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RADIATE \ Ra” di* ate \,vt
(1) High school and middle school
students are important to God. Of course, God
loves all people; however, in many church cultures,
young people are overlooked and not highly valued.
We believe God knows the potential in every young
person and has a plan for each of their lives.
In scripture, we see how God doesn’t discriminate
against using teenagers in incredible ways (1
Timothy 4:12).
(2) The Gospel must be presented
in a way which is relevant to youth culture. Every
organization stresses the importance of understanding
the culture of the people they are trying to reach.
To be effective, we must be able to relate to
teenagers on their level with tools like sound,
video, drama, object lessons, music and retreats
with which they are familiar and accept. (1 Corinthians
9:19-22).
(3)
Teenage years are a crucial time for trusting
Christ as Savior and Lord. A recent study
shows that 85% of people who become Christians
do so before they turn 18. Many major life
decisions are made during teenage years.
Career, school, and relationship choices
are just a few of those huge decisions being
made. We believe an intimate relationship
with Jesus Christ is essential for making
right decisions.
(4) Students must learn
to use their gifts and talents as members
of the Body of Christ. When students use
their gifts and talents for God’s glory,
the results are supernatural. Experiencing
service is a key to learning in students.
We seek many opportunities for students
to show and seek Christ by serving our community,
nation, and world. |
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(5) Christian young people must
develop morally-right relationships with non-christian
students. God did not save us so we would retreat
into the comfort of our Christian clique. Matthew
5:13 tells us we are the salt and the light of
the world. Our goal is to help students grow spiritually
to the point where they can reach out to their
lost friends. No one can reach a teenager better
than another teenager.
(6) Scripture is the perfect
word of God, and the integrity of the gospel must
not be compromised. We live in a day where so
many people seem to be doing whatever is right
in their own eyes. Scripture teaches to do what
is right in God’s (the ultimate authority) eyes.
More than ever we must proclaim the word of God
and teach there are moral absolutes. Teenagers
are looking for answers and we must boldly and
accurately speak the gospel because “it is the
power of God for salvation of everyone who believes”
(Romans 1:16b).
(7) Relational adults who share
life experiences must be trained and released
to minister. Students need adult mentors and sounding
boards. God blesses the past experiences of adults
who are willing to expose their pasts and allow
students to lay their troubles out for help. There
is no way a couple staff members can meet the
needs of several hundred teenagers. Trained adults
can be the primary catalyst for growth in a teenager’s
life.
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