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• Illustration: Stone was served lunch after a funeral service at a church; when he asked for a high chair for his daughter, the church had to 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: Years ago, the London Transit Authority told buses to bypass waiting passengers to stay on schedule.
• The purpose of youth ministry is modeled for us in the life of Jesus Christ.
• Luke 2:52

• We need to change our mindset from thinking that prayer is a last resort and allow it to become a first 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.
  -Ephesians 3:20

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

• Young people today 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.