Whether you eat or drink,
or whatever you do,
do all to the glory of God.
~I Corinthians 10:31

Youth ministries have been a vital part of The Church of the Open Bible for several decades. Ideas have been gleaned from national organizations providing assistance to church youth groups and tailored to our local congregation. A four-pronged set of objectives for children and teens has emerged:

(1) Urge them to have their own personal relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

(2) Show how God's Word, the Bible, relates in a practical way to everyday life,

(3) Encourage the development of talents and skills, and

(4) Provide lots of wholesome fun and a setting for making friends.

Adult leaders are enlisted who have a commitment to spiritual values, an enthusiastic love for children, and a variety of interests and talents. Care is taken that all activities, on or off church property, be closely supervised. Some groups may be meeting at a local gym and occasionally field trips are taken on other days.

There are separate groupings and appropriate activities for girls and boys at various age levels. Challenging projects to be completed at home with parental cooperation are promoted, such as, patriotism, care of pets, cooking, hobbies, handcraft, nature appreciation, camping, and spiritual development. Successful completion of these projects is rewarded by achievement recognition and overnight activities. Boys eagerly compete in the Annual Pinewood Derby. And girls eagerly compete in the Annual Bake-Off Competition.

The program is held Friday evenings from 7:00 to 8:45 p.m. from late September through the end of March with nights off for school vacations and special church functions.

A portion of each session includes instruction from the Bible, prayer, and the singing of Christian hymns.

Costs for this program are minimal. Participants are encouraged to purchase the Circle B Handbook ($5.00). Suggested uniforms are inexpensive or can be composed of clothing generally available already at home. Costs of crafts and activities are watched carefully so that the children's share is very reasonable.

Parents are invited to participate in special events during the season. At the end of the program Mother-Daughter and Father-Son Banquets are held at which special recognition and final awards are presented.