A monthly message from Fred Lynch. Fred is the founder of GodStyle Productions, a ministry committed to changing youth culture. For more information on Fred, visit his website or check out his latest project, The Epic (the gospel of John translated into rap).
April 2007
When you look at history, we all agree that many of the great revivals and movements were sparked by young people who gave their all to a cause and activated a social 'avalanche' of involvement from their peers. We've seen it over and over from the birthing of the youth ministry movements of the 40's - 50's (like Youth for Christ & Young Life) to the birth of the Rock & Roll movement of the 50's - 60's; or look at the civil rights movement of the 60's to the abolishment of Apartheid in the 80's (seemed like nothing happened in the 70's but disco). My point is that whether it's the forces of good or evil, we all know that if you want to change the direction of culture you have to target the adolescents of that generation (just study Hitler). This is another reason that we have the coolest vocation under heaven! We are privileged to partner with God in sparking a revival in the hearts of the most explosive people group in culture: teenagers!
When you look at the big picture, teenagers are actually out-working adults when it comes to acts of service.
I asked my students over the last 4 weeks what they thought was the most significant movement among teens right now and they gave me a very interesting answer. After much small group and public presentation time (I had them group together, talk about it and then present their findings to the whole group) the general consensus was this: Right now God is moving upon the hearts of teens in the area of service and passion. More than ever teens want to get out of being selfish and begin to serve God through serving people in their world. I know...I asked myself, "And what happened to my youth group?" But I think that once again a child has led us. As we get closer to summer vacation, and many of you may be in spring vacation right now I'd like to encourage you to consider some ways that you can get teens involved in acts of service for the sake of the Kingdom.
M.U.D. Reality (Here's What's Up)
Looking back at history again, the Church has always thrived when it was about the business of serving those around her. Even in the most hostile times, when we find ourselves being the ones who pick up the broken pieces of society and loving the downtrodden we find the Church thriving. On the contrary, it hasn't been when we've owned more land than the non-churched or had more political power than the unbeliever, but it's been when we owned God's heart for people or had the moral/spiritual power to stand with those who couldn't stand for themselves is when we've seen the Church in it's best days. Here's what's up:
*Acts of service are essential for getting teens to experience true transcendence*
M.U.D. Battle (Here's Why)
There is a movement of volunteerism among youth today that is steadily rising. Although it may seem like most teens are by nature self-centered and more concerned with their own circle of friendships, likes and preferences, recent studies also show that when you look at the big picture, teenagers are actually out-working adults when it comes to acts of service. A study done by the Corporation for National and Community Service showed that 55% of teens do volunteer work. That is more than double the rate of adults, and translates into 1.3 billion hours of service! With that type of momentum we could see a revival of servanthood among teenagers that would rival the great movements of the past. William Booth and the Salvation Army began with the same intention back in 1865 (the year Lincoln freed the slaves). God was dealing with a group of people who would preach the gospel and help the poor. Well, just look at what God has done through the powerful and beautiful story of the Salvation Army, and you can get a glimpse of what could be for 2007! The time is now: teens are ready to serve, so let's get them in place to do so in Jesus' name and see our communities transformed.
M.U.D. Tip (Here's How)
There are so many great ministries that assist in coordinating and facilitating groups to serve. I'd like to give you a couple places to check out online.
Those are just a few off the top, but you can search in your own city for ministry organizations who are looking for volunteers or better yet, even go to the non-churched organizations (if your teens are on that level for the purpose of outreach/service) and give a helping hand in the name of Christ.
Besides finding those who do acts of service full time, you can always just do it yourself as a youth ministry. One of the greatest things that we saw during the Katrina tragedy was how Churches from all over decided to leap into action and didn't wait for the traditional red tape of the government to help those who were in need right then. It was once again a shining hour. Well let's learn from that and find an immediate need around us and fill it. It doesn't take long to find people with serious needs around us.
Be encouraged as you get your teens ready for to make a difference through service!
FREDDIE FREEBIE:
I have a cool PDF download that I'd like to share with you this month. My quote on the amount of teens volunteering was taken from a study conducted by the Corporation for National & Community Service. The report was done in 2005, but it is still relevant and has some great ideas and information to motivate both parents and teens to get involved in serving. Please go and check it out. The study is called Youth Helping America. I hope you enjoy it.
Sharing the gospel from 'Street to Street',
Fred Lynch III
GodStyle Productions
Fred Lynch is the founder of GodStyle Productions, a ministry committed to changing youth culture. For more information on Fred, visit his website or check out his latest project, The Epic (the gospel of John translated into rap).
