The Future of the Church
You guessed it! I have just spent this last weekend with about 10,000 other people at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville for the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes Convention. And what a busy (and crowded) weekend it was! There were all kinds of schedules to remember, preparations to be made, outfits to be selected, practices for events, and the list goes on and on. It was a little chaotic and tiring, but at the same time it was just wonderful! Gathering with so many other Christians for the purpose of spiritual growth and encouraging that growth can only be described as wonderful.
Since our congregation actually does the year-round program, so many of the events had already been completed before the convention. However, a number of the events happen in the few months before the convention on Easter weekend.
My husband and I were along this year as chaperons, coaches, encouragers, and proud grandparents. We dearly love all of our young people at Central in Paducah, and we certainly weren’t disappointed over this last weekend. They were well behaved, well prepared, seemed grateful to have this opportunity, and thankful for those who had helped them get to the convention.
Since our congregation began working on Lads to Leaders events many years ago, we have always tried to stress that this is not a competition, but simply a training for them to grow spiritually. Those of us who are older have watched many of our young people grow in their events and become more equipped to help with the work of the church. We have tried to help them understand that leading for the Lord is worthy of giving their best effort.
As I sat in the awards ceremonies both Friday and Saturday night, a thought I have often had was present in my mind. The future of the church is secure and bright. Rather than focus upon those who are falling away, we should always keep working to encourage those who are trying to live and become leaders in the church. I’m not saying we should only focus on those who are involved with the youth groups and youth events, but I am suggesting that we should recognize and encourage those young people who are trying to do what is right and continue to encourage others to get involved.
I came away from the L2L Convention in Nashville exhausted and physically drained. I also came away with the sure knowledge that the future of the Lord’s church is secure.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
(Proverbs 22:6)
AUTHOR: Donna Faughn
