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“Christians don’t know how to have fun.” You’ve probably heard statements like this from people at school or work, and you probably even hear people label Christians ”boring.” Our idea of fun is often different from the ideas of those around us—and it should be! We are bombarded with messages that drinking, partying, and sex are the only ways to have fun. But it doesn’t take any of these things to have a good time. The youth group at Calvary Baptist Church in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, has proven to have a good time year after year with a prom alternative event called Pre Em. The idea behind this event comes from Colossians 1:18, which says, “ That in all things he [Christ] might have the preeminence.” That means Christ should be first in our lives! So instead of going to prom and placing all the emphasis on themselves, the Calvary Baptist youth group participates in an event that places God as the focal point.

For a lot of teens, prom is a major life event. Plans begin months in advance regarding what to wear, who to go with, and what to do afterwards. Many of us have witnessed friendships broken over who got asked and who got dumped. Girls spend a lot of money on the “right” dress and getting their nails and hair done in hopes of looking perfect. Often, after-prom parties and hotels bring about underage drinking, drugs, loss of virginity, and, in some cases, pregnancies.Teens feel the pressure of being accepted, and while trying so hard to have an unforgettable time, they often do things they later regret.

So what does an alternative to prom look like? Abigale Horgan, a sophomore in the Calvary Baptist youth group thinks “it’s a lot more fun because we have so many activities.”

Last year, Pre Em began with a Friday night banquet followed by a time of worship and a guest speaker, chosen by the seniors. After listening to David Culver speak on Genesis 18, the account of Jacob wrestling with the Angel, Junior Aaron Dresdow expressed what he learned: “It['s] a challenge to submit to God’s will, and to continue to follow after Him.”

The teens also participated in skits, and the seniors shared memories. The night continued with a bonfire before the girls and guys split up for all-nighters at different houses. The next day everyone joined back together for a picnic, a game of capture the flag, and a scavenger hunt. “It’s all about positive peer pressure as opposed to negative peer pressure,” stated senior Paul Austin. “The thing that really struck me this year," Angie Piper shared, "was the whole idea of not having a date. It’s not a big deal if you don’t have one because the whole focus is on God.” Youth sponsors Dean and Heidi Hartman emphasize the idea that it’s not about who you’re going with, it's more about hanging out with friends—which takes off a lot of pressure. The group also invites other churches to come so there’s a chance to meet other Christians in the area.

Pre Em—and events like it— are a great way to show those who don’t know Christ how much fun Christians can have. “People put Christians in a box and think that they can’t have fun, but this helps them see you can put God first and still have tons of fun,” remarked Angie. “It’s also a nonthreatening way to get friends introduced to church."

“It’s a neat outreach," noted junior Mark Doerrler. "It’s a positive influence without a strictly church setting, so teens will feel comfortable.” Emily Ennett, a senior, brought an unsaved friend this year and was excited when her friend began to ask questions about spiritual things.

When teens begin to focus on Christ and placing Him first in their lives, God is glorified. He desires for us to have fun as we grow in our relationship with Him and with others. And as we follow Him, He gives us a peace and a joyful heart that only He can give.

This world can be a sad and lonely place for those people who don’t have Christ in their lives. Have you ever noticed people at school who look depressed all the time? Or what about those people who seem to always be angry or completely self-absorbed? Have you ever wondered why? It’s because they’re looking at their circumstances, their appearance, or acceptance to make them happy and to have a good time. They’re looking to themselves.