A Summer Youth Program -- By: Ronald Rice

Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 16:2 (Summer 1973)
Article: A Summer Youth Program
Author: Ronald Rice


A Summer Youth Program

Ronald Rice

Youth Pastor Calvary Baptist Church, Lansdale, Pennsylvania

The seventies have brought on a decade of unparalleled change in the world of young people. Those who work with youth need to re-evaluate programming for young people in the light of this changing world. There are many new and varying methods. Some are even accepting new interpretations and taking new positions concerning basic doctrines of the Word of God.

Society has made inroads into the thinking of many young people. The contemporary thought is to do whatever thrills them the most. The philosophy of cultured people has been and is becoming one of permissiveness in light of relevancy. Norms and mores are subject to societal changes. Because these are established by society, they seem ethical or unethical simply on the basis of the situation at hand. Sex, drugs, music, alcohol, etc., may be all good things depending on the context in which they are used. The modern mind considers that anything done in “love” or “peace” (though not knowing what true love or peace is) is in itself beneficial, valuable, and good to do. Thus, today’s- society has and is departing from any kind of dogmatic norm or basic authority.

Young people are growing physically and mentally within the framework of this society. They are, first of all, finding out for themselves what they are and what they are capable of doing. Then, at the same time, they must find out what society believes and how society functions. They must learn to identify themselves with their own society—that is, their peer group—or the society as has been established by their parents or society in charge. The young people are faced with many varied opinions. They are seeking to find an answer for themselves and must find this answer. They must find purpose for their own lives.

An article called, “Trouble on Main Street, Pa.” by William J. Spears of the Philadelphia Inquirer staff, says:

Lansdale is a town of trouble. You would never know it judging by the lazy pace of life along Main St. in summer. Or by the robust hoot-and-holler at North Penn High School’s football games in the fall. Or by the huge crowds that fill Sunday sidewalks after church services in winter’s cold. But Lansdale IS in trouble. And what makes It worse is that many townspeople don’t even realize it.

The people of Lansdale are seriously divided. And it has nothing to do with race or economics or politics. The fissure exists within the homes themselves where Lansdale children seem unbridgeably separated from their mothers and fathers.

“The kids are living like their parents n...

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