Text: Luke 2:52
Topic: Why the young people of a church are important

• Illustration: When Stone asked for a highchair for his daughter, the church had to dig their only one out of the storage closet.
• Where there is no concern for the church of tomorrow, there will be little power in the church of today.
• The church's responsibility to its youth includes a purposeful ministry and consistent prayer.

• It's important that the church recognize its purpose for the youth program.
  • Illustration: The London Transit Authority told buses to ignore waiting passengers in order to stay on schedule.
• The purpose of youth ministry is summarized in Luke 2:52.

• We need to stop thinking about prayer as a last resort and make it a priority in our lives.
  • Illustration: Martin Luther said, "I have so much business to tend to that my day cannot begin without first spending two hours in prayer."
• When we pray expectantly, God brings the increase.

• Youth ministry must be built on encouragement.
• Youth ministry must be characterized by evangelism.
• Youth ministry must be led by example.

• Young people have incredible odds to overcome.
  • Illustration: Stone's daughter didn't mind swimming in deep water so long as she was close to her father.

For the full text of this sermon, go to "Keep the Dust of the Highchairs."