Much is said about the low number of baptisms we see each year in the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention. Year after year our annual church reports show that as a denomination we are not making progress in reaching the lost. Olive is among those churches that must do better. One category that concerns us all is the drop in the number of teenagers baptized in our churches. This should be a field ripe unto harvest. However, to reach teens one must get out among them. Relationships are key – and key relationships are those teens have with adults. Teens do reach teens but the most significant influencers are mature Christians being “rightly-related” to these students. 

At Olive we have an ongoing ministry to teenagers. Through this ministry, we offer some really special events. We have a couple coming up this month. On Saturday, November 10 from 4-8 p.m. there will be the premier showing of the surfing movie, Walking on Water. This event will be held at Seville Square Park. Even though this is not directly an Olive project, several of our leaders are strategically involved. This fun evening will be evangelistic and potentially life-changing. Encourage those who love surfboards to give this a look.   

The regular high school football season is quickly coming to an end. On Friday, November 16 from 7 p.m. until midnight Olive is hosting “Friday Night Hype.” Students from all local middle schools and high schools are invited to attend. There will be field goal contests and giveaways as well as a strong Gospel presentation. Encourage students to come and hang out before, during or after the games that night.   

If you are an adult, I have a challenge for you. Look around your neighborhood. Find a student who needs to know Christ. Then prayerfully consider making a new young friend. Don’t condemn hairstyles, clothes, driving patterns or skateboarding. Just make a friend. Every teenager needs at least one!   

Pastor Ted Traylor        

Posted on Tuesday, November 6th, 2007 at 10:22 am.
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