Nov. 12, 2023

Summary: Ron Vining addresses the importance of children and youth ministry in the church. He emphasizes the need to target children and youth as they are more likely to respond to the Gospel at a young age.  Prioritizing resources and efforts towards children and youth ministry is crucial because 95% of people who get saved do so before the age of 30, and 85% of Christians surveyed accepted Christ between the ages of 4 and 14. Highlighting the vulnerability and influence of adolescents, Ron stresses the role of the church in providing a secure and Christ-centered environment for young people. He acknowledges the targeting of children by the world and Satan, and cautions against ignoring or fearing children in the church.  A mentality shift and the importance of building relationships is advocated along with using non-traditional approaches in youth ministry. Ultimately, the church is urged to prioritize and invest in children and youth, recognizing that they are the church of today and the future. Sermon Notes: WHY ARE CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY IMPORTANT?

1.  Because of their response to the Gospel.

A.  ______% of those who get saved do so before the age of ______.

B.  ______% of Christians surveyed got saved between age _____ and _____.

2.  Because of their nature.

A. The nature of adolescents is that of ___________ and instability.

B. They are easily _______ astray.

3.  Because they are the church of ________________________!!!

YOUTH ARE NOT THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW.  YOUTH ARE THE CHURCH OF TODAY. IF WE DON'T GET THEM TODAY WE DON’T GET THEM TOMORROW!

4. Because Satan and the world has _______________ them.

5. Because the church has _______________ them or feared them.

6. Because they are ______________ to God.

Jesus said to permit them to come to Him. David, 3 Hebrew boys, Mary the mother of Jesus, …..

Do you have the King Saul mentality? (1 Sam. 17)

Mentality number 1. You can't do that, you are just a ________.

Mentality number 2. If you are going to try and do it, do it _______ way.

HOW DO WE MINISTER TO YOUTH?

1. Youth Ministry starts at the ________!

2. Youth Ministry is all about _________________!

3. Youth Ministry is _______ ______________!

4. Youth Ministry is ______________ ______________________!