I recently ran across the following article, and thought it would be good for discussion.  If the article is correct, how do we equip parents (who are probably very uncomfortable with this subject) to help them influence their teens into viewing sex biblically?

Parents continue to underestimate the influence they have over their children’s decisions about sex, according to new survey data released by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. While the majority of teens say parents most influence their sexual decisions, parents believe that teens’ friends are most influential.

The survey also reveals that most teens (88%) say that it would be easier for them to postpone sexual activity and avoid teen pregnancy if they were able to have more open, honest conversations about these topics with their parents, yet nearly one in four (23%) of teens say they have never discussed sex or  pregnancy with their parents. Six out of ten teens (59%) surveyed also said that their parents are their role models for healthy, responsible relationships. And one in five young adolescents (aged 12-14) report they have been at a party in the past six months with boys and girls where there were no adults in the house.

Yesterday morning I marveled as I listened to Elder G. Craige Lewis talk about Strengthening the Bond, as it relates to restoring the biblical formula for families.  Most of what he said was very familiar information.  However as he spoke, and I listened to the staggering statistics that have plagued African American families for the past twenty years, I found myself getting discouraged.  I thought to myself, “If 80% of our community’s youth are growing up in broken homes, how will it ever turn around?”  And as a Youth Pastor, this seemed to be a much bigger problem than I had signed up for.

The problem, I soon realized, was who I believed would get the job done.  I was encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and reminded that there is NOTHING too hard for our God!  After all he is the same God who turned a nation back to Himself with the assistance of a man who became king at the age of 8. (Josiah)  Had I forgotten that this was the same God who used young Daniel and his three friends to show kings and servants that He would take care of those who remain faithful to Him?  And of course, He is the same God who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, took eleven disciples, a replacement (Matthias), and a Sanhedrin tentmaker (Paul), to turn the world upside down by spreading this Gospel that we know and love!

For me to try and mentor, develop, teach, train, and guide the youth of this generation on my own is far too great a task, and I dare not try it.  But after reviewing the credentials of my Boss (God Himself), after being reminded of the example left for me to follow (Jesus Christ), and after being reenergized by my ministry partner (The Holy Spirit), I realize that nothing is too hard for my God!

Encourage yourself in His promises, read Jeremiah 24:7!

Over the past few months, I am sure many of you have noticed the change in language as it relates to our youth ministry name.  We have been using the acronym S.T.O.N.E.   I am sure that some have asked what this means, below is a brief explanation of the name and its origin.

The acronym S.T.O.N.E. breaks down as:

Salvation: Our primary goal is and should be winning lost teenagers to Christ. (Matt. 28:19)

Transformation: After salvation we must teach students to strive to live & look like Christ. (Rom. 8:29)

Obedience: We want our students to experience the blessings God gives through Obedience. (Luke 11:28)

Nourishment: All believers need to be built up in both faith & fellowship. (2 Peter 1:3)

Excellence: In everything we do, we strive to do it with excellence as unto the Lord. (Col. 3:23,24)

Today in our staff meeting we will be reviewing an awesome book called The Fred Factor.  It was inspired by a real postman named Fred, who went above and beyond the call of duty, in order to provide excellent service to the families on his route.  The author, Mark Sanborn, talks extensively about what it takes to be a “Fred.”

As I contemplate my ministry and service at Cornerstone, I began to ask myself, “Am I a Fred?”  Do I go above an beyond the call of duty in order to make sure things not only get done, but are done with excellence?  Or am I the kind of person that is content as long as I can keep my job?

As leaders, we must constantly be looking at ourselves, evaluating ourselves, and most importantly improving ourselves so that we provide our best possible effort in advancing God’s Kingdom Agenda here on earth.  During your time of reflection, evaluation, and improvement this week, ask yourself; Am I a Fred?  Be encouraged Freds, remembering that the work that you do is to and for God and not man (Col. 3:23).

Take a moment, watch this, and then think about your own testimony.  God has saved us and changed us so that we can be an inspiration to those who struggle with the issues of life and think there is no hope.

Hello Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Welcome to the new S.T.O.N.E. Youth Ministry Blog.  This blog is an attempt to keep all of the leaders, volunteers, parents, and any other interested parties informed and up to date with what is happening in the Youth Ministry at Cornerstone Baptist Church.  It is my prayer that this blog will help us increase and improve our communication as a ministry.  Also, I pray that this become a place of encouragement and creativity, where we can freely explore what God wants to do through us in the lives of the youth at CBC.  Please feel free to check in weekly for updates, and don’t hesitate to post comments.  I look forward to going with God on this new journey of enhanced communication and ministry.

For The Kingdom,

Robert D. White