United Church of God
an International Association

Greetings to everyone, especially our young adults and teens,

As of today, Camp Pinecrest in Missouri opened the 2002 United Youth Camp summer season in the United States. Several camps in other parts of the world already have been successfully completed this year, which, by the way, is our eighth year of having the camp program!

It would appear that the Church is increasingly retaining a greater percentage of the young people than we did in the last few decades. By "retaining," I mean we are seeing more of the youths growing up in God’s way of life and developing a personal relationship with God that makes them choose to remain connected with the Church. They are here because they want to be here, they believe in this way of life, they are proving it for themselves in a deeper way than ever before and that is leading them toward making the commitment of baptism.

Parents and spiritually healthy congregations have a tremendous impact on young minds, and deserve the lion’s share of the credit for making the Church a safe zone in life where a young person can develop a bond with God. Various surveys also tell us that the camp program plays a big part – it is amazing the impact that one really good week has on our young people. The volunteer service of many young adults accounts for much of the camps’ success. Without their help we simply could not operate the program. It’s not just your physical presence that does it, however; it is your commitment, interest, involvement and service that make the greatest impact, and we thank you for these.

Preparing for Camp Oakhurst has put this in my mind, so it seemed timely to direct this letter particularly to the young people in the Church (although we hope everyone else reads it, too).

We want you to know that the Council of Elders cares deeply about the spiritual development of each succeeding generation in the Church. It may surprise many of you to know that nearly half of the Council is now comprised of "second-generation Christians." That is, they came into the Church as children or teens via their parents’ calling. A recent youth weekend survey revealed a further surprise: We now have some fifth-generation Christians! What a blessing, not only to the particular families, but the entire Church – a certain type of strength is born from such continuity. After all, each generation has the chance to absorb the lessons, both good and bad, from the previous, and that can make for a stronger Temple of God.

In the last couple of years we have heard some young people ask a good question: "What is our role in the Church?" We appreciate that question because it indicates a desire to be a part of the Church’s action, and we encourage all ministers and members to make opportunities for eager young people to serve – they greatly benefit from mentoring and that type of involvement. However, there is an important distinction between your primary role in the Church and specific areas of serving, as we will see.

First, though, let’s understand that we must always connect the role of anyone, any age, anywhere, in the Church to the Church’s purpose and mission. Jesus Christ built His Church to be the firstfruits of His family, to represent His government on this earth and to preach the gospel of the good news of His coming Kingdom. Everyone in the Church is to be a witness of a way of life that is truly different from this world – a way that is successful, a way that models what the Kingdom will be like. Any discussion of your role must always be based on the ideals that form the reason for your presence here in the Church. Your role as young people in the Church therefore cannot be separated from your role in the plan of God, to become His sons and daughters living forever in His family.

For the younger generation in particular, though, the apostle Paul probably captured in one sentence the greatest role you can fill in the Church. In his letter to third-generation Christian Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15), Paul advised him on his part to play as a younger man. Before reading that specific passage, though, notice his preceding statement: ". . . exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Godliness is not some misguided notion of obnoxious pretentiousness or false religious appearance – it is the tough exercise of strong character, the developed capacity to do the right thing in the right time and place. Its benefit comes in many ways, both immediately as well as in the future.

Paul then said, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). The first part of the verse can mean, "to look down on your youthfulness." Why would anyone look down on any youth? Well, that often happens when a youth is acting immaturely – just because you may be young doesn’t mean you have to be immature! But bad examples, especially by those who know better, really seem to leap out into the spotlight, don’t they?

On the other hand, as Paul said, do not underestimate the power of a positive example on the whole Church when you model God’s standards in the words you speak, the way you live, your love and concern for people, your moral qualities, loyalty and clean living. Those qualities come from mature minds, and no one despises a young person who acts mature. Youthfulness is an age, but maturity has to do with the way a person behaves and responds to the challenges of life. Young people who behave in a responsible and mature manner are stronger in character, and they make a stronger Church!

Who are the "believers" Paul spoke of? Generally, we can apply this to anyone in the Church. Believers can be very young. Do you ever remember being in church at, say, at 9 years old, and admiring a 19 year old? As a teen or young adult, you have a certain type of power over these young believers – the power of example! Believers can also be your peers, and we gain strength from positive peer influences. That, too, is power. Believers can be older people, and every older person in the Church has at one time or another been inspired, impressed or encouraged by the growth and positive example of a young adult or teen.

In other words, the principle Paul was driving home is that the greatest role for a young person is to be a role model! Know the role God wants you to live and then model it. Paul didn’t focus on Timothy’s skills and talents; neither does this letter tell you how you can serve with your individual gifts – that can wait for another time and place. Rather, we encourage you to fill the greatest role God has laid out for you – be a role model of His way. The role of "an example to the believers" is not a skill limited to only a few – it is a character issue that every young person can fill, and it is of the utmost importance to the Church.

Many of you do indeed set wonderful examples in "word, conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity." Believe me, the older people do notice and appreciate it! Parents of young children value the good examples that teens show the preteens and the good examples young adults show the teens. Filling your role of setting a godly example unquestionably impacts all of God’s family, and anyone else who observes your life.

Those of us who are older, your big brothers and sisters, pray for you and encourage you to continue the good work of becoming tools in God’s hands. May you continue to mature spiritually, and be the godly leaders He wants you to be, no matter your age! And have a wonderful time at camp this year.