We are grandparents leading a youth group of young teens - ages 12-16. We both enjoy Christian music to the extent we are looking forward to attending Kingdom Bound for the 4th time this year. In May, we finished a study using Casting Crowns music. We found the music was effective in getting the kids to listen and respond. At a local Christian bookstore we purchased UP Volume 4. The kids liked the music videos, topics were relevant and we enjoyed introducing them to other Christian music artists. The series provides variety in music style and scripture based messages in contemporary, realistic way. In June, we acquired the balance of the UP program and it will carry on this fall!
John and Kathy Cronheimer St. Paul's United, Aylmer, Ontario, Canada
UP makes use of the power of music to convey messages that are life changing. Our youth have really enjoyed the lessons and the variety of music. They also really like hearing the artists talk about the songs.
Leah Donaldson Melbourne, FL
The video and the lesson plans are great discussion starters!
Jay Clever Pastor, Mt. Paran Baptist Church
UP Volume 1: Choices
Life is full of choices-as simple as "What should I wear?" and as complicated as "How far should I go?". Peer pressure, relationships, family dynamics, friends, self-esteem - they all influence the choices we make. But only with God's power can we recognize what the world would have us do and choose instead to do what pleases the Lord. Artists include Barlow Girl, Stellar Kart, and The Turning.
Sometimes it's hard to "give it all to God" and trust Him with the outcome. Sometimes we face situations that seem impossible to figure out. Fortunately, God specializes in resolving what seems too much for us to handle. He wants to show us what it really means to have faith that He will "work all things together for the good" for those who have put their trust in Him. Artists include GRITS, Building 429, and Jessie Daniels.
The Bible is full of instructions on how to live out our faith through our attitudes, actions, and behavior. Christ expects us to live lives that back up what we profess to believe. But what does that meant to a typical Christian? These artists share from their experience what it means to "live it" even when storms are full blown. Artists include SONICFlood, Superchick, and Anthony Evans.
We've all done things that we regret. We've all been separated from God because of those things. But the good news is that we don't have to remain enslaved to the past. God has given us hope for restoration through Jesus Christ. These artists share what forgiveness means to them in their own words and give us insight in what it truly means to live the abundant life found only in Christ. Artists include Sanctus Real, Krystal Meyers, and Todd Agnew.