Generation Youth Church

Christian Life Fellowship, Aberdeen WA.

Why we do what we do!

The Church in America has all but lost the up and coming generation. Why? They haven’t been wise in keeping up with the times. Amy and I are under the conviction that the message that we preach is sacred. The method that we preach it in is not. Now more than ever, we need to present the truth to a lost and dying world, while simultaneously encouraging the teenagers that already believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is no easy task. It is a challenge that we are meeting with boldness and creativity.

1 Cor 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; :21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do you dim the lights and use colored lights in the Youth Service?

I dim the lights down only to create an atmosphere of intimacy for worship, and to concentrate the attention on the gospel message being presented. I use colored lights to create images and texture as to attract the younger crowd to listen. I have seen over and over that when the lights are lower the teens worship without reserve. They feel as thought no one is looking at them. I never make it pitch black in the services unless we are doing a special effect for a drama or presentation. There is enough light in the sanctuary for the teens to read their bible and to take notes on the sermon.

Why do you have the music louder than the adult service?

The reason we turn the music up is to provide an atmosphere for kids to enter into worship. We are competing against the world here, and if you have ever been to a secular concert you will know that we are not nearly as loud as that! The more the music fills the sanctuary, the more the kids enter into worship as they lose themselves in the moment. It is also a cultural thing. Today the youth like their music loud, who knows about tomorrow! I am also of the persuasion that we should make a LOUD and REJOICING sound to God! Psalm 150.

Why do you use modern music to worship with?

I feel that we need to reach people in the language they understand. This is accomplished much like a missionary learning the language of foreign people. By using contemporary music in our worship we connect with teens right off the bat. They understand it and are already immersed in the music of today. I believe that music is a tool that can be used for good or bad. In the hands of a person sold out to Jesus, music can help someone get closer to God. In the hands of a person not serving God, music can be a devastating force in a person’s life. There is no satanic note on the musical scale, and no style that the Bible says is wrong. Music is simply music. It was made to worship the Lord with. We use music to help teens get closer to Jesus Christ.

Why do you use videos, illustrations and skits in your service?

This generation is a media generation. Whether we like it or not, the generation that we are ministering to has grown up with video, music, Internet and more. They are accustom to being information fed every few seconds. I am trying to reach them by doing what I have seen Jesus do in the Bible. He used the method of the time to get their attention and then delivered a message. When Jesus spoke to the crowds he talked in terminology that they were used to, when he fed the 5000 he met their carnal needs, and then their spiritual needs. When he healed the sick, he got the townspeople’s attention. I am trying to do the same thing with the tools available today.

Why do you emphasize so much altar time in your services?

I believe that God can speak to teenager’s right where they are. The reason I emphasize the altar is so that the teens have a place of identification with a touch from the Holy Spirit. The altar is also a place we have designated for personal prayer and time with God. I teach that the altar can be in their bedroom as long as their heart is connecting with Jesus.

Why do you have a food night every other week?

Kids love to eat. We have found that if you can give something to eat they will sit and talk with our leaders. Fellowship can be a great place for ministry. I emphasize to our leaders that this is a great time for them to connect with a teen. It doesn’t cost very much, so every other week we try and provide a snack.

Why do you use teenagers on your youth leader team?

Peer to peer ministry is the most effective thing I have ever witnessed. I am getting older, and from my point of view teens are better at reaching teens than I am! They know what makes each other tick! Plus, a teen who has been changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a powerful witness to their peers. I treat the teens like adults, they are sometimes more serious about serving God than their parents! By using teenagers to lead it creates ownership of the Youth Church. It is a good thing all around. It teaches them responsibility and trains them to be leaders in the church when they are old enough.

Why do you take an offering in Youth Church?

It’s scriptural! Teenagers have lots of money. It amazes me how much they can spend. We teach our little ones to give in Sunday School, we ask our adults to tithe, but why then do we shy away from taking offering from teenagers? I take an offering every Wednesday night for our TV ministry and the daily running of GYC. I teach the kids to give to our church their tithe and then make and offering to GYC.

Why do you have the kids take notes during service?

It is proven that taking notes helps them retain much more of what is taught, plus, it gets them to pay attention to my sermon! It also gives them something to take home with them.

Why do you take kids on Mission trips?

Because Jesus said to go into all the world! Teenagers are adaptable, ply-able and willing to go the extra mile! They are changed forever when they have to earn the money, train for hardship and then give up part of their summer. Mission trips are one of the best things in youth ministry. Kids see people getting saved in a land that they have never been. Mission trips create leaders.

Why do you involve kids in community service projects?

I am a firm believe that in order to serve abroad one must be able to serve in their own home and community. Being a light to the world doesn’t mean preaching at them. It means loving them enough to do the stuff that most won’t. I encourage my teens to be involved in their schools and community. If there are needs for large groups to help, we are first to volunteer!