I am absolutely convinced that the apostle Paul was correct when he challenged his student, Timothy, to “let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (2 Timothy 4:12.) The context of this verse gives clear indication that the great missionary leader, Paul, was encouraging young Timothy to make sure that his private life substantiated his public message. In other words, he was telling us that young people can and should be examples to older people. From reading this passage, one can see that some of the other elders in the Ephesuschurch were older (maybe significantly so) than Timothy. Yet, he was instructed to be an example to them. This same principle can be a clear mandate for teenagers today.
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Our regular readers will remember that earlier in the year (vol. 7, No. 2, 3, 4) I wrote on the subject of “senioritis”—when senior highers emotionally, physically, and sometimes spiritually “check out” of youth group long before they graduate from high school. Now it seems as if others are taking this subject seriously as well.

I find it interesting that educators are seeing this trend occur in schools as well. Many youth workers and other readers of this newsletter indicated to me that they have noticed this trend in their churches and youth ministries. I again encourage youth workers to reread the suggestions and principles that were listed in those past issues of our newsletter for practical ideas on how to attack this common problem.

I am excited to announce that our junior high Sunday School materials will be completely redesigned and restructured for fall 2005! These new products have a brand-new contemporary and professional design. The student devotional leaflet boasts a completely new look and size. The teacher’s book offers a new, easy-to-use format with the Bible commentary integrated into an easy-to-use teaching plan. Sample lessons are available now. Call RBP at 1-800-727-4440 to ask for a full-color sample of our newly designed curriculum for early adolescents.

Also, if you haven’t ordered your summer curriculum needs, visit our Student Ministries site.

We live in a serious world. One has only to read a newspaper or watch the news to understand how serious things are. The reports of violence, death, and world-wide problems are staggering. As youth workers, we are also eyewitnesses to the sometimes severe situations facing our students. Take a moment or two during your next youth meeting or activity to look at the faces of the kids. You will probably see the emotional (and sometimes physical) scars of abuse, trauma, violence, isolation, and other cruelty. If you take the time to get close to them, you’ll hear their stories of suffering and the seriousness of the circumstances they are facing.

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What is your teaching plan for your students this summer? The senior high Sunday School materials from RBP focus on the subject of “Choices,” an ideal topic for summer. The junior high Sunday School curriculum cover handling problems from a Biblical perspective, another relevant topic for today’s students. If you haven’t ordered your supplies, don’t wait until the last minute! Visit our Web site or call 1-800-727-4440. Place your order today so your supplies arrive in time for the summer quarter.

Also, I am excited to announce that our junior high Sunday School materials will be completely redesigned and restructured for fall 2005! These new products have a brand-new contemporary and professional design. The student devotional booklet has a complete new look and size, while the teacher’s book has a new, easy-to-use format.

Sample lessons are available now. Call RBP at 1-800-727-4440 to ask for a full-color sample of our newly designed curriculum for early adolescents.

In addition to our timely and practical products for Sunday School, RBP also offers our all-new Faith Builders: Bible Studies for Youth topical series of youth meeting materials. These Bible studies are extremely practical and beneficial for today’s students. Each study offers creative and unique in-class presentation ideas, as well as important life-application ideas to help students implement the Scriptural principles into their lives. Five specific titles are now available: Worship, Prayer, God’s Will, Ephesians, and the Church. Spiritual Maturity will be available in the fall. Order your Faith Builders today!