Every three years my church body has something they have called a “National Youth Gathering,” and now refered to simply as “Youth Gathering.” The last one was in in Houston. About 20,000 youth and adults (mostly high school youth) from across the United States and some international participants gathered under the theme “In All Things.”  They had daily Bible Studies, time for play, worked on service projects around the area, listened to speakers and musicians in “Mass Events” at Minute Maid Park every night, and had chances to hear presentations on a variety of relevant topics every day at the George Brown Convention Center. They took time to worship and pray together. That was the fifth time Cheryl and I volunteered as workers at one of these events, and prior to that we had attended three other gatherings as Family Group leaders for the youth from our congregation. These were always a wonderful and tiring experience.

I think about all the years our congregation held Vacation Bible School. Cheryl and I were able to help with that again this year. VBS is a big production with lots of decorations and fun. Every year we share with the children the Good News of God sending His Son into this world to be the Savior of all people. We told them how Jesus paid for our sin so that we would not have to do so ourselves. We did this through story time, crafts, games, experiment stations, snacks and music. It was a joy to hear all those happy and excited voices in our building. And yes, it was always tiring as well.

In spite of my exhaustion, I would not hesitate to be part of those events again. I have always been a strong proponent of sharing the Good News of Jesus with our young people. It is crucial. And we do that not just in “big” events like Youth Gatherings and Vacation Bible School. Our congregations are constantly trying to share this Good News every week in Children’s Church and Sunday School and Midweek Classes. We share resources for parents to use at home to educate their children throughout the week.

A phrase that has been floating around the internet and social media the last few years is “If we don’t teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to.” That is worth serious contemplation. Many parents who were raised in Church and Sunday School have made those things a low priority for their children. It is not a case of not believing in Jesus, but that other things demand their time and attention. Sunday morning is used as “time off” for recovery rather than a time to gather with other believers for worship and praise. Satan convinces people that it is okay to just stay home. It is a clever ploy our old evil foe uses to lead people away the importance of putting Jesus first.

Here are a few of the Scripture passages that speak to the importance of teaching the faith to our children.

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Matthew 19:13–14 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

This is the responsibility of all followers of Jesus. If your children are grown or you have no children of your own, you can still be a part of sharing Jesus with the next generation. All of you can volunteer in the children’s ministry of your congregation. It doesn’t have to be as a “teacher,” but it could be. Those who help behind the scenes are also needed. Maybe you can help prepare classrooms and make sure all the necessary supplies are available. Offer transportation for those who have trouble getting their children to Sunday School. Encourage parents in their efforts to raise godly children. God will bless you as you do this loving work.

What can you do to make sure that future generations hear and know and understand God’s love for them in Christ? Don’t delay. Do it today.