PUCCA Youth Day Worship

Introduction

Honor:

Apostle Graham and the Board of Bishops

Pastor Elder Ricky Finklea

Youth President, Pastor Brian Lanier

My wife

It’s not how you start it’s how you finish. Share your testimony on how you became a Dr.

Icebreaker: Ask adults in the room, what would you do if money was not an issue? Who would you be?

Then ask them, what did you want to be when you were growing up?

Point: Many people settle for doing things to make the most money they can make, because at some point in life their focus changes from doing something meaningful and purposeful to doing something that will ultimately provide the kind of life they desire.

Try asking the question: What problem in the world would I like to solve? Then, work towards becoming qualified for that ambitious (Anthony Bradley)

Education is never a qualifier for the things God has purposed for us. Rather, it is an accessory for the things God has purposed for our lives. The question: how can my educational pursuits propel my attempt to fulfill God’s plan for my life? How can it open up doors for me to do what I was called to do?

The education system was primarily organized to prepare citizens of the United States with the understanding and values needed to form a stable democracy. In other words,

This attempt initially requires some guidance from a parent or influencer (Exodus 2:2; Acts 7:20-22). So, the guidance begins with asking kids what they would like to be. But more importantly it’s about recognizing the hand of God on child’s life and wisely guiding them with discernment.

So, I want to go over some of the things we can do to help and understand our children as they go through their stages of growth and educational pursuit.

Elementary Students (Kindergarten- 5th Grade) 5-10

Innocence. The enemy will strategically try to rob our students/ children of their innocence. These are the issues facing our children in their elementary stages:

parental abuse, bullying, poor social skills, rejection, learning disabilities and attention-deficit hyperactivity

When children begin school, they start to compare themselves with peers. If children feel they’re accomplished in relation to peers, they develop strong self-esteem. If, however, they notice that other children have met milestones that they haven’t, they may struggle with self-esteem. For example, a first grader may notice a consistently worse performance on spelling tests when compared with peers. If this becomes a pattern, it can lead to feelings of inferiority (https://online.maryville.edu/online-bachelors-degrees/human-development-and-family-studies/resources/stages-of-human-development/).

Solution:

Protect their innocence by:

Boosting their self-esteem

Eliminating comparative thinking

Middle School- High School 11-17

Purity. The enemy is fighting to steal our children’s purity. These are the issues facing our children in their elementary stages:

Bullying, Academic pressure, Learning abilities, Stress, Disappointment, Expressing individuality, Extracurricular commitments, Finding healthy tribes, Friendship changes, Middle school kids are complex, Social pressure, They can sometimes exaggerate

The adolescent stage is where the term “identity crisis” originated, and for good reason. Adolescence is all about developing a sense of self. Adolescents who can clearly identify who they are grow up with stronger goals and self-knowledge than teenagers who struggle to break free of their parents’ or friends’ influences. Adolescents who still deeply depend on their parents for social interaction and guidance may experience more role confusion than teenagers who pursue their own interests (https://online.maryville.edu/online-bachelors-degrees/human-development-and-family-studies/resources/stages-of-human-development/).

College and Early Adulthood 18-22

Mind and Identity. The enemy is fighting to steal our young adults’ mind and identity. A great deal of this is done through relationships.

In young adulthood, which begins roughly at age 20, people begin to solidify their lifelong bonds; many people enter committed relationships or marriages, while others form lifelong friendships. People who can create and maintain these relationships reap the emotional benefits, while those who struggle to maintain relationships may suffer from isolation. A young adult who develops strong friendships in college may feel more intimacy than one who struggles to form and maintain close friendships (https://online.maryville.edu/online-bachelors-degrees/human-development-and-family-studies/resources/stages-of-human-development/).

**Speak on Marcus Wayne Chenault**

**Speak on Fraternities, Sororities, and extra curricular groups**

Practical Conclusions for College Readiness

Don’t go to college, just because it is the next step in life. Go because you have a purpose and you need said degree to accomplish that purpose.

Parents—invest in college tuition savings plans

529 college savings plans are the most common way to save for your kid’s college education. That’s because there are tax advantages to the account, plus the potential to earn a return on your investment.

Low risk, respectful return over long periods of time

Significant tax advantages

Students—Take advantage of scholarships and eliminate college debt

43.2 million borrowers have federal student loan debt.

As of 2023, The average federal student loan debt balance is $37,088, while the total average balance (including private loan debt) may be as high as $39,981.

$1.75 trillion in total student loan debt (including federal and private loans)

55% of students from public four-year institutions had student loans

57% of students from private nonprofit four-year institutions took on education debt

When you enter high school, understand the importance of your GPA…it unlocks doors that only a good GPA can open

Have a great relationship with your guidance counselors

Find a mentor who will expose you to endless possibilities

Build a network