FIRE BAPTIZED HOLINESS CHURCH OF GOD OF THE AMERICAS, INC.
ALL MEMBERS MAY OBTAIN AND SEEK THE HIGHEST CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE IN THIS LIFE
YPI HANDBOOK
Y.P.I. LEADERSHIP GUIDE
Building on Yesterday’s Foundation to Prepare Today’s Youth
for Leadership Tomorrow
(Looking Forward, Embracing a New Era)
Young People’s Institute
Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas
Board of National Supervisors
Young People's Institute
Reverend Kaye W. Littlejohn
National Y.P.I. Supervisor, Chairlady
Minister Vanita M. Lemon
National Y.P.I. Supervisor
Sister Doressa Hawes
National Y.P.I. Supervisor
Rev. Miriam C. Harris, Emeritus
Sister Elizabeth Hallums, Emeritus
Sister Katherine Taylor, Emeritus
INDEX
I. The Guide
II. Overview
III. Foreword
IV. Motto/Goal
V. R.E.A.C.H.
VI. Mission Statement
VII. Vision Statement
VIII. Purpose
IX. Objectives (Objectives Expanded)
X. Ten Commandments of Leadership
XI. Seven P's of Leadership
XII. Seven Keys to Success
XIII. Y.P.I. Leadership Pyramid
a. YPI President
b. District YPI Ambassador
c. District YPI Supervisor
d. National YPI Supervisor
XIV. The Total Man
XV. The Total Man Graph/Chart
I. The Guide
This GUIDE is for your use in any way you deem it fitting to enable you
to get better results in your youth program. Remember there is NO
one-size-fits-all program that will benefit or get results for everyone
the same way. So, feel free to use these suggestions as a means to get
you started, or to use for reference. Most importantly, cater your
programs and activities to accommodate your youth and clinch their
interests. Just allow God to lead and guide you, and with the help of
your Elders, National Supervisors, fellow District Supervisors, and
supporting staff, you will have great success.
"He, who uses yesterday's tools to do today's job, will be
out of business tomorrow.
Spoken by the Late Bishop William Edward Fuller, Jr.
Dean of the Young People's Institute
Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas
1921 - 2007
0
II. Overview
YOUNG PEOPLE’S INSTITUTE
OVERVIEW
The Y.P.I. leads the ministry of youth outreach in the Fire Baptized Holiness Church. Its mainpurpose is to canvas and draw the youth of the communities surrounding our churches and homes to provide a more positive influence in their environment. This Department has three main objectives:
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To spread the good news throughout the world that men, women, boys, and girls, don't have to be dominated by the destructive elements of the environment nor of their surroundings. The strategy for which this is to be accomplished is through activities designed to address the social needs of our youth, while exposing them to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
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To train and strengthen youth in their abilities of leadership.
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To meet it's financial objective, which is twofold:
o To support the activities of local ministries by generating funds that will
support its ministry objectives and activities, which should seek to enhance its
influence and attract young people to our church.
o To support the expansion of Fuller Normal School.
Because this Department is an arm of outreach, it does not require church membership for participation. Therefore, special consideration should be given in the design of activities for these youth so that the most positive impact can be made on their lives. The most reverent importance should be exhibited by our Christian influence in these settings. Every person given the responsibility of leadership in this Department should demonstrate the standard of integrity in its highest form before ALL young people.
Because of the growing concern of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in today’s society, it is of utmost importance that we refrain from any actions that might suggest or imply that the Y.P.I. condones any inappropriate behavior or activities. There should be no leader in this Department representing the church with traits that might indicate the existence of impropriety because it misrepresents Christ. The language and conversation of the day should not dominate our course of communication, but it should be tempered with grace, and seasoned with wisdom. We must remember our ultimate aim is to draw All Souls to Christ.
The climax of the Y.P.I. year is the Annual National Y.P.I. Congress of the Fire Baptized
Holiness Church. The Congress generally runs from Wednesday through Saturday during the
third week of July. The Congress week culminates with a Crowning. Each District should be represented with a contestant. The District reporting the most money wins the contest.
All services, programs, revivals, and activities should be ministry minded and should focus on
“OUTREACH” and be geared toward the following:
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Reaching out to youth in the church and the community
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Generating funds to support outreach ministry of the church
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Supporting District youth programs
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Training youth to be leaders among their peers
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Introducing Christ and a Christian atmosphere by offering a positive environment for
socializing and fellowship.
III. Foreword
Youth Embracing a New Era...
The advent of the new millennium has ushered man into the 21" Century, not in
years alone, but into a new era. History is comprised of intervals of time often
referred to as ages, epochs, periods, and eras. History would also confirm that
there are usually significant events that characterize or define these moments in
time.
We fully understand that in today's society, our younger generations are facing
issues that are more prevalent, outstanding, and psychologically more consuming
than at any other time in the existence of man. In the body of Christ at large, and
even in our national organization, we are aware of the challenges that these
younger constituents confront on a daily basis. However, we are also aware of
the fact that new chapters and pages loom on the horizon with the passing and
aging of our parents and grandparents, and it is the younger generation to whom
we will look to for strength in preserving the continuity of our church. Therefore,
it is imperative that we present to them the need for a Christ-centered life, in
order that we may recover from the unfortunate drift of past decades and
encourage an embracing of holy principles in order to see the prophesied move of
God, even in our latter House.
Technology has enhanced the ability for communication between members of
one group to another. Social networking has the ability to reconnect old
acquaintances and with the advent of electronic communication, the total need
for antiquated techniques such as letter writing, and even phone calling are
rapidly fading into a past glory opening the doors to the new ideas and ideologies,
such as Facebook, FaceTime, You Tube, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, and
so much more. The ability to instantaneously disseminate ideas to large arenas
places us in a position to win many souls toward Christ, or allow them to be
inundated with unholy ideals and futile philosophies.
We must drive home the understanding that in order to be successful,
prosperous, whole, and healthy, Christ must be allowed to have dominion in "our
space", which is defined peripherally as anything that has influence or impact
upon our minds, hearts, and souls. He must be the chief cornerstone directing
our paths, guiding our thoughts, and navigating our actions. Through Christ, the
believer is afforded the awesome privilege of service, and internal rewards with
some outward manifestation. As our youth wrap their arms around this new
chapter in the Fire Baptized Holiness Church, let us make sure that we advocate
the sincere need for Christ in every individual, so that they can experience the
uncompromising fruit of His grace.
We must take advantage of new technologies and techniques that will help us
advance the message about Jesus in surrounding cities and localities. Our classes,
course presentations, and activities should be thought-provoking and inspiring,
recognizing that one inspired youth can be an inspiration to countless others.
Let us relish, and not rely solely, on the blades of glory of our founding
forefathers. But as leaders of today, let us equip our future generations with the
sound, scriptural doctrine they will need in order to embrace this new era of
progress, filled with promise, yet so much uncertainty.
IV. Motto/Goal
MOTTO
Our Hope, Our Aim, is Higher Ground
To Reach the Unreached and Love the Unloved.
GOAL
Each one, Reach one!
V. R.E.A.C.H.
R - Rekindle the flames that must bum for lost souls. If your flame has gone out,
then pray that the Lord will revive, renew, and restore your zeal for souls. (Ps. 51)
Rededicate and recommit your life to Christ and seek to become an effective
witness. Prov. 16:3 - Commit thy works unto the Lord and thy thoughts shall be
established.
E - Enlist the help of others who share your passion for souls. Seek to gain the
support of the Elders, Pastors, and members of the local church jurisdiction.
Connect with the members of the community, local schools, colleges, boys’ and
girls’ clubs, local merchants, etc. Through common interests and shared goals,
they may be able to provide some of the resources you need to carry out your
programs and activities. Sometimes you must search beyond your core group and
gain the support of others on the outside. This may help to 'reach' others and
bring them in.
A - Activate and mobilize forces. Always remember that we are foot soldiers in
God's army, and we must be prepared to go into the highways and hedges, and
compel men to come in. Sometimes, you may need to meet sinners, friends, co-
workers, and loved ones where they are. Prayerfully allow the Lord to lead you.
C - Cultivate the tender hearts and minds of new recruits and converts.
Help them develop a closer walk with God through a better understanding of
biblical truths. This can be accomplished through teaching Bible principles and
familiarization of biblical characters as examples. Also set up classes on
discipleship, etc.
H - Harvest! Harvest! Pray for a bountiful harvest of souls for the kingdom.
Matthew 9:37- The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he may send forth laborers into his
harvest.
VI. Mission Statement
The Y.P.I. is a training and youth outreach ministry seeking to educate, motivate,
and instill in our youth the biblical values, principles, and concepts designed to
meet the spiritual, mental, and physical needs of the 'total man' -- thus equipping
youth with the tools they need to meet man in this present world, and to meet
God in the world to come.
VII. Vision Statement
Through consecrated leadership, we seek to pass on to future generations the
basic biblical principles of holy living to help guide souls through this world of
darkness, to help preserve the continuity of the church, and to prepare man to meet God.
We envision growth each year in our membership, with anticipation of becoming
a stronger, more viable, and more visible organization of dedicated youth, as we
R.E.A.C.H. the unreached and love the unloved.
VIII. Purpose
Kingdom building -- winning souls for the Kingdom of God.
Christians have a mandate to draw sinners to Christ for the saving of their souls
in order to help build up the Kingdom of God and to tear down the dominion of
Satan. Luke 14:23 ...Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel
them to come in that my house may be filled.
The Y.P.I. reaches out to the unreached, the unsaved, and the unloved,
especially the youth. Eel. 12:1 - Remember now thy Creator in the days of
thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou
shalt say I have no pleasure in them...
Without a doubt, today's youth are our responsibility. We must nurture them,
spend quality time with them, and guide them with biblical truths, utilizing
every available resource to help them become the well-developed, Christian
individuals they can and should be. The F.B.H. Church is dedicated to giving
our youth the spiritual base they need to be fully empowered to live holy in this
unholy world.
Our objectives (abbreviated):
• To teach salvation and holy living
• To teach the Christian faith
• To attain Christ-likeness
• To pursue Christian standards
• To enrich the Christian Life
• To maintain the Unity of the Spirit
• To relate the spiritual life to other areas of Life
• To train and strengthen leaders in their abilities of leadership
• To relate secular and religious education
• To transmit church history
IX. Our Objectives (expanded):
1. To encourage the growth of every Christian by involving them in a
variety of experiences through: (1) Bible study and Bible trivia;
(2) prayer and fasting; (3) classes, workshops, and seminars;
(4) reading, study, and discussion groups; (4) witnessing; (5) writing,
music, arts, literature; (6) public speaking; (7) fellowship gatherings;
(8) social, civic, and recreational activities; and so much more.
2. To provide learning opportunities or simulations that will help to develop
potential church. leaders.
3. To set up conferences through which the Y.P.I. and H.Y.P.U.
Departments may be enhanced.
4. To encourage excellence of character and leadership among our youth by
recognizing growth and maturity.
5. To provide channels of communication with the youth, by becoming
active listeners, without becoming prejudicial, judgmental, or critical.
6. Accountability: To provide the general church and/or church leaders
with regular progress reports of local and district Y.P.I. activities.
7. Motto: ...To reach the unreached, and to love the unloved.
X. Ten Commandments of Leadership
I. Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
II. Set a good example for others to follow.
III. Be an active coach.
IV. Maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
V. Insist on excellence --holding yourself and others accountable.
VI. Build group cohesiveness and pride.
VII. Show confidence in your team.
VIII. Maintain a strong sense of urgency as you labor for Christ.
IX. Be available and visible to your staff.
X. Develop yourself to your highest potential.
XI. Seven P's of Leadership
Prayer- Pray and seek God's guidance for planning and implementing your programs. Oftentimes, people give well-meaning advice, but consulting prayerfully with the Master is always the best way to start any endeavor.
James 1 :5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraided not, and it shall be given him.
Matt. 7:7 - Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Prov. 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Planning- Meetings should be held regularly (at least monthly) for the purpose of reading previous minutes, discussing current business, mapping out future endeavors, organizing groups, and assigning responsibilities. Organization is key to the success of any venture. When you meet, have a list, summary, or outline of topics to help move the meeting along smoothly. Seek attainable short and long- term goals.
Preparation- After you have made plans for a particular program or event, proceed by doing the background work in advance in order to be ready for the event when the time comes. Do your homework and cover all the bases. Contact participants, locate the proper venue, engage as many people as necessary to help your event come off smoothly. Have a theme in mind and prepare topics or activities, speeches, etc., to support your theme. Make them thought-provoking and enlightening for the youth.
Personality- As the old adage states: ''You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar." With that in mind, be pleasant, be kind, and be approachable to everyone. Many times, a simple smile can be worth a thousand words. Even children know the difference.
Participation- Encourage youth to participate in Y.P.I. programs at the local and district levels. Prepare them to display their gifts and talents at the District Fellowships and also at the National level. The Youth Congress is the culmination of all the year's work and assembling all Districts together for a series of activities. Anticipation runs high! Make sure that the time your youth spend at the Youth Congress is meaningful and worthwhile. Encourage youth to attend the services, classes, seminars, workshops, rehearsals, and other activities that are planned for their spiritual growth, enjoyment, and enlightenment.
Publicity - Utilize different forms of media to advertise your activities- make flyers and posters, make radio announcements; put ads in the local newspaper, utilize social web pages - Facebook , You Tube, and Twitter, and also utilize word-of-mouth advertisement. Make it known at home and abroad what you are doing toward kingdom building in your neck of the woods.
P.R. - Praise and Recognition- Set aside a special time to reward the youth for their hard work and achievements. A little praise and recognition goes a long way to boost morale, and gives them the incentive to do even more. This, too, can encourage other young people to accept the challenge and do their best.
XII. Seven Keys to Success
• Develop and maintain a positive attitude
• Believe in yourself
• Make wise choices
• Develop positive habits
• Set and achieve goals .
• Use creative thinking
• Be persistent
XIII. Y.P.I. Leadership Pyramid
National Supervisors
District
Supervisors
Y.P.I. Ambassadors
Y.P.I. Presidents
As officers of the Y.P.I., it is our duty and responsibility to instill in every youth the values and
principles of holiness, through teaching and training, nurturing and grooming, and aligning ourselves
with the Word of God. This duty begins in the local church with the Y.P.I. President on the front lines,
and transcends upward through the chain of leadership. As activities and programs extend to the District
and National arenas, there should be visible signs of growth and maturity in our youth, stemming from
activities that began at the local church.
When in the District and National arenas, Y.P.I. Presidents, Y.P.I. Ambassadors, and District Supervisors
should continue to monitor the activities and behaviors of the youth, especially those from your local
jurisdictions. When feasible, it is helpful to appoint responsible individuals from your districts to assist in
monitoring the activities of the youth at all times, especially in the District and National areas. Too often,
youth fail to reap the full benefits of well-planned programs, workshops, and activities when they don't
attend classes, or are gathering on the outside while service is going on inside, etc. Each officer is
accountable to the Church and to God for their stewardship. So, do your best at all times to follow
through on your duty.
I. Y.P.I. President
There should be an active Y.P.I. (auxiliary) in each church. There should be a Y.P.I. President assigned in each church. If possible, other officers should include a Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The local YPI President should meet monthly with her staff to discuss and disseminate information obtained from the Supervisor and others.
Y.P.I. Presidents are on the front line of duty as they work directly with the youth in their local churches. At this level, the Y.P.I. President has the opportunity to build in every child a solid Christian foundation, develop character, recognize and nurture hidden talents, and teach Bible truths early in life to those under his/her tutelage. Prov. 22:6 says: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it".
Training should begin from the cradle and continue on through college. Training should include activities, classes, programs, and excursions designed for each age group. Y.P.I. Presidents should take advantage of special holidays such as: Christmas, Easter, Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day, Children's Day, Grandparents' Day, Fourth of July, Martin Luther King’s birthday, etc., to encourage children to learn recitations. This gets them started early with public speaking—a skill that will follow them through life. They can also act in skits and plays, do arts and crafts projects, read, write poetry, explore creative interests, and so much more.
Accountability:
The Y.P.I. President, along with the Cabinet and the Pastor, should work together to develop an agenda that will appeal to the present-day generation in their local church. Before any presentation can be adopted or implemented, it must have the approval of the Pastor. A presentation of the organized outline of events should be made to the Pastor for schedule consideration. Each event should be themed or structured with a particular focus on observing the objectives of the Department. Nothing should be planned without the purpose of ministry in mind.
The Y.P.I. President should then report her plans and activities to the District Supervisor when they meet or converse on a regularly scheduled basis. The Y.P.I. President should also be able to recommend youth from the local church who have been properly trained and are well prepared who can represent and/or participate at District-level programs, especially the spring Fellowships.
The objective is to foster such a deep love for Christ in every child that they become comfortable and familiar with working in the church locally, while becoming comfortable in stepping up to performances at the District level and National levels.
II. Y.P.I. Ambassador
The Y.P.I. Ambassador for Christ is appointed by the General Church at the Annual State Convention to serve for at least one year in the position, and is responsible for working directly with the District Supervisor and in support of the Y.P.I. President, for the promotion of spiritual growth within his/her local church/district jurisdiction.
Ambassadors are responsible for assisting the District Supervisor carry out an effective, systematic Y.P.I. Outreach Program for the purpose of increasing Y.P.I. membership in the local church and on the District. The Ambassador should be spiritual minded and develop ways to see that the spiritual needs of the youth are met. Ambassadors are also called upon to help meet the financial needs of the Y.P.I. as assessed by the Elder, District Supervisor, etc. The YPI Ambassador works directly under the supervision of the YPI Supervisor, not at as a stand alone.
Y.P.I. Ambassadors should also be prepared to:
Go before the Lord in prayer with and for the District Supervisor and Y.P.I. Presidents. Conduct service at District meetings when called upon. Help promote all Y.P.I. events; i.e., District Meetings, District trips, social functions; coordinate and assist with transporting youth to area functions; and carry out assigned duties as instructed by the District Supervisor
Accountability:
The Y.P.I. Ambassador should report to, and work with, the District Supervisor as they prayerfully work together to carry out a viable program for the District. Upon request by the Elder or Supervisor, the Ambassador should be able to give account of his/her stewardship to the glory of God.
III. District Y.P.I. Supervisor
District Supervisors are responsible for setting up each Y.P.I. Chapter properly, with the consent of the Pastor. Supervisors should have on hand the required textbooks, song books, and other materials needed to help Y.P.I. Presidents and Ambassadors in carrying out youth programs and activities. If materials are not on hand, the Supervisor should be able to assist in providing a list of such items and/or places from which they may be obtained.
Periodic staff meetings for the Supervisor's cabinet are imperative. The Supervisor's cabinet consists of the District Y.P.I. Ambassadors and Y.P.I. Presidents, and other local officers of the Y.P.I. They should use meeting times to plan and outline programs, assign tasks, organize youth activities, and community outreach projects.
Designate a Sunday out of each month for local Y.P.I. services. Have a meaningful agenda that will enlighten and encourage the youth. The general idea is to get youth so excited about upcoming Y.P.I. sessions, until they are eager to participate, make suggestions, and help in planning future events.
Monitor the progress of the local Y.P.I. in each church. Become aware of the talents, skills, and abilities of your youth. Submit their names for participation in District and National events. Plan District-level programs and encourage and invite youth and adults from the community, schools, etc. to attend and/or participate in these programs. Promote salvation! The goal should always be to see souls saved, not entertained only.
Meet with the National Supervisors for planning Fellowship Days and the Youth Congress Program and participate in special projects as assigned by the National Supervisors.
Accountability:
The District Supervisor reports to the Elder and National Supervisor. She is accountable for the progress of youth programs on the District as well as the financial requirements for Contestants and for Penny Per Day, due at the Youth Congress. She should be able to visit local churches, give guidance, and provide support/advice as requested, or needed.
**SPECIAL NOTE**
Each District should plan a SUPERVISOR'S APPRECIATION DAY
for the District Supervisor. This day is set aside for the
Supervisor's benefit so that she may receive church donations,
gifts, etc., especially for her. The Supervisor should NOT be
expected to plan her own day.
IV. National Y.P.I. Supervisor
The National Supervisor is appointed to serve over a jurisdictional diocese.
District Supervisors report directly to the National Supervisor, keeping them
apprised of all activities concerning the Y.P.I. The National Supervisor should meet
or talk to District Supervisors to keep them abreast of any matters or directives coming
down from the Bishops. National Supervisors should promote, encourage, and support
the work of the District and local Y.P.I. in their jurisdiction and in support of the
agenda of the Young People's Institute as a whole.
National Supervisors are responsible for setting the agenda for the Y.P.I.,
planning the year's work, meeting with District Supervisors for planning the Annual
Youth Congress and all components connected with the successful implementation and
monitoring of the overall progress of the program. National Supervisors should see that
District Supervisors are well informed of their duties and responsibilities while in office.
National Supervisors should attend, provide oversight, and/or lend support to the Regional
Fellowship groups, usually occurring during the spring of the year.
Accountability:
National Supervisors report directly to the National Y.P.I. Chairlady,
the Bishops, and also confer with District Elders.
XIV. The Total Man
The Youth Department must earnestly strive to implement youth programs, activities, and classes that address the issues affecting 'the total man.' The spiritual state of mankind and his relationship with God is, and always will be, the major focus of our Christian agenda. As the Lord commissioned us to do, we must continue to preach, teach, persuade, and compel men, women, boys, and girls to come to Christ. This is a daunting task since the issues and challenges influencing the lives of our youth today can be powerfully overwhelming and seductive, as Satan remains a fierce opponent for those who are struggling to stay in the faith.
In reaching our youth, we should seek to find creative ways to teach life-changing messages. The message should not change; but perhaps we should examine ways to update our ability to disseminate the message to reach today's youth where they are. Truer words were never spoken than those of our Late Bishop W.E. Fuller, Jr., who said: ''He who uses yesterday's tools to do today’s job, will be out of business tomorrow." We cannot rely totally on yesterday's tools and expect to reach, recruit, and retain young people today, as Proverbs 11 :30 states: "...he that winneth souls is wise.''
Our youth are bombarded with schemes and devices from Satan's arsenal that are cleverly designed to attack and destroy their mind, body, spirit, and emotional space. There are major social issues eating away at the very core of man’s existence that need to be addressed. The church can no longer be silent and sit idly by, but we must seek to inform and educate our youth so they can make the right choices in life. The church can be better served by exploring ways to meet the needs of the 'total man', i.e., the mind, body, soul, emotional, social, career, cultural, and recreational space of every individual.
We must be willing to incorporate the tools and methods that address spiritual matters as well as the issues that today's youth confront as they mingle among their peers in school, college, the community, at work, and in other social settings, realizing that man is not only a spiritual being, but a social being as well. Therefore, we must address the 'hot' social issues affecting their lives, as no one is completely isolated from the ills of our society. Spending time with our youth in 'non-church' settings is vitally important because it shows that the church is not oblivious or unaware of the social, cultural, and recreational opportunities that are offered by society today.
In order to have a well-rounded 'total man', the Youth Department should allot time periodically throughout the year to incorporate activities in our program that address each of the components that make up the 'total man', and thus create a 'balance' in the lives of our youth.
(See percentage graph attached).
Youth Leaders should familiarize themselves with a broad spectrum of issues that youth are confronted with in the world today. Man is not only a spiritual being, but is also made up of social, intellectual, emotional, recreational, and cultural needs as well. As visionary leaders, we cannot have tunnel vision, as if these other issues don*t affect our youth, especially if we expect to reach the whole man, not just part of them. We must be in tune, because they are dealing with issues far greater than the generations before them. Seek to know their issues and plan your discussions to include topics about what's on their minds. In other words, create a 'balance' in your activities. Become familiar with their social issues, and seek to encourage them academically, supporting their career goals as well. Let them know how to protect their bodies//health (the temple that God has given them). Encourage sports activities and support them in their endeavors. As Christian youth, they need to know that the Y.P.I. is concerned-about the 'Total Man' and wants to them to be well-rounded and well-prepared to properly conduct themselves in most any setting they may encounter once they step outside of the Church doors.
The Y.P.I. should seek to introduce balance in its curriculum by utilizing creative arid innovative approaches to address the needs of the 'Total Man' -- mind, body, soul, social, emotional, recreational, cultural, and career issues. If the Y.P.I. only talks about man's soul, that leaves all the other areas vacant for others to fill in the void. Why not be proactive rather than reactive? Try to create a 'balance' so the youth are not one-sided.
EXAMPLE:
• Body (Health) - Romans 12:1-2; Too many of God’s children suffer from serious health problems or are living lifestyles that will lead to health problems in the future. Cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, obesity, and numerous other diseases kills millions of people each year even though huge amounts of money are spent on medical care, drugs, and research. This situation is happening because so many have traveled the wrong paths in life. If their lifestyle does not promote health, nutrition, and the proper care of the body that God has given them, they may suffer the consequences. Our society has become lazy, everyone looks for the easy way out by cutting comers. Convenience is the key to living for most people and the convenient, easy way is not always the best way. Since obesity has reached epidemic proportions in America, encourage physical activity and plan outings that promote movement.
• Mind - United Negro College Fund slogan- "The mind is a terrible thing to waste.'' Find out What's on the minds of today’s youth?
• Soul/Spirit -
• Social-
• Emotional -
• Recreational -
• Cultural-
• Career -