The GYC 2007 will be held in Minneapolis, MN. Go to http://www.gycweb.org for more information.

Peace

I hate to be negative. But, I will anyway. Am I the only one with these feelings and observations?

What I have seen is that the GYCs have not really been geared for youth. (HEY ... that's a strange thing to say Redwood).

The topic of the conference as I recall was to remain loyal to the church structure. It was not gospel focused or centered.

I observed a really stuffy conference that had the old stale dry and slow hymns. They even sang the doxology. Now ... I am not opposed to the Doxology but at a Youth Conference? Why not have a little more upbeat music? Why not have some youth play and sing to a Praise team? If it was me ... I would add some drums. But I realize that would be taboo because you might offend the conservatives. But I am just asking for some balance !!!

Doxology ???

I noticed that the website is still under construction just like the conference needs to be.

Which GYC was that? I agree that we need to change format to be relevant, not only to the youth, but to the culture in general.

Shane ... I think it was 2005. I just don't remember for sure. I gave up on them at that point. I was so turned off that I am still shaking my head. Hopefully they got similar imput and have changed. I can't verify what is going to happen this year.

Wow. I just drove home from Columbus where we attended the wedding of a premarital-couple that we counseled with 3-years ago. My 23-year old son brought up the GYC in Minneapolis this December as we drove. He said that the 2005 GYC was so inspirational that he would hate to miss this 2007 one. He also told that to the pastor who married the couple today.

Dylan is a member of a quartet, mixes music, loves dirt bikes and is unusually devoted to the Lord. He preaches regularly at our church, teaches the youth SS class. I respect his opinion of the 2005 GYC. He said C.D. Brooks, Michael hasel, George Reid, Philip Samaan, David Gates, David Assherick and others were such a blessing to him.

Interesting timing. Anyhow, glad to be home.


olger

It's good for the youth to experience and appreciate all kinds of Christian music, including the "old hymns." I don't think we can just assume they get turned off by them. My own teenage girls (15, 19) like to listen to modern music but when it comes to church and worship, they also enjoy singing the regular hyms, such as "The Old Rugged Cross," etc. A favorite of their's is "Shall We Gather At the River?"

Here's the GYC statement. It looks great on paper and I hope it's a reality at GYC:

The Spirit of GYC

The spirit of GYC is a set of statements that describes the core guiding principles of this movement. It is the heartbeat of the Generation of Youth For Christ. All GYC participants and attendees are expected to uphold and exhibit these values.

In seeking to uphold the distinctive message of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, GYC will promote among its participants:

A respect for Scripture – as the foundation and test of all teachings and practices
An appreciation for the Spirit of Prophecy – as an authoritative source of instruction, comfort, and warning
A quest for Biblical holiness – through a daily prayer and devotional experience with Jesus and a commitment to following His Word
A vibrant worship experience – one that is characterized by principle, reverence, and decorum
A passion for lost souls – animated by personal experience in the saving love of Jesus and a desire for His imminent return
A cultivation of godly relationships – preserving purity and encouraging accountability
An exemplary and abundant lifestyle – in recreation, entertainment, dress, and healthful living
An enthusiasm for service – through care for the needy, service to the community, promotion of human rights, and stewardship of the environment
A commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist Church as God’s remnant church—by supporting and upholding its principles, organization, and leadership
An attitude of humility and cordiality – as we seek to clarify, articulate, and defend the Biblical teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist church

Olger. I am glad that this conference met the needs of your friend. It is obvious that each year it does meet the needs of some. I am glad for that.

To Each His Own.

There is a segment of youth that this type of approach will meet. And if that is their focus and mission ... who am I to criticize ... I am not paying the bill.

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.

Redwood. It was my oldest son (Dylan). Have you ever met Chester Clark? He's a young man who is involved in ASI. Very fine young fellow.

I'd met Chester at the 3ABN campmeetings. Then when we were in Norway last year, we walked into a school south of Oslo and presto - Chester! Small world. Neither one of us expected to see the other in Scandinavia.


olger