Baseline -- a line serving as a basis or a starting point. The thought behind this is to get back to the basics of the Word of God and prayer.
What?
Meet at a neutral location and study foundational doctrines and pray for our brothers and sisters who suffer persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ and devotion to the Word of God.
This would not be a “youth activity” as in cutting loose for a few hours. This is solely for the opportunity to ground ourselves in the Bible and pray for those who are sacrificing for their faith. We will have a light meal (pizza, appetizers, etc.). Acts 2:42 – And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and in fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Why?
The goal is to give us and our teens a better appreciation for what we have as American believers, and to help us to KNOW why we believe what we believe (and be able to teach others). Also, it is our aim that this will help us develop a passion for the Word of God and a compassion for our persecuted brethren and the lost. From this, we believe this will embolden and burden us to spread the Gospel. Furthermore, we believe that if someone KNOWS Christ, they will have a hard time falling away (2 Timothy 1:12 - For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.).
When?
Once per quarter in place of an activity. At this schedule, it would take us 3 years to complete the topics below. The thought would be since a teen is in the group for 6 years (7th – 12th) that they would study each doctrine twice.
Reservations must be made ahead of time. The cost for baseline is $5. This will supply each teen with a notebook with notes about that evening's study, and food. Reservations are necessary because we need to make sure we have a place big enough to accommodate everyone who is attending.
The first baseline night is Saturday, October 22nd from 4:30 - 9 PM. Reservations can be made starting on Sunday, October 2nd and the last day to make a reservation is Sunday, Oct. 16th.
What would we teach?
Year 1
Q1 - The Doctrine of God
Q2 - The Doctrine of Jesus Christ
Q3 - The Doctrine of The Holy Spirit
Q4 - The Doctrine of the Bible
Q1 - The Doctrine of the Church
Q2 - The Doctrine of Man
Q3 - The Doctrine of Sin
Q4 - The Doctrine of Salvation – part 1
Q1 - The Doctrine of Salvation – part 2
Q2 - The Doctrine of Angels and Satan
Q3 - The Doctrine of Last Things – part 1
Q4 - The Doctrine of Last Things – part 2