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For many years anyone involved in church work
could see a gap that existed between those of high school age and those with
young families of their own. One by one you would see teenagers graduate from
high school, leave home, and leave the church. Some would return later in
life and fewer still would remain in the work throughout their life. In to
this problem the First Missionary Baptist Church of Redlands has initiated
a program for this age group called PLUS.
Our mission is to work against both the "pull"
and "push" that causes our young people to leave the church. The "pull" is that
ever-present pull of the world that, when added to the rebellion of the teenage
years, can be so powerful. This draw makes them want to at least see what they
may have been missing all this time they have been going to church with mom
and dad. When this "pull" is overcome, it is a wondrous thing. It is then that
a young adult realizes the real reasons they are attending church, and not just
because it is the church to which mom and dad go.
The "push" is what happens to these young people
inside the church. Many have watched these young adults grow from small children
and cannot help but still think of them as children. They are too old for the
youth group activities, but not old enough to be given any real responsibility
in the church. It is no wonder that, with no sense of purpose or belonging,
these young people leave the church. If you talk to those who "stuck with" the
work, you will most likely find that they had a place where they felt they were
contributing to the work; whether that was singing in a group, being part of
the mission committee or teaching a class.
The First Missionary Baptist Church of Redlands
is hoping that this PLUS program can do for college-age young adults, what the
Discovery has done for teenagers: Give them a sense of belonging and help them
find what God's purpose is for their lives. PLUS is striving to teach the real
life and practical things needed to grow into a well-rounded adult, while helping
them realize they are an important part of today's church. These young people
are often referred to as the "church of tomorrow," but we disagree with that.
We believe that this group is the church of today. Never before has a group
of young people had such a chance to step out and lead churches into a new and
brighter future.
You are invited to attend this program at 7:00
pm each Wednesday evening
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