In the traditional BB method there was a slot in the programme for what was usually called "Devotions". In addition boys were expected, or at least encouraged, to attend Sunday Bible Class or Sunday School.
In more recent years many companies have found it increasingly difficult to get their boys to attend on Sundays given that there are now so many other activities taking place, or the boy is visiting the parent he is not living with.
Consequently, if we are to be true to our Object, "The Advancement of Christ's Kingdom amongst Boys. .", it is now even more important that this specifically Christian slot is programmed into the evening's activities. The following points may be of help to companies wishing to review their provision in this area.
1. Remember that your Church is responsible for the programme of Christian education in the Company.
2. For boys aged 11?13 a Bible story may be appropriate, particularly where they have little church background. Thus a series on the parables of Jesus, with a discussion on the context and the meaning of the story, or a series on the miracles (signs) from John's Gospel with a discussion on their significance, could be extremely helpful to the lads as they begin to question the truth of Christianity.
3. For older boys a different content will almost certainly be needed. There is some challenging material on the market. A visit to a good Christian Bookshop is time well spent. The Useful Resources" list available from London District, or the Development Officer, gives numerous suggestions. The following titles are just some which may prove helpful:
Shock Tactics 1 ? a blast from the past S.U.
Shock Tactics 2 ? a blast from the future S.U.
Discussion and Lesson Starters Zondervan
All the following are published by CPAS:
Repeat Prescription 10 commandments
All Together Forever Ephesians
Outlawed by Grace ? Galatians
You'd Better Believe It ? doctrine
You'd Better Believe This Too! ? doctrine
Pressure Points ? big issues
Just About Coping ? big issues
Harping On! ? Psalms
Another Brick in the Wall Nehemiah
People with a Purpose ? OT characters
Powered Up ? Acts
Didn't He Used to be Dead? ? Jesus
Know Ideas ? 3 volumes of general ideas
4. Reflect on the place of prayer in the programme. An excellent resource book is:
Complete Prayers for Teenagers by Nick Aiken
5. It will be helpful to provide variety from week to week. You may like to consider the following approaches:
Drama and mime ? many books of scripts available;
Outside speaker ? check he/she is comfortable with this age group!
Video ? see Resources List for suggestions. Note that many videos for this age range are discussion starters and do not stand by themselves. Some Sections have worked their way through the "Jesus Video" ? an 80 minute version of the Jesus film produced in 1979 for Campus Crusade for Christ International, and released by Warner Brothers;
Allow the lads to express their views on Christianity. Almost certainly they will come up with the usual objections of suffering, science versus religion, other religions etc. Use these to provide the Christian perspective, one topic per week;
Include time each year to teach about becoming a Christian and growing as a Christian. There are several excellent booklets available. Two to consider are:
Journey into Life ?published by Kingsway
2 ways to live / the choice we all face ? two linked booklets published by St Matthias Press.
6. Reflect on when to include this part of the programme. Although it has often been at the start or the end there is no real reason why it should not be included elsewhere as long as the boys see this as an integral part of the programme.
7. Reflect on what to call this slot. Devotions, Worship, God's Word are titles usually used. Any other suggestions?
8. Reflect on whether the boys will stand or sit. Sitting is probably preferred and lends itself to a more informal approach. If the leader is also seated this will give good eye contact.
9. There will, of course, be other times in the programme when Christian teaching can be given, for example with a Christian Education Badge Class. However, this slot will give you a regular opportunity of teaching your boys about the Christian Faith.
10. The Development Officer has copies of much of the material mentioned here, and as with the other leaflets, would value the opportunity of exploring this whole area with company staff.
