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.  We will be happy to talk to you about the program and possibly schedule a visit to your congregation.

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.  However, reimbursement for travel related expenses is appreciated.

What is Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes?
Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes is a tool churches can use to help prepare their youth for service in the Kingdom of God and help develop their overall leadership potential. 

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 is the goal of Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes?
To provide churches with effective, year-round youth leadership training tools that can be adapted to individual congregational needs. 

What is the purpose of Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes?
To help save souls by providing congregations with proven methods to train youth and increase their involvement in the work of the church. 

Is it the parent’s job to train youth?
Absolutely.  The number one job of parents is training 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.  Realizing this fact, churches are seeking proven tools to help break this cycle. 

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. 

Do denominations participate in Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes?
No. 

How did Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes begin?
In response to the turbulent decade of the 1960’s, with the lack of righteous leadership in the nation and many churches, the elders at the Corder Road Church of Christ in Warner Robins, GA asked their minister, Jack Zorn, to begin training their young men to be leaders in the church and community.  As few tools were available, he began in 1968 to write and develop methods to motivate and train these young men.  Within only six months, each one of the eight boys gave a speech at the local church.  Soon, they were invited to other congregations, civic clubs, and even to speak before then-Governor Jimmy Carter.  Other congregations asked Zorn to share with them his motivation and training materials.  Today, the congregation at Warner Robins still uses this proven tool. 

How did Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes spread across the nation?
Jack Zorn was pulpit minister of various churches in three states.  He did many gospel meetings, lectureships, and workshops across the nation.  The highlight was for audiences hearing those young boys deliver messages from God’s word.

In 1982, Zorn left his pulpit work and devoted his time to developing Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes materials and sharing them with other congregations.   

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 materials like our PEARLS classroom workbook.  The ultimate responsibility is always with the local eldership. 

What is Leaderettes?
The program for girls was added in 1974.  Several names were considered, including “Lassies”, but “Leaderettes” was coined.  Training girls is very important.  Females are in the majority in many churches.  They are needed as Sunday School teachers, in VBS and teaching women’s classes.  They need to be equipped to teach others the gospel. 

Why are dads not allowed in the room at convention when girls are giving speeches or leading songs? 
While we know that a speech event is not a worship service, we do not allow any males in the room in order to prevent any miscommunication. 

Why is Lads to Leaders 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.  Leadership training has a broader appeal.  The end result is that it produces many preachers who did not see themselves in that role.

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.  Boys and girls look forward to it each year.

Why have a National Convention?
1.  It establishes a deadline for completing work.  Otherwise, we all find ourselves not getting “aroundtuit”.
2.  It recognizes and encourages.  An average of just over two awards per student participant are presented each year.
3.  It raises the bar.  Top-level young speakers and song leaders become role models for others.
4.  It is spiritually uplifting.  Thousands of boys and girls strive to learn better how to serve Christ. 

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 during this typically slow year.  The savings are significant. 

What ages can participate in Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes?
All ages.  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 college.  Adults can also benefit through participation in many non-competitive events.   

Is Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes incorporated?
Yes.  Incorporation is a legal action that provides some degree of protection in today’s world.  Many camps, schools and churches are incorporated.

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 the majority 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.   

Who organizes the Sunday morning worship service?
A local congregation is asked to help organize the service. 

Who leads the service?
Those organizing the worship service select several young Christian men who have demonstrated their abilities in song leading, speaking, and other areas on Saturday to serve on Sunday morning.  Seeing them lead the worship service is uplifting. 

Is a collection taken?
Yes.  Prior to the collection, 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. 
   If they see fit to give above and beyond their church contribution, it will be appreciated and will be an investment in the work of leadership development through Lads to Leaders. 
   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?
Seventy-three percent of our income comes from convention fees.  Fifteen percent comes from contributions, nine percent from the sale of supplies and materials, and three percent from other sources.

Where do the funds go?
According to our latest outside audit, $0.84 of every $1 goes to program expenses (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.  It includes a detailed financial report.  Personal visits are scheduled with participating churches to meet with their elderships.

Is Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes bribing people to do good?
No.  The apostle Paul stated that children speak differently and understand differently than mature adults.  They are motivated differently than adults and do not respond to delayed gratification.  Little boy David asked about the rewards offered before he volunteered to fight Goliath in the name of God.  We encourage students and help them to overcome their fears.  As we mature, we are able to set our sights on spiritual, rather than physical, rewards.  Heaven is the greatest reward of all. 

Does a congregation have to do all the events?
No, while we have a large buffet of 28 events in which to participate, your local church leadership decides the events best for your church needs. 

Is Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes all about competition?
No.  The majority of our events (17) are non-competitive.

Why do you have competition?
Children, by their very nature, are competitive. Siblings are competitive.  Even children after church invent competitive games 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. 

How many awards are given out at Convention?
On average, 2.4 awards are given out for every participant. 

Must I attend 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. 

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 events should be from a standard translation, not a paraphrase.  Bible Bowl materials are worded from either the NAS or NKJ versions.

What events can children in kindergarten-second grade participate in at the National Convention?
Students in K-2 may participate in the following without paying the registration fee: No awards are given in these events for this age group.

• Oral Bible Reading
• Song Leading
• Songs of Praise
• Speech

Students in K-2 may participate in the following events but must pay the registration fee: Awards are given in all of these events.

• Centurion of Scripture
• Good Samaritan
• Parade of Winners
• Puppets
• Advanced Puppeteering
• Second Language

Does my family have to attend a church that has the Lads to Leaders program in order to attend the National Convention?
No, it is not necessary. We have several families who attend on their own. 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 that you may be able to work with.

Can my church attend the National Convention and just observe without participating in any of the events?
Definitely. This is actually the best way for anyone to get the big picture of what Lads to Leaders can do for their students.

Can a student younger than 9th grade be on a debate team?
Yes, a younger student can team up with an older student. The team will be in the division of the oldest student.

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.