“We will not hide them from their children, but will tell a future generation the praiseworthy acts of the LORD, his might, and the wondrous works he has performed.”
─ Psalm 78:4
God is reaching a new generation of Christ followers. All over Illinois, thousands upon thousands of children, youth, and adults are seeking the truth.
The question is not “Is God working to reach the next generation?” The real question is “Will Illinois Baptists join God in his work to reach the next generation?”
As I continue spending time with you, I am encouraged by the deepening hunger God has placed in us because he wants to raise up another faithful generation of Illinois Baptists. Here are a few ways you might consider joining God in this exciting season.
Summer students’ outreach
Whether you call it Vacation Bible School, Adventure Week, Kids’ Quest, or something else, aligning your church for a day to a week around sharing the gospel with kids and teens is a win. Not only are you able to plant gospel seeds in young people, but God will also use this time to refocus your church’s culture around the gospel. By crafting an intentional follow-up plan to reach out to families afterward, you’ll also reach out to parents, grandparents, siblings, and others with the gospel.
Encourage young campers
Camp is a tremendous way to introduce children and youth to Jesus and to help them grow. Consider sending kids already attending your church to your local association’s week of camp. If your association doesn’t provide one, there are multiple options available on our website at IBSA.org/camps.
If your camp week follows your VBS, be sure to provide good invitations to camp during your VBS week so kids can have the opportunity to know about it and register.
Another great way to give children and youth the opportunity to hear the gospel is to send them to camp, even if they aren’t actively attending your church yet. Pray about providing scholarships for camp for kids that aren’t a part of your church yet. In the weeks following camp, be sure to intentionally contact and visit the families you blessed with the camp experience.
Also, consider serving as an adult volunteer at camp. Audra and I have some of our best memories with our kids serving at Lake Sallateeska while I pastored in Southern Illinois. We still love volunteering for camp today. Serving at camp is a great way to get the adults of your church on mission, and you can serve in a variety of ways.
Spruce up Next Gen spaces
If you walk through your preschool, children, and youth areas and it seems dated, faded, or musty, imagine how first-time guests are going to see it. Simple redecorating, improving flooring, updating toys and equipment, and improving lighting are all ways to show young families that their children matter to your church.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had kids and youth on Sundays, consider prayer walking the Next Generation space in your building and recommitting your church to join God in raising up a new generation of Illinois Baptists.
Your IBSA team is ready to assist you with ideas and resources when you reach out. By taking a series of small, intentional steps of obedience, God can help your church build a Holy Spirit-driven movement reaching children, youth, and families for Christ.
Why can’t it be this summer?
Contact Scott Foshie at IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org.