Years ago our church had a Summer Servant program. The purpose was to train youth for Christian leadership. Each prospective student for the program was given forty Bible verses, which had to be recited from memory before they could participate.
A white water rafting trip was planned as an outreach kick-off and each student was to invite an unchurched friend. I remember the youth pastor delaying the bus’s departure to listen to several last minute students recite their verses.
I personally thought memorizing forty verses was a huge expectation. The pastor’s reasoning was that during the summer the students would build on those verses, by seven additional verses each week!
I was impressed that so many kids did it. I was impressed that the youth pastor expected them to do it. I was impressed that for years afterward some teens kept their stack of cards with Bible verses next to their beds. Why? So they could review them and not forget the verses they’d learned.
Did it teach them leadership skills? Absolutely! A follower of Jesus who has God’s Word hidden in his heart will know how to model a godly life before others. Moreover, when God’s Word is fixed within him, he will know how to live a life that is purposeful, joyful and pleasing to God.
- I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
- How can a young man keep his way pure? Click here to listen:
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[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.whoisjesus-really.com/ and www.godlife.com
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Wonderful testimony of these young one’s commitment to Christ and their pastor’s belief in them.
Yes it is. I believe their pastor’s belief in them is key.
Hi Kathleen, I’m surprised that I still quote verses I leaned nearly 25 years ago.
I think you’re right, David. It seems what we memorize in our youth stays with us forever!
God’s Word is what changes us. The more that’s “in” us the more that change takes place. I think it’s a grand idea to commit the Word to memory… for youth AND adults!
Of course, I agree! Thank you Karen– from http://www.switchbacks.org/
What a wonderful idea for a Youth Group. I passed this on to our church’s children and youth programs. We have some youth preparing for camp this summer. Who knows but that maybe this idea can be incorporated into their camp programs, too. Thanks for sharing this. By way of ideas: I print out my memory verses onto business cards and print them out. That way I can take them with me wherever I go.
Thank you Linda! Yours is a good idea too!