2018 Beach Retreat Leader Manual

the JHigh years and the amazing ability of an 11-13 year old
to fluctuate from one emotion to another at the drop of a hat.
A wise Beach Retreat Leader will be sensitive to the emotions
of students. Realize that you may need extra patience with
some students. While leaders should not allow students to
be disrespectful, they shouldn’t be surprised if students react
strongly to some situations.
SPIRITUAL CHANGES
Students who grow up in a church like Second Baptist will
often make a decision for Christ during elementary school.
About half of the students in our group have grown up in a
family that is active in an evangelical church. But the other
half comes from diverse backgrounds. Some of their families
attend a church nominally, while others never attend at all.
While many assume themselves to be Christian because
of their heritage, a few are from backgrounds that are
non-Christian. Students who have grown up in a Christian
home are often well versed at going through the motions:
attending church and retreats, tithing, memorizing verses and
avoiding obvious sin. However, many students who grew
up in Christian homes see Christianity as a religion, not as a
relationship with Christ. They know that they’re on the way
to heaven and that they’re supposed to go to church and do
the right thing. Yet few of them spend one-on-one time alone
with God weekly, much less daily. They see Jesus as a forgiver
and rule-giver, not a friend to have a daily friendship with.
They see God as a mighty Creator, not as the Abba Father
who loves them and desires a father/child growing relationship
with them. Consequently, it’s important to encourage students to
get in the habit of having a daily quiet time. But leaders should be
careful to help them see that spending time alone with God is a
way we strengthen our friendship with Christ—it’s not just another
religious duty. Students who are lost need to have the gospel
explained to them clearly and practically. Feel free to share your
basic testimony as you witness to a student. Most students at this
age are very receptive of the Gospel. Be careful to avoid churchy
or religious words. Speak in a simple, yet not condescending
language. Just stick to the basic Gospel message and leave terms
like “propitiation” and “sanctification” for later on!
SUMMARY
The JHigh years involve tremendous change and even more
insecurity. Pray that God would use your words to build up
students, not tear them down. Let students know that you do
really care about them and that you are available to listen to
them any time. Although you are there to enforce the rules
and ensure their safety, you are primarily there to love and
build them up in Christ. Make sure they know that you are
for them!
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