Why Have an Adventurer Program ?

           The Adventurer Program, RUN AS DESIGNED, can be the most effective outreach ministry a church can have. The fact that it is a "family-based" child ministry can be utilized to meet the needs of not only our church families, but those in the community as well.

           Consider the following statements:

           "Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, 'Follow me.'" ( MH 143 ).

           "By being social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more readily than by the most able discourse."(GW 193)

           In the Year 2000 Memorial Day edition of Time magazine, the results of a survey taken which asked parents about their greatest challenges sheds light on the need for strong Adventurer programs at this time. Balancing work and family, and instilling moral values, were the top challenges for 57% of the responses given ... And "more than half trace recent school shootings to 'parents failure to teach and watch their kids.'"

           Two more statements really bring this subject home:

           "The greatest evidence of the power of Christianity that can be presented to the world is well-ordered, well-disciplined family" ( AH 32 ).

           "So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice ... " ( GC 616 )

           By running an Adventurer program as a family-based child ministry, and not as a mini-pathfinder club ( or baby-sitting service ) we are not only able to help parents fulfill their need to spend quality time with their child, and instill moral values, but we are also bringing to bear the most powerful witnessing tool that we have ... our families. We are told that some parents can be reached in no other way, except through their children ... and to have the parent help the child with the classwork, and talk with other parents at the meetings, brings about a unique opportunity offered by no other program.

           A paradigm shift must take place in the mind of Adventurer directors ... Away from the one teacher, many children mode of planning. We must keep the greater goal in mind, and plan activities that involve both parent and child. Remember that the parent is the primary teacher, evangelist, and role model for the child, and we are providing a structured Christian environment and wholesome activities to strengthen that relationship. Both must be involved, and convinced that the program is worthwhile, or they will not participate.

           In summary, the Adventurer program can be utilized to meet the greatest needs of families in our community, utilizing the most powerful Christian witness that our churches have, our families. And as our families share their testimony with others as to how God has worked in their lives, they themselves will be strengthened and blessed.

           This is the privilege of the Adventurer Director.