Love ‘em and Tell ‘em the Truth – Tales of a Youth Leader.

I’ve had the privilege and blessing of leading three distinct youth groups in my life so far. I was going to write a few lines on that topic and specifically the title  - and then, as it often does,  it got a little longer....

The first – Prince George Gospel Chapel Youth.  My home church ( although I grew up in Valemount, 3 hours away) .   It was a small church made up of a tight knit group of believers and a proportionately large group of kids who were entering their teen yeas. 

I’m not sure I had thought of being a youth leader  "per se" before then , but I was asked if I would do it and the love in my heart for the role immediately grew.  I had actually , initially,  felt the call to be some type of Bible counselor  - but I soon realized that being a church youth leader is very much like being a Bible / Life counselor. 

I was only about 19 but with the guidance of the elders I took it on.  The group was made up of mainly “lifers”  - in other words kids who grew up in Christian homes and claimed Christianity  since a young age.  Sometimes "lifers" are misjudged. People figure they are from good Christian homes so they'll be fine.  While it is a tremendous blessing to have good parents, i can personally attest that it does not exempt you from the pitfalls of life - these kids need as much care as anyone. ( For more on "lifers" you may want to read When I understood grace... or at least began to  )

I loved ( and continue to love) these kids dearly. Today they are either somewhere in their careers, university grads, married  - and some have kids older than my own!  We had great memories and, although I know I was young and inexperienced and was not always the perfect youth leader , I trust God used those years to bless them and grow His Kingdom.

The second – threecrosses youth group, Valemount, BC.  After finishing my diploma at the College of New Caledonia  and living in Denver, Colorado for a year,  I went about to find a job.  I ended up back in my very small hometown of Valemount .  I worked at the new and beautiful Holiday Inn and , remembering  how hard it was to grow up in a small isolated town myself, I wanted to reach out to those who were experiencing that now.

This was a decidedly different group of kids – most of them “unchurched” as they say.  A bit edgier and decidedly into Hip Hop culture ( despite their lack of melanin ;) .   Family backgrounds were different ,  the size of the town was different , it was all different – but it was awesome.

I came up with the name “threecrosses” from the story in Luke where Jesus hung between two thieves – one mocked Him, the other recognized His innocence and Almighty power masked behind the humility of this human form. The question I posed to those youth was – “Which thief are you?” .   

I was fortunate enough to come across some incredible Christian Hip Hop music ( specifically a young group of men from Philadelphia called “Crossmovement” ) and that, combined with pop culture references from movies and music etc I did my best to teach them the over all story of the Bible or as we called it  “God’s Drama”.  My poor parents graciously opened their house once a week to this horde of teenagers - after mom put away the breakables.

We went on basketball trips, played town wide games, and finally went to a Crossmovement concert live in downtown Vancouver.  So many memories, so many good times and like the group before – so many lessons learned from the youth themselves. 

I, along with a local Pastor ( shout out to Pastor Ted! ) , had the honour of baptizing 4 kids in the pool of the Holiday Inn that year. 

Something else very special happened that year as well – I met ( or re-met) my future wife , Sherry .  We were both from Valeount but being 6 ears apart didn’t really know each other growing up ( probably a good thing ;) .  But now Sherry was all grown up and was on a Drama Team travelling through the area raising awareness of the persecuted church overseas. I asked if they would do their performance for the youth group… and the rest is history. Sherry came alongside me as a youth leader ( and a role model for the girls) and tirelessly prepared for and cleaned up after all the events.

The third – Grace Bible Church Youth.  Sherry and I were now married ( having 3 young men from threecrosses and one from Prince George as our Ushers ) and living in Vernon, BC.  We began attending a church that ended up being Grace Bible Church – which was to me a large church ( 200 + or so). 

I had had significant health issues recently with depression, anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and I didn’t know if I would ever lead a youth group again.  In time, God made such a thing possible and I entered into yet another type of youth group leadership. This group was from a larger church, some went to Christian school and their were many other fun and exciting youth groups in the area. It could be said I went from “unchurched” to “overchurched” - if there is such a thing.

As Sherry and I slowly learned the dynamics of the youth, we began a Sunday night Bible study.  Their was not usually a ton of kids but they were a great and tight group.  I learned , both through my personal weakness and some years of experience I guess, to let the kids be more involved in the discussion of the life lessons we were hoping to teach.

We became a sort of youth “care group” where we were challenged in our faith, learned how to defend it in a postmodern world , discussed personal issues we were facing and then prayed for each other and others. 

Many fun events were had as well – but I think these Sunday night are what I treasure most.  

Though these were three very distinct youth groups, there was a common motto lived by through out them.  “Love ‘em and tell ‘em the truth”. 

I had heard this phrase from a preacher as he was recalling a youth leader he meant once. The man in question was middle aged, a bit over weight and balding and the preacher wondered why the kids were so drawn to him – after all he didn’t fit the typical profile of a church youth leader / pastor. You know the one – Young, athletic, good looking,  outgoing and really really amped about everything… probably a surfer or a star basketball player... maybe a rock star.

This , of course , is the only type of person the kids ould relate to right?  Unfortunately this was the thinking of many a church back then. 

So when the preacher asked him what his secret was – why the kids came out to his youth groups so much and seemed to love them , and him , so much - the man said “All I know is you gotta love ‘em and tell ‘em the truth”. 

And apparently that worked. Apparently it still does . Some folks nowadays say we don’t need youth groups, that they ‘ve become just a big entertainment production with no substance. I’m sure there are some out there like that – but we must not throw the baby out with the bathwater, or in this case – the teenager.

I’m a big believer that all ages should be intermingled in a church and learn from each other. But there is no question to me, that teenagers, like children in Sunday School, married couples  or seniors, need a special place for them.

Adolescence is a complicated and confusing maze, filled with change and often pain. Its struggling to find an identity – and there are many sellers of identities out there.  We need to help them find their identity in Christ.

There is nothing wrong with some entertainment or fun – it just needs to be combined with the substance of Gods Word,  deepening interpersonal relationships, prayer and going out to further the Kingdom of God.

So now I have just stepped down from this last youth group – but not from the lives of the kids. I think ( and hope) that I will always have a heart’s desire to help the young person struggling to find an identity, wanting to be loved and accepted for who they are and challenged in who they can become.  I thinks its important for all of us to have a heart to be a father of the fatherless or a mother to the motherless as the case may be.

Its also important of course not to burn ourselves out as leaders.  I was taught that no matter our age, we should all have 3 types of people in our lives  - a mentor, a peer and a disciple ( a younger person you can be a role model and help to).

You see this in the case of the Apostle Paul, who was mentored by Gamaliel, had a deep brotherly love and friendship with people like Barnabas and Silas and who also was a great mentor to a new generation of leaders like Timothy and Titus.

So I have now been blessed with a beautiful daughter and I am focusing not as much on other people's kids – but now my own. 


I think that this principle of love and truth will work well in parenting too and I know one thing for sure – as my daughter ages I hope she has positive role models in her life, people who aren’t her parents but who love her and teach her to love God.


If God used me, my wife and fellow leaders and other leaders to do this in  someone's life - then it was for His glory , by His grace - and it was motivated out of His deep love for us personally.

We’ll see what the next chapter brings!

Eph 4:15

but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ..

The Glorious Impossible

See the Virgin is delivered

In a cold and crowded stall

Mirror of the Father's glory

Lies beside her in the straw

He is Mercy's incarnation

Marvel at this miracle!

For the Virgin gently holds

The Glorious Impossible

Love has come to walk on water

Turn the water into wine

Touch the leper, bless the children

Love both human and divine

Praise the wisdom of the Father

Who has spoken through His Son

Speaking still, He calls us to

The Glorious Impossible

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Glorious Impossible

He was bruised for our transgressions

And He bears eternal scars

He was raised for our salvation

And His righteousness is ours

Praise, oh praise Him, praise the glory

Of this lavish grace so full

Lift your souls now and receive the

Glorious Impossible!

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Glorious Impossible

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Glorious Impossible

Glorious Impossible

Praise, oh praise Him, praise the glory

Of this lavish grace so full

Lift your souls now and receive

The Glorious Impossible

Glory, Hallelujah

Glory, Hallelujah

Glory, Hallelujah

Glory, Hallelujah

Glory, Hallelujah

Glory, Hallelujah

Glory, Hallelujah 

Gaither Vocal Band

Is Canada a Socialist Country?

So I’ve been getting tired of some our southern neighbours continually referring to Canada as a “Socialist” country…. always leaving the hint that that is a very bad thing.

I’m not a political scientist but I wanted to look up the definition of some of these terms we throw around like “socialism”, “communism” and “capitalism”. 

Below are the definitions as found in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary. You may read through them now  or refer back to them as we discuss some of the terms below.

Socialism

1 : any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods

2

a : a system of society or group living in which there is no private property

b : a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state

3 : a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done

Marxist Communism

Capitalized

a : a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

b : a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production

c : a final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably

Capitalism

: an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market

a way of organizing an economy so that the things that are used to make and transport products (such as land, oil, factories, ships, etc.) are owned by individual people and companies rather than by the government 

Looking at the definition of Socialism, Canada does not fit it very well – we indeed have private property , freedom of choice ext.. However, if you are using the term  “socialism” to mean caring for the poor, the weak, the marginalized, those in need generally – then we plead guilty!

Every government, including the U.S.A. has some form of this “socialism”. It only makes sense to help your own people. 

I don’t mean to wade into heated debates and I certainly do not mean to offend any of my American friends ( whom I love dearly) but I think the words we are using need some definition.

Canada is obviously not a communist country ( as some snide comments seem to suggest).  Canada is not even very “socialistic” compared to some of the European democracies such as Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands.

(Note: Wikipedia describes Canada as having a mixed economy - Mixed economy is an economic system in which both the state and private sector direct the economy, reflecting characteristics of both market economies and planned economies.^[1] Most mixed economies can be described as market economies with strong regulatory oversight, in addition to having a variety of government-sponsored aspects)

Canada is a parliamentary democracy with capitalism and a free market but also with an incredible health care and welfare system.

Is that system perfect?  No.

Does that system ever get taken advantage of? O yes.

But I thank God for it all the time.

For the fact that my friend whose daughter was born premature didn’t have to go bankrupt. (This friend is of  flag waving American heritage but admitted his deep appreciation for our health care system)

For my own family. For though I struggle daily with a mental illness and cannot work full time, I can still work part time and my wife can take an entire year off work to be with our newborn ( whose birth did not cost us thousands of dollars in hospital fees ).

I am deeply grateful to God and country for these things.  This is not about putting down any other countries ( including the U.S. who has been a massive supporter of Canada and without whom we would not be where we are) – its simply saying  let’s stop with the governmental extremism and work together a bit more.

Comprise, primarily, is not adjusting one’s principles, but adjusting one’s attitude.

On another note, a lot of people from the left and right like to quote Scripture in this regard – so lets take a look at that.

Both Jesus and the Biblical authors speak much on caring for the poor, the widows and orphans, the weak,  the sick, those in prison and  the “feeble minded”

( i.e. Mat 25:36, Luke 4:18, James 1:27)

Also in the book of Acts it speaks of the early church laying aside selfish gain and greed and “having all things common”.  (Acts 2, 5)

Please note this is hardly Marxist communism, with ruthless dictators and forced giving up of goods. This is voluntary. It is love in action. And I suppose for this broken world it is a bit too Utopian.

However The Bible also speaks firmly about personal responsibility.

As usual people can quote the Bible picking out only the verses they want to hear,  or they can do a wholehearted search of it, balancing one passage with another to see what this Book actually teaches in all its CONTEXT.

A perfect example on this topic ,  I find, are the 1^st and 2^nd  books of Thessalonians.

1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
1Th 5:15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

Or as the less literal NLT puts it:

1Th 5:14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
1Th 5:15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

Further on we read:

2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

2Th 3:11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

2Th 3:12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

In the end, my personal belief is that all human beings are created in the Image of God and are therefore of invaluable worth and should be treated as such.

It is also my opinion ( and it seems to be the consensus of most actual professionals) that the best and healthiest long term way to help a human being is to treat with both compassion AND accountability.

Athanasius - On the Incarnation

Athanasius was 4^th century scholar  and early Church Father. This is a short but powerful and insightful passage from his work "On the Incarnation"  …

When God the Almighty was making mankind through His own Word, He perceived that they, owing to the limitation of their nature, could not of themselves have any knowledge of their Artificer, the Incorporeal and Uncreated. He took pity on them, therefore, and did not leave them destitute of the knowledge of Himself, lest their very existence should prove purposeless.

For of what use is existence to the creature if it cannot know its Maker? How could men be reasonable beings if they had no knowledge of the Word and Reason of the Father, through Whom they had received their being? They would be no better than the beasts, had they no knowledge save of earthly things; and why should God have made them at all, if He had not intended them to know Him? But, in fact, the good God has given them a share in His own Image, that is, in our Lord Jesus Christ, and has made even themselves after the same Image and Likeness.

Why? Simply in order that through this gift of Godlikeness in themselves they may be able to perceive the Image Absolute, that is the Word Himself, and through Him to apprehend the Father; which knowledge of their Maker is for men the only really happy and blessed life.

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 Isa 9:6 

The Prodigal Son and the rest of his family

Not much commentary here except to remind you that this story is not just about a prodigal son but also a faithful son, struggling to understand grace,  and the heart of a true father  - an illustration of our Heavenly Father.

Luk 15:11 Then He (Jesus)  said: "A certain man had two sons.
Luk 15:12 "And the younger of them said to [his] father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls [to me].' So he divided to them [his] livelihood.
Luk 15:13 "And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.
Luk 15:14 "But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.
Luk 15:15 "Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
Luk 15:16 "And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him [anything].
Luk 15:17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
Luk 15:18 'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,
Luk 15:19 "and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants." '
Luk 15:20 "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
Luk 15:21 "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
Luk 15:22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put [it] on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on [his] feet.
Luk 15:23 'And bring the fatted calf here and kill [it], and let us eat and be merry;
Luk 15:24 'for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.
Luk 15:25 "Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.
Luk 15:26 "So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.
Luk 15:27 "And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.'
Luk 15:28 "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.
Luk 15:29 "So he answered and said to [his] father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.
Luk 15:30 'But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.'
Luk 15:31 "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.
Luk 15:32 'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.' "