churches may help with such small expenses.
-> I'm in the middle of a half dozen books, but "Do Hard Things" comes to mind. TheRebelution.com also comes to mind. You might try joining there and asking. As I'm ... over their age limits, have no kids, and don't want to create an exception for my own situation as an elder for youth, I don't know what you'll find. The book's good though.
-> the Navigators and Campus Crusade both have basic curricula.
-> Beware obsessing on apologetics (defense of the reality of Christianity) and neglecting devotion (growing in Christian faith, Christian walk).

My church is thrilled that I am starting a Youth Group, which begins this Sunday. They've provided me with a lot of materials and Bibles to help out. A few of my pastors will be attending. I've been in several debates, both in school and out of school. Thank you for your kind words my friend, I will remember what you have told me and build upon that.

As for losing debates - yes, it is certainly a hard thing at times. And while I don't give up easily, not arguing but presenting facts and scripture, I've come to the realization that it's up to us to plant the seed. It's up to God to water it. If it's also our job to harvest what has been planted, then by God's Grace, let it be so.

I will never cease to learn, study, and try my best. While I'm only 16, I believe I'm where Jesus wants me to be - and I will do what I can with what he has given me Thanks Friends!

 

[laconicstudent]

My advice is to please stay away from arguing about science unless you can actually cite studies that back up your position.