Ain't Foolin' Around (Notes)
22 Nov 1998
A dedicated follower of fashion
I'm not a big fan of set teachings. I realize that I'm very blessed that God gives me stuff to share, but I think that's crucial. Real ministry has to be personal, it has to be real.But sometimes we all need starting ideas, structure, whatever. And God can certainly use ideas He gives one of us to spark what He wants to say through another. He teaches me through everything and everyone, at least when I'm paying attention!
And so I offer things like this. If it jibes with you, as something you need to hear, or a way to present something to your youth group (or their parents, or anyone else for that matter), great! But please, don't just take it and read it to them! Make it personal, make it real.
What I've written here is personal and real. It's somewhat different from what I wrote at first, modified by things God gave me as I taught it, and even today as I typed it in. I'm sure that if I were paying attention, I could get enough from God on this one topic to make it my life's work. But that's not my calling (so far 8^). I've tried to note the points that are ripe for change, and make basic suggestions as to what to look for or do. I don't often make many notes, or have to refer to notes much. Last night I did, and one of the results was that I have something to share far beyond our immediate youth group.
What worked for our group last night (and man, did it work!) won't necessarily work for your group. It wouldn't work out exactly the same on another night with the same group, much less with a different group (or subset or superset of your group). Change it as necessary, and be ready to follow where the Spirit leads.
Ch-ch-changes
These are a few of the obvious (to me) changes you might make.
- While this set of Third Day music fits in really well, your group might listen to completely different styles of music. If they're all into country, or rap, or opera, you'll most likely lose them with the opening chords of the first song, unless God is really leading you to use Third Day! Even if the style is right, other music might work as well or better with your group. Or just read the lyrics. Or read something else. Or do skits. Or skip those parts. Just keep it real and personal, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
- The introductory sketch is optional. But our group loves interactive stuff, and this lets them participate. And that's one of our youth leadership goals, to get the youth participating, even leading. I pray and hope that by this time next year, they will be handling a lot of it, with our doing more guiding and mentoring. And that when that year's seniors graduate, they have already helped find, raise up and mentor the next group. And so on.
- Sub-topics and examples can all vary as your group's personality, makeup and needs vary. You may want to emphasize or de-emphasize aspects such as hate, lust, drugs, booze, vanity, etc. Don't beat them up, though! This isn't a sermon about the evils of certain actions; it's an offering of insight into how God wants us to approach Him, and how to approach the life He has given us, where He has placed us, among the people He has placed us with.
- Add or delete examples as necessary. Younger kids probably don't need to be thinking about human torches. If you have a lot of kids dealing with stuff like death or self-mutilation obsessions, focus on other times the church through the ages has appeared foolish.
Closer to Home
Foolishness isn't limited to the world. The church is rife with it, and always has been. The Bible is one long story of human foolishness and God's grace, from Adam and Eve, to Sarah, Abraham and Hagar, to Noah's family, to the Tower of Babel, to David and Sampson and Saul, to the disciples, to the crusades, to televangelists with no accountability. Don't be afraid to use such examples, but do be careful; when talking of the Church, you're speaking of another Man's wife (as 100 Portraits so poignantly puts it).Finally, make sure you have dealt with foolishness in your own life. Acting hypocritical when you know you are doing so is as foolish as it gets. I've been there plenty of times, and it's not a judgement you want to be under, especially if you are leading others!
And don't be afraid to admit your need. I have found that God always shows me at least as much as I manage to pass on. Usually far more. On top of that, I honestly believe He teaches me more through those He has placed in my care than He does them through me. I never asked to be a pastor, or a teacher, or a counselor, or most of the things I end up being as a youth worker. But in following the call He made, I guarantee you I have gotten far more blessing out of these things than I could imagine. And they (the things I am called to, and the people I'm called to) are truly a joy.
Last updated: 22 November 1998Copyright 1998 Miles O'Neal, Austin, TX. All rights reserved.
I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to send comments, questions, suggestions, or experiences.
Miles O'Neal <meo@XYZZYrru.com> [remove the XYZZY to make things work!]
c/o RNN / 11501 Johnson Rd / Leander, TX / 78641-5823