Hi,

Does anyone have any experience with Youth Drop in Centres? There's a Christian one in my area where the "street" kids go and hang out. They have a stage for a band, dancing, pool tables, tv's, etc. They basically provide a alternative place for people to go while trying to share the gospel with them and befriend them.

They have a weekly Bible study and what they refer to as a church service on Saturday nights with worship/prayer/singing and probably some preaching/teaching.

The impact on the community has been good with reduced crime and some kids have come to the Lord there.

What do you guys think of such places? Some of it sounds worldly to me (as far as what's offered to them) but the people there are sincere and there is fruit.

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David Belanger
Member, APC Vancouver
Student Minister, Associated Presbyterian Churches
Student, Haddington House Divinity School
Port Coquitlam, BC

Sounds good to me so long as there is some accountability to a church. Otherwise it could be a disaster waiting to happen.

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Patrick
OPC
MDiv, RTS Jackson.

"He does well, that discourses of Christ; but he does infinitely better, that by experimental knowledge, feeds and lives on Christ." Thomas Brooks.

We have one around the corner from us it is sponsered by a local Baptist Church. I was thinking about taking my son up there one night and see what it is all about.

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Sean Jones
Covenant Presbyterian Church OPC
Fort Worth Texas

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of Truth.
2Timothy 2:15

I think it's a fine idea, as long as it doesn't replace Church or try to be a Church, yet is held accountable to and by a Church.

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Josh Hicks, Chloë's Dad
Attending CCRPC, Member of TRBC
Reformers & Puritans -lllll- Puritan Pub
Board Rules - Signature Rules - Suggestion Box

My wife and I visited this youth centre last night and met the guy in charge and most of the staff. I was really encouraged by the vision they had for the youth and their hearts for them. We got a tour of the facilities and found out a bit about what the centre seeks to provide. They're not just about hanging out with the kids but about investing in their lives. For instance, they are trying to create a job-skills program where they teach kids practical skills such as mechanics and machinery. Ultimately they seek to share the gospel with the kids and take them out of bondage.

There is a board for the youth centre (not sure who is on the board yet) and there are a number of churches who support the youth centre in the area.

They are short-staffed for the summer so we are considering working there on a volunteer basis. We will meet with the staff and ask some specific questions about accountability and church involvement.

All in all a very good experience.