Essay: Church & Family Assignment
Rasheeta E. Turner
School of Divinity, Liberty University
YOUT201: Survey of Youth Ministries
Professor Richard Brown
Essay: Church & Family Assignment
Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will
not depart from it” (Bible, KJV). Growing up in Texas (the south) church was always part of my
upbringing. I remember going to at least 5 different meetings at church a week: Bible Study,
Teacher’s Meeting, Choir Rehearsal, Sunday School and Bible Drill. As an adult I am eternally
grateful for that guidance. During my transition phase from teenager to young adult and even
now, when I find myself in troubling situations I go back to the basics I was taught. I believe in
the power of a student ministry bridging the gap to fulfill God’s purpose. I am a prime example
of it! At one point in time after my parents and grandparents ushered me in I would go to church
alone; the church bus would pick me up from my house. My parents' work schedule changed and
my grandmother fell ill; through all that I was still committed to going to church. I enjoyed the
company of people my own age. Our text states “I’m all about the family context, but frankly we
tend to hang out with those closest to our age” (Vandegriff & Brown, Pg. 97). It’s true! After
some time, I became involved by teaching a children’s class. Student ministries are an essential
part of southern culture! They help by supporting the foundation parents set and reinforcing the
word of God; they talk the adolescents through difficult decisions and help parents gain
understanding. (Vandegriff & Brown, Pg. 98) They are the connection to parents and the
protection of youth peace! I thank God for my parents and their wisdom to follow family
tradition by bringing me up in the church. The foundation they built in connection with my
church's youth ministry kept me from many things, carried me through many things and saved
me when I did get in trouble. How? I learned to call on the Lord at the age of 15; because of that
Bible, KJV
Vandegriff S. & Brown, R “
I am able to revise, restructure or start over at any time. Now, instead of calling my mother
for advice all the time, I call on God.
References
.” (2015)Student Ministry Essentials.Reading. Leading. Nurturing
