Hey Kid, Want Some Candy

Today, I was walking through the cafeteria during lunch and saw 2 guys behind a table at the far end. I recognized them right away, because last week they were in the same spot, doing the same thing - standing behind the little table with an opened bag of candy, a few pieces falling out on the table and I went up and introduced myself. I found out they were from a Youth Mininstry organization (you'd know it if I told you), so I told them I was a YL leader. We talked about church a little bit, and then I went on my way.

Today, I didn't have time to talk, but I glanced over at their table from time to time. I gotta tell you, I felt sooooo sorry for them. What a picture of why "go to them" ministry works and "come to me" ministry isn't quite so effective. I think I saw a grand total of 2 kids talk to them in a 30 minute period.

I'm not coming down on them, because they're just getting started and I know all too well how difficult & intimidating it is to go into a room full of kids you don't know hoping someone talks to you. I remember feeling like that guy. Actually, I pray that I always feel a little bit like that guy just to keep me on my toes and make me remember who's really in control. But, part of me wanted to go over there and kick them in the butt until they engaged with some kids. I wanted to fold up their table, push them to the middle of the room, and tell them to just talk to someone.

Seriously, what's the worst that could happen? The kids might laugh at you. Maybe, but in most cases that won't happen until you walk away. Just don't look back.

I have to applaud their consistency. They came today, and they were here last week. Maybe they'll be here tomorrow. There's something to be said for presence. Sooner or later, maybe a kid will get dared to go to their table and talk to them, while his friends watch & giggle. But, I'd rather force the issue. You're there to meet kids, to have an impact on their lives, to show them who Jesus is. Jesus ain't sitting at a table with a big bag of Starbursts.

Jump in, fellas! It's a whole lot more exciting.

8 Witnessing Tips

Stand to Reason has an article titled “8 Witnessing Tips” by Greg Koukl.  He was on a flight and overheard a Christian talking about his faith with another man.
Mr. Koukl uses this conversation to provide examples & non-examples of his 8 tips.

1. Look for opportunities.
2. Don’t over complicate things.
3. Don’t sound religious.
4. Focus on truth.
5. Give evidence.
6. Stay calm.
7. Let them walk away if they want to.
8. Give them something.

As YL leaders, we are doing all 8 of these things.  Being where kids are gives us all kinds of opportunities.  Reaching the furthest kid out makes us keep things simple.  I think the only “religious” word I ever hear a Young Life leader say is “Sin”, and then it’s prefaced with “ok, ya’ll this is a word you have probably heard before, but don’t freak out on me.”

We are always pointing to the truth found in scripture and using that as our evidence.  But even more importantly, we are living out lives of evidence for our teenage friends to see.

Staying calm doesn’t seem to be an issue for most of us, either.  Unless it’s 3:00 am and they’re lighting their farts on fire.  But, when it comes to the gospel, we are amazingly calm, level-headed, and loving but persistent.  And, we never love kids because they come to Christ.  We love them regardless!

Finally, giving them something.  While we might not give them something physical like a Bible (actually most of us do), we are called to give them our lives and we do it everyday.  Keep giving!

Read the entire article at Stand to Reason.