Frequently asked questions

Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes

…Since 1968

Frequently Asked Questions...

Text Box: Frequently Asked Questions 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 of Christ 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. 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. 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 selected. 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, such as teaching young children at VBS and in Bible school, as well as other women at ladies’ days and in ladies’ classes. Is Leaderettes a violation of scripture? No. I Corinthians 14:34 restricts the role of women in the church. However, older women are instructed to teach the younger women. Women have an important role in the church. Leaderettes training allows young girls to become adept at filling their scriptural role. The leadership skills they acquire benefits them in school, at home and in the community. 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 “around tuit”.
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 time of 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 twelve. 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 baptized young 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?
During the worship service at the time a contribution would be taken, 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. After the worship service has been completed, attendees are asked to consider a contribution to Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes. 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, ten 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, $0.84 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. It includes a detailed financial report. Personal visits are scheduled with participating churches to meet with their elderships as requested. Is Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes bribing youth 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 over 30 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 (22) 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?
An average of just over 3 awards are given out for every youth 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. 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 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: Certificates are given in these events for this age group. Oral Bible Reading Song Leading Songs of Praise Speech Art (Display only) 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 (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 new K-5th grade material, Junior Leader, will be available in September, 2008. Does my family have to attend a church that has the Lads to Leaders 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. 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. 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.

Rounded Rectangle: How Can We Start a Lads Group?

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