WHY PLAN chapter 95

My first Sunday with the high school class was a blast – for me. As they came in, I began the process of getting to know them and letting them find out about me. The most common response was grade and name of the school. I tried to fig a little deeper and got a little more from some who arrived before the class was to begin. It was obvious this was a great group of kids. It appeared that we were just boring them to death.

I was a little disappointed that Tom did not return. I had called and asked him to come. I told him things were going to change. What was sad for me, was the Tom never returned to church.

I have always struggled with names. I knew I would do better with those I spoke to personally. I have always needed some details about a person as a hook on which to hang their name. I suck as remembering names. Always have.

I asked the entire class what they liked or didn’t like about SS. Surprise. At first they were unsure if they could speak honestly. I got a few expected answers and then I talked a bit about what I observed and then I supported their frustration. That opened the waters a bit. They didn’t like much of anything, but I got an earful was dislikes. I asked what they thought would make it interesting. Silence. They knew they didn’t like what was happening, but didn’t have a clue what might make it better. I was on my own. If it was going to be better, it was up to me. They would still be there. They had to be there.

The only thing the church had going for teens was Christian Service Brigade and Pioneer Girls. Both programs had a good reputation with the teens. Della had a history with Pioneer Girls and got involved from the beginning. I knew about two paragraphs worth of things about CSB and wasn’t fond of what I knew. It has a military style format and I was pretty much anti military.

Russ was the long time leader of the Battalion division CSB and asked that I come to the first meeting. I agreed that would be a good idea. It was time I saw what the program was all about. He had a reputation of being a great leader. He knew what the boys wanted and had the skills to teach them a few things. I was anxious to learn from a guy like him.

As the boys arrived they jumped into floor hockey. In fact, they came early just to play. It was obvious they were having a great time. When it was time to begin, the boys formed into squads and were called to order by the sergeant who then reported to Captain Russ. I cringed and held my breath (see “Brush with Military” chapter 27 for an explanation). There were games, badge related activities, stories, small groups (squad) studies and a short but excellent teaching time. I was impressed. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.

When the program was over, Russ asked the sergeant and myself to stay and the three us of went into their supply room to talk. He announced that he was stepping down immediately. His son was making some bad choices and it was time to give his full attention to his family. I didn’t disagree with that. We really didn’t discuss much of anything. He was leaving and that was that and he was turning the program over to me. Gulp! Me? The unmilitary, non-camping citified dude. He explained that Ken (the sergeant) knew the program and would walk me though what needed to be done at each meeting and it would all work out great. Right!

The meeting was over and it was settled. I now had two programs I was personally running. One I wanted and one I inherited. I didn’t need to plan my schedule; it was being planned for me. I really didn’t know what to say, except I can’t do that. I don’t know anything about CSB. That was a lousy excuse as far as Russ was concerned. Mr. Art Ratzlaff was the general director of CSB having responsibility for both Battalion and the young boys, Stockade. He came along side to encourage and help me. He gave me books. There was a great games book that I came to depend on. I used that all the way through my ministry. It was terrific. He spent more of his time with the younger boys and there were no other adults on tap. I was on my own and we would both look for assistants. I was definitely going to need Ken. While I thought the program was great, what I wanted to start was a high school youth group. That was going to be a problem. The adults did not seem to want one.