We’re concerned about our young people—the world that they’re growing up in, the people that they’re growing up with, the atmosphere they’re growing up around. In the middle of one nation under God, we have experienced our second school shooting in a month, seen teen pregnancies and abortions rise to reprehensible numbers, and witnessed a revolution that has dishonored Jesus Christ and idolized sin and death. We’re concerned about our young people.

Due to the success and support of the Making Marriage Work class, we have decided to put together a special series of summer studies for our teenagers (grades 7-12) entitled, How Shall the Young?. The class will consist of three sessions in July spread out over two Thursday nights and one Friday night, each beginning at 7:00 PM.

On Thursday evening, July 1, Bubba Garner will teach the first class on How Shall the Young Handle their Relationships?. This lesson will explore the Biblical principles of how teenagers ought to conduct themselves in their relationships with the world, their parents, their friends, and their God. All of these associations involve opportunities and responsibilities and are often swayed one way or the other by the power of influence.

Jason Moore will continue our summer studies on the following Thursday evening, July 8, on the topic How Shall the Young Know it’s Love?. He will address the distinction between “lust” and “love” and discuss how true love behaves with members of the opposite sex. Many are at a vulnerable stage when their body is changing and their hormones are bumping into one another, so it is important that we give them the Lord’s definition of a lady and a gentleman.

On Friday night, July 16, Dee Bowman will conclude this series of studies with How Shall the Young Live Today?. This lesson includes practical lessons and observations on how teenagers can have a good day while fleeing youthful lusts at the same time. Christianity is not a part-time job or frivolous commitment, but a superior way of living life.

We have also invited John Kilgore from the Alief congregation in Houston to come and lead about thirty minutes of singing after each lesson. He is well known among the older and the younger for his ability to evoke a spirit of enthusiasm for gospel singing, and we look forward to what he will bring to the classes.

How Shall the Young? is being designed to help our teens solidify their faith and fortify their hope. It should not replace home-spun Bible instruction nor take the place of parent-child communication about spiritual things. It is simply an effort to assist them in remembering their Creator in the days of their youth. We hope you will support us in this endeavor by encouraging your children to attend and participate. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word” ().

Stay tuned for more information and further details.