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What Do We Offer To Young People? While giving platelets at the Red Cross a woman asked me, "What programs do you all have for children?" You may have been asked the same question as parents consider where to attend to worship and learn about God. What should our answer be? We could explain that we do not have a "youth program" for the "young people." At the Westside church of Christ, we do not have a recreational director to schedule entertainment, nor do we have a gym, or ball teams. I dare say most who ask the question are thinking along those lines. Our "youth program" is different. First, it involves the parents of the "youth." We have Bible Classes dedicated to studying the word of God where Mom and Dad can learn how to be Christians, better spouses and parents. Second, we have Bible Classes aimed at teaching the Bible to the "young people." Very young classes may color and draw "Bible pictures" while they are learning their Bible lessons. As they grow older, they will learn much more about the Bible. In fact, you could say our "youth program" is totally dedicated to teaching the young people the Word of God. Third, our worship services are a part of our "youth program." We do not separate them from their parents during worship. They are encouraged to sing, along with their parents, songs of praise to God. They will observe Christians who remember the Lord's death each Sunday when they partake of the Lord's Supper. Young people are encouraged to take notes and turn to Bible passages during the sermons. They also learn about praying and giving during this time. Parents can teach their children the importance of worshipping God and paying attention. Eventually those young people learn that Bible Classes and Worship Services are not times to play and eat, but to learn about God. As they grow and obey the Gospel, we teach them more about serving God. Those young men who have obeyed the Gospel may lead us in prayer, serve the Lord’s Supper, read scriptures to the congregation and even lead us in singing. Sermons on topics such as dating, marriage, modesty, and drugs may be preached. While these are not just for our young people, they do pertain to them. Sometimes our families get together and plan special events for the young people. We understand the need for them to get together and have fun. This goes back to teaching parents their obligations to their children. You may say our "youth program" is one of the most comprehensive around. We address their spiritual needs and let the home take care of their physical, social, and spiritual needs. If you are looking for a "youth program", we hope you will come and worship with us. If you know somebody with young children, invite them to our Bible Classes. -- Dennis Tucker
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