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Why should our youth be a part of LTC?
- To develop the skills our young people already have into their tools in God's
kingdom. The parable of the talents teaches us that God gives all of us gifts to use.
When we work to cultivate those gifts that He has given us, we please Him.
- To build the confidence of our children in their ability and God's love. Over the
last five years, we've seen kids who were too timid to say "hello" grow into
budding song leaders, imaginative artists, skilled puppeteers, and persuasive speakers.
The young people are encouraged to do their best, given positive reinforcement, and
rewarded with love and encouragement (not just plaques).
- To uncover the hidden nuggets of talent of which our kids aren't even aware. One
of the delightful parts of LTC every year is hearing a parent say, "I didn't know
that she could do that, but would you look at that!" It's also wonderful to see the
gleam of joy in a young person's eyes when they realize for the first time, "Hey, I
can do this!."
- To realistically prepare them for a lifetime in God's service. The skills and the
knowledge that they acquire in LTC will serve them for a lifetime. The value of developing
the habit of serving in the kingdom is beyond estimation.
- To demonstrate to our kids that God rewards His servants. Beyond the obvious
things like plaques are the feelings of accomplishment that follow their hard work, and
the smiles on the faces of those whom they serve.
- To help them seek God's will and glory and not their own. There are so many
worldly things that our young people can be doing. It's a great thing to see them make the
sacrifice of TV time, walk away from their Nintendos and Segas, turn off the Walkmen and
CD's, and get about God's business. And their coaches will lead them to the awareness that
God deserves the glory for their accomplishments and not themselves.
- To show them the joy of working with Christians brothers and sisters. Who better
for your sons and daughters to be with than their friends in the church? There aren't any
"trouble children" in LTC because they're too busy to get into any. And the
friendships they form here will frequently follow them through school and into their adult
lives.
- To provide our young people with positive role models. The older young people
provide a positive role model for the younger kids. And their encouragement and love for
the young ones is truly remarkable. But beyond this, there are good Christian teachers who
patiently show them the way, day in and day out. Their teaching supports the instruction
that you give them at home.
Why should our congregation be a part of LTC?
Leadership Training for Christ is a proven tool for churches of Christ through the
Southwest to challenge their youth to greater service to God. At last churches can inspire
their young people to use their energy, time and enthusiasm to get involved in real work
for God! At last a program that doesn't revolve around a youth minister! How does it work?
Several simple concepts . . .
Service
Young people learn to become active members of the church by using their gifts
throughout the year in their home congregation.
Teamwork
LTC builds relationships within your youth group that enable them to work together as a
team to reach difficult goals beyond anything they've done before.
A standard of excellence
Instead of competing for a first, second or third, students strive to do their best
against a challenging standard. They are awarded gold, silver or bronze based on their
achievement against that standard, and cheer on their brothers and sisters in Christ as
they, too, seek to offer Him their very best in every event.
Total church involvement
Not only will the majority of young people be excited to become a part of this program,
but the adults want to participate as well. They become the teachers, coaches, sponsors,
facilitators, and encouragers in this total church effort. The older members of the
congregation are served by the youth in LTC, and become more closely involved with the
youth group.
Builds on existing work
Many programs conflict with existing youth programs, but not LTC. It works well with
service programs, Timothy and Tabitha classes, Leadership camps at the Christian colleges,
and many other leadership development programs. And it does this through the course of a
year, not just during some "peak week." The challenge as a leader of youth is to
follow the guidelines of the competition, train young people at your home congregation,
and bring them to the convention. Every young person that participates will be a winner!
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