How do I find out more information about Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes?
You can either call us at (334) 215-0251 or email us at ladsoffice@lads-to-leaders.org.Why do we need Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes?
There are many tools available to assist families and local congregations with spiritual development. Summer camps are good tools but are usually just for one week. Youth rallies and lectureships may only be for a few days. Christian universities are only for those old enough to attend. There is a need for a year-round, Bible-based program that will leave no child behind.What sets Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes apart from other leadership training programs?
- This is not just a “youth” program. The whole family—and even the whole church—can participate, not just watch. It brings churches closer together by crossing generation lines.
- Results! We are told by many educators that a Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes-trained youth is easily spotted by their developed skills in many areas. Students trained in a Lads program have confidence, deep spiritual knowledge and the desire to be a servant for the Lord, and it shows!
- We offer programs and support materials for all ages—kindergarten through adults. Sound, Biblical authors address current issues facing our youth and adults.
- We provide training workshops for your local congregation.
- Meaningful, year-round events, like Teach to Teach (a teacher training program), Second Language and Good Samaritan, instill in participants a commitment to their local church ministries. We believe that if you get them involved in church ministries at a young age, they will be involved for the rest of their lives!
- We offer 11 competitive events like Bible Bowl, but also 26 noncompetitive events like Bible Reading, Year-Round Bulletin Board, Teach to Teach and Junior Leader.
- Friday Award Ceremonies at convention recognize Year-Round achievements in the local church. Saturday Awards Ceremonies at convention recognize achievements in convention events like Bible Bowl. Sunday Morning we hold a traditional worship service under the oversight of a local eldership where we honor God, not ourselves.
Is there a fee for a training workshop to help get our congregation started in the program?
No, there is no fee for a workshop. Training adults and youth at a congregation is essential. This is a service provided by the National Service Center for your local congregation. Reimbursement for travel related expenses is appreciated.Is it the parent’s job to train youth?
Absolutely! The number one job of parents is training their youth. Some children are blessed to have preachers, song leaders or skilled educators as parents. Many others have parents who themselves have never been taught leadership skills and feel inadequate at church and secular work. While they love their children, they cannot teach that which they do not know. Just as the early church supported and trained each other, the church today has a responsibility to train each other as well.Is Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes a church?
No. The church was established in Acts chapter 2. It is the bride of Jesus Christ. Local congregations are autonomous, following the New Testament teaching. Christian camps, lectureships, retreats, Christian universities and Lads to Leaders/ Leaderettes are not the church or any type of church.Who is responsible for the spiritual content of the materials?
Every eldership is responsible for its own flock and no other. This biblical responsibility cannot be delegated to any other eldership, school or publication. While we appreciate endorsements and positive reviews, take time to review our materials. The ultimate responsibility is always with the local eldership. We will gladly send a complimentary copy of any of our materials for review by an eldership.What is Leaderettes?
The girls’ aspect of the program includes teaching girls to speak, lead singing and otherwise lead within the parameters of a woman’s role in the church (1 Corinthians 14:34), such as teaching young children at VBS and in Bible school, as well as other women at ladies’ days and in ladies’ classes. Leaderettes events allow young girls to become adept at filling their scriptural role, and develop confidence and leadership skills.Why are males not allowed in the room at convention when girls are giving speeches or leading songs?
While we know that a speech or Songs of Praise event is not a worship service, we do not allow males in the room in order to prevent any miscommunication concerning women’s roles in the church. These events are designed to train girls for service in the church. Recordings of these events allow those not in the room to view the event later.Why is Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes better than a “preacher boy” class or a Timothy class?
Many young boys do not want to be called “preacher boys” and do not want to be in a preacher training class. The word “leaders” has a broader appeal.What is the National Convention?
The highlight of the year for many groups is the annual convention. Thousands gather to recognize the accomplishments of the past year and encourage future growth. Most of the work has taken place at the home congregation, but some events, such as Bible Bowl and Speech, are held at convention. Whole families attend year after year.Why have a National Convention?
- It establishes a deadline for completing work. Otherwise, we all find ourselves not getting “around tuit.”
- It recognizes and encourages. Over 100,000 awards are presented each year.
- It raises the bar. Top-level young speakers and song leaders become role models for others.
- It is spiritually uplifting. Thousands of boys and girls strive to learn better how to serve Christ. Events like Bartimaeus uplift us all as we see special needs adults and youth serve the Lord.
Why is the National Convention held Easter weekend?
There is no religious significance to the annual convention being on Easter weekend. It is scheduled then to utilize the holiday from school that many students have, as well as reduced rates at hotels and convention centers.What ages can participate in Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes?
All ages can participate. Most events are open to students in kindergarten through second grade on a non-competitive basis. Competitive and non-competitive events are available for students grades three through 12. Adults and college students benefit through participation in many non-competitive events and set the example for their youth.Why should Adults be participants?
We are being inconsistent when we expect our youth to read the Bible, memorize scripture, and do Good Samaritan acts while we watch television. Adults should continue learning spiritual things just as youth do. Participating together in events like Second Language, Good Samaritan, Parade of Leaders, Know the Books and Teach to Teach creates a special bond between adults and youth!Who is the keynote speaker at the National Convention?
We have no keynote speaker. Our emphasis is on our youth. It is all about encouraging “the boy” and “the girl.”Why is Sunday morning worship held at the National Convention?
Thousands of Christians are gathered together and most are many miles from their home congregations. Travelers can “break bread” together and lift up their voices in praise to God in a traditional worship environment. For many, this will be largest gathering of Christians they have ever seen. It is good for our youth to see that they are not alone in being part of the body of Christ.Who organizes the Sunday morning worship service?
A congregation local to the convention site is asked to help organize the service.Who leads the service?
Those who organize the worship service interview and carefully select baptized Christian young men who have demonstrated their abilities in song leading, speaking and serving the Lord’s Supper to serve on Sunday morning. Seeing them lead the worship service is uplifting. It is also an experience that these young men will cherish for the rest of their lives.Is a collection taken?
During the Saturday evening awards ceremony, a collection is taken for those who wish to support the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes program. This is not to be done in place of their regular weekly contribution at their home congregation. It is emphasized that Christians are commanded to “lay by in store” on the first day of the week at their home congregation. If they did not give before they left home, they should do so when they arrive home, just as they would if they were on vacation.On Sunday morning, after the worship service has been completed, attendees are asked to consider a contribution to Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes if they were unable to do so the night before. If they see fit to give, it will be appreciated and will be an investment in the work of leadership development.
Proper accounting procedures are followed for all donations. Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
How is Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes funded?
Sixty-eight percent of our operating income comes from convention fees. Twenty percent comes from contributions, 10 percent from the sale of supplies and materials, and two percent from other sources.Where do the funds go?
According to our latest outside audit, $0.86 of every $1 goes to program services (convention, communication, mailings, workshops, scholarship work, computer support and materials). Twelve cents per dollar goes to administration, and four cents per dollar goes to fundraising.Are churches given annual reports?
Yes. Each year an annual report is given at the Men’s Leadership Meeting at each convention site.Does a congregation have to do all the events?
No. While we have over 37 events available for participation, your local church leadership decides the events best for your church needs.Is Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes all about competition?
No. Over two-thirds of our events (26) are non-competitive.Why do you have competition?
Children, by their very nature, are competitive. Siblings are competitive. Children even invent competitive games after church in the parking lot. For years, churches have recognized this natural competitive spirit and used it to promote VBS attendance, scripture memorization in Bible classes and other good works. This friendly Christian competition is not harmful. Instead, it encourages and motivates youth.Humans are naturally competitive. Teaching our youth to learn Christian attitudes toward competition is an essential part of their education toward adulthood. To neglect this teaching is detrimental to their development. Ignoring competition as part of life, instead of teaching them the proper Christian way to approach it can have scary results. How will they handle the grown-up dilemmas of NOT getting the job, NOT getting the girl/boy, etc., if we do not teach them coping mechanisms for these disappointments?
How many awards are given out in the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes program?
Approximately 100,000 awards are given out annually.Must I attend the convention to participate?
No. Some events, such as participation on a Bible Bowl team or presenting a speech, require convention attendance, but many events are completed at home and do not require attendance. A person can register as a non-attending participant for many events.What version of the Bible does Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes endorse?
Each congregation is autonomous. The version used in the local congregation is under the oversight of the local eldership. Readings at Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes events should be from a standard translation, not a paraphrase. Bible Bowl materials are worded from the New King James version.What are the year-round and convention events that children in grades K-2 may participate?
Students in K-2 may participate in the following without paying the registration fee. Certificates are given in these events for this age group:
- Oral Bible Reading
- Song Leading
- Songs of Praise
- Speech
- Art (Display only)
- Junior Leader
Students in K-2 may participate in the following events but must pay the registration fee, due to the cost of trophies. Awards are given in all of these events:
- Centurion of Scripture
- Good Samaritan
- Parade of Winners
- Puppets (on at least a third-grade team)
- Bible Bowl Team (on at least a third-grade team)
- Advanced Puppeteering (On at least a third grade team)
- Know the Books
- Second Language
Do you have materials for younger children?
Yes. Our K-5th grade material, Junior Leader: Bible Leaders, Good and Bad, is available from the National Service Center. The second edition, Junior Leader II: Leadership Lessons from the Master, will be available in 2011.Does my family have to attend a church that has the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes program in order to attend the National Convention?
No. We have families who attend on their own because they may have moved to an area that does not have a Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes program. However, we would like to contact your home congregation and provide information to the elders so that others might be able to participate, as well. We can also provide you with a list of churches near you that have an active Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes program in which you may be able to participate. Lads is designed to be a program used by churches of Christ under the oversight of each local eldership.Can a student younger than 9th grade be on a debate team?
Yes, a younger student can team up with an older student, but the team must be at least a 9th grade team.We only have one young man or young lady who wants to participate in debate. Can we team this person up with someone from another congregation?
Yes, but call us so that we can register the team together before registration closes.We want our youth to participate in events like Speech, Song Leading, Debate and Puppets, but we don’t have anyone at our congregation with the expertise to teach them. Do you have any resources that will help us teach them?
Yes! Our newest material, the Field Book of Leadership, will provide you with the “know-how” to teach these valuable skills at your congregation. This material is created for use in the class room or on an individual basis.When I am entering convention registration on the internet, do I have to enter all of the information at once?
No, you can enter the information at your own pace. You can divide the data entry into several days if you wish. Make sure to save your changes each time you enter data BEFORE you log out. Please do not wait until the last few days to being entering data. Because of the number of participants, there is a possibility that you will have students unable to enter an event or will be unable to get hotel rooms if you wait until the last minute.