MINISTRY / Is illegal teen ministry next?

"We could use your help to train our teen ministry leaders."

Ministry to teens

That comment from a Chinese pastor has launched a discussion at 316NOW about what we can do to assist that church -- and others like it -- care for their teenagers.

Sharing Scripture truths with teens in China is complicated. Chinese teens face many of the same adolescent issues as American teens (including depression and an unacceptably high suicide rate). But the Chinese government has added another challenge. It is illegal to share the gospel with anyone under the age of 18. All religious instructions of teens -- including teen outings -- must be done under the government's radar.

Not deterred

None of that is deterring our 316NOW Team from investigating what we can do to help.

At today's meeting of 316NOW's top administrators, we learned about the beginning steps our Sheep to Lambs Division is taking. The core of our strategy will be to teach teen leaders how to meet the spiritual needs of their groups. We will provide those leaders with biblically sound materials so they can guide teens' spiritual formation and transition into adults. Some of those materials already exist; others must be developed.

The need for prayer

As we explore this addition to our ministry, we ask for your prayers.