By Phyllis Fox
The 2008 NACC Teen Convention renewed my hope in God”s promise to “send more workers to the harvest field” as the students in our churches pursue his call for their lives. Here are five reasons why the NACC and our fellowship of churches should be pleased to continue their investment in our students and those who are called to lead them:
“¢ Teens want and need to be challenged. On Wednesday night of the convention, the young people heard the message that God”s call isn”t just a career choice but a lifestyle. Following him will take us out of comfort zones into danger zones requiring courage and abiding faith. Forty-five students stood among the crowd of their peers in the worship area to indicate their willingness to follow God wherever he leads them.
“¢ Ministry to teens deserves serious discussions. This was the second year for the “Imagining Tomorrow”s Youth Ministry” panel discussion. Moderated by Curtis Booher, the panel included folks with two to 20-plus years of student ministry experience. While these discussions could have lasted for many hours, it”s obvious many Christian leaders sense the changes occurring in youth ministry and the need for fresh direction.
“¢ Teens need to be encouraged. This year, we began something new, the Student Leader in Christian Service recognition. Three young people were recognized for their servant-leadership in their churches, schools, and communities (see p. 13). I can”t imagine a better way to help teens realize their potential kingdom impact than by seeing their peers being excellent examples of servant-leadership.
“¢ Teens need to embrace the church. On the closing night we were challenged to become a “dangerous church,” Christians united to be the light and salt of the world. Teens were asked to stand together and grab hands. Seeing the students, most of them strangers by name but united in Christ, reminds us teens need a place where they can realize they are part of the larger community of believers.
The students who attend have great potential to become the leaders of our churches. Many teens are the children of ministers and other church leaders. Their ties to the church are strong and the likelihood of them following in the footsteps of their parents is high.
Look at the recipients of the Student Leader in Christian Service recognition. Two of the honored students were children of senior ministers. All three have a keen interest in vocational ministry.
“¢ Teens need a connecting place. The Teen Convention offered challenging learning opportunities with main sessions and workshops. In between main sessions and workshops, teens could connect with one another in the activity area.
The exhibit floor provided the students an opportunity to interact with representatives from all of our Christian colleges. (Parents: This is a much cheaper alternative than trying to visit so many schools!) It was a fun and safe place to make new friends and discover the available choices for their future.
You”ll never beat the price of the Teen Convention program. There is no other convention or conference where students can gather for $10 per day or $25 for three days.
It”s important that we help our teens realize they are a vital part of the body of Christ. We need them to feel the responsibility of preparing for future leadership in our churches. The challenge is to discover what would make the NACC Teen Convention a destination event for youth ministers and students.
For one night in 2009 and for all three nights in 2010, the teens will join the adults in the evening sessions. I believe it is critical to recognize, encourage, and prepare the students for the mantle that will soon pass to them. From my perspective, the NACC is a worthwhile investment of our time and energy to provide a connecting place for them.
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Phyllis Fox is director of Youth in Ministry, a partnership of Milligan College and Emmanuel School of Religion, Johnson City, Tennessee.
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