(ThyBlackMan.com) An interactive discussion and focus on God’s Word with youth teens and young adults.
The recent 42nd Southeastern Regional Lectureship of the Church of Christ was an opportunity to share the brotherhood and sisterhood of the Body of Christ. Held in St. Petersburg, Florida and attended by adults of various Church of Christ ministries and for the first time youth and teens in their 1st Annual Youth Series.
Workshops, discussion groups and panel discussions that focused on “Saving Souls and Keeping Souls Saved” as it related to the reading, interpretation, application, teaching and relevancy of the gospel were involved in the Lectureship. The gospel is the tool or the platform to share the message of God as Jesus did in his travels shared with the disciples as they traveled, taught and healed.
A new series to the Lectureship was the 1st Annual Youth Series by
Lester McCou the Youth Pastor of Fifth Avenue Church of Christ, the theme: “Keep Calm and Stop Bullying” Roman 15:1. The speaker William Jackson from Jacksonville, Florida a member of Westside Church of Christ interacted with the youth and teens on their understanding of what bullying is, how it can affect their self-esteem and strategies on getting out of bullying situations without violence.
William Jackson 2015 Teacher of the Year, a parent and educator of over 25 years in public and higher education; speaker on Social Media Safety, Internet Etiquette, preventing Bullying and Cyberbullying.
The youth and teens spoke of bullying situations they faced, their concerns on their safety and how they can help their peers with bullying actions of others. During the discussion the youth and teens were honest about their thoughts and feelings which allowed them to speak openly. The importance of prayer, faith and worship were discussed as to the promise and strength of being a Christian.
The youth and teens discussed the importance of their prayer life and how they are responsible and accountable for their actions by God.
In addition was the theme: “Is God pleased with what’s on your timeline?” Romans 12:1-2 the discussion focused on Social Media content and how it relates to being a member of the Body of Christ
and living a Christian life. As the youth and teens listened and contributed to the interactive lessons, they learned how Social Media allows for people to judge them, and how Social Media
influences the opportunities of employment, entering into higher education, military service, how being associated with certain people or groups can be beneficial or hazardous.
Technology and Social Media are pervasive in our society, youth and teens are capable of being connected to hundreds of people and vast amounts of information, youth and teens must respect the capabilities of Social Media platforms and tools. Lester McCou, the Youth Minister of Fifth Avenue Church of Christ contributed to the discussion with real life events of Social Media realities that damaged reputations, lost employment and even suicides from Cyberbullying/Bullying. He shared the positive effects as well and emphasized “walking the walk, and talking the talk” of being saved and a member of the Body of Christ.
Social Media can be used for positive sharing of information and collaboration. Youth and teens should be provided training about the capabilities and dangers of participating in Social Media. The Church of Christ is providing increased learning opportunities for youth, teens and young adults. The value of teaching about the gospel is vital for youth and teens and their salvation.
Continued education needs to be provided by the Churches of Christ ministries to teach youth, teens, young adults and even adults and elders how technology and Social Media can be beneficial in the Church of Christ to share the gospel, equipping members of the Body with positive and transformative tools.
William Jackson is a member of Westside Church of Christ which is lead by Minister Elisha Taylor, Jr William is a member of the Information Technology Ministry (ITM) and the Social Media Visionary. He is a father, blogger, speaker/presenter and teaches in the public school system of Duval County and an instructor at Edward Waters College teaching in the Education and Urban Studies Department.
Blogging for the Church of Christ at: Church of Christ and Social Media http://churchofchristandsocialmedia.wordpress.com/
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.
