A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away (actually 32 years ago), my wife, Molly, and I were asked to serve as sponsors for our church’s summer youth camp. Since then, we have done this a multitude of times. Our assignment was to sponsor and look after the teenagers in a responsible manner. Got it!
Jeff JohnsonCamp Director Dangerous Dan had a smirk on his face as he reminded us of the developmental characteristics of late adolescents. Each midnight, he drove around wearing an army-surplus black-ops outfit, Q-Beaming the bushes for teenagers like a game poacher spot-lighting deer. The camp staff called it “Smut Patrol.”
On Tuesday night at curfew time, he began to make his usual rounds. He obviously heard the boom-box blasting from our cabin—loud dance music. Our teenagers were moving to the “rhythm of the night.” He broke through the door and yelled: “My God, this is church camp! What would John Calvin think?”
Neither my wife nor I grew up in church. Who on earth was John Calvin? We were just thinking the kids needed to burn off some energy and have some fun before calling it a day.
As Dangerous Dan yelled, the teenagers kept dancing. Much to my shock, one of them moved toward Dan, her arm outstretched, inviting him to move to the rhythm of the night. I didn’t know what to do. Should I unplug the music? Or should I continue the rhythms that apparently broke John Calvin’s rules?
Dangerous Dan scowled, “Why are you letting your followers break the rules?” Even at this stage of ministerial infancy, his phrase rang a familiar biblical bell.
I must confess, 32 years later, I am still a novice when it comes to understanding how to reach teenagers. Although we successfully raised three into adulthood and through college, it was mostly Molly’s doing.
Reaching today’s youth requires an impactful and truthful presentation of the gospel. This age group is searching for something in life and has more options presented to them than any generation before. Texas Baptists offer numerous evangelism, training and discipleship events, seminars and curriculum to reach tomorrow’s leaders. Jane Wilson is our youth ministry specialist, and Leighton Flowers is director of youth evangelism. Contact them. They will encourage, equip and enable—great people and resource.
Not too long ago, 92-year-old Eloise winked at me at a wedding reception and shouted, “Pastor, it’s a polka!” I replied, “But what about your old feeble legs you always tell me about?” Eloise shouted back, “When I heard the music, I couldn’t stop my toes from tapping.” Then she grabbed my hand and yanked me onto the floor.
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A curious thing began to happen. My toes began to tap. My knees began to bend. My feet began to bounce. I couldn’t help myself. Wasn’t that something? She was so caught up in the dance, the life-giving dance, she forgot the rules that hemmed her in. It was a glimpse, perhaps, of what God requires of us.
Still not sure about Dangerous Dan or John Calvin.
Jeff Johnson is president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and pastor of First Baptist Church in Commerce.
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