Go Tell It On The Mountain…

by Rob Brower • Editor, interlinc • Franklin, Tennessee

One of the first songs I learned in VBS was “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” It was catchy, upbeat (at least the way our Baptist Church sang it), and it was so much fun to sing!

Maybe I was naive, or maybe just a rule-follower at heart but, in those days, whatever my Sunday School teacher told me I was supposed to do… I did. And even the things I learned from worship songs… I did.

From my teachers and that song, I learned I was to “go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and EVERYWHERE… That Jesus Christ is born.” Can I get an AMEN?

Christian music is an important evangelistic outreach tool for youth workers and students alike.

So, picture 3rd grade Rob (I had a lot less hair on my chin and much more on my head then) every Sunday after stepping off the Church bus, going door-to-door gathering up all the kids I could find and bringing them to our backyard for Bible story time.

As I look back, I see that God had already knit inside me an evangelistic heart. He knew then, that He would call me to spread His Word. Thankfully, there was little in the way of fear, doubt, shame, busyness, or any of the other junk that gets in the way of God’s elect walking in their calling.

Call it what you will but I believe we are all born with whatever abilities, skills, or gifts we need to love God and love others. I believe it’s time for the Church to lean into her calling and begin unashamedly sharing the Gospel in truth and love.

We are excited about this issue of Youth Leaders Only, with the theme “Evangelism: Making The Most Of Every Opportunity.”

This theme is timely and important as we seek to equip the next generation of leaders with the tools and strategies they need to share the Gospel with their peers.

Youth Leaders Only, in its 38th year, helps youthworkers in thousands of churches be aware of the music their students are listening to, use all forms of music in their ministries, and equip their students to make wise choices about the music & media they have in their earbuds 9 hours every day. A membership costs less than the price of a pizza each month! The theme of the current YLO is “Evangelism: Making The Most Of Every Opportunity.” Click here to get it!

In this issue of YLO, you will find articles and resources that will help you understand the importance of evangelism in the lives of young people, as well as practical tips and techniques for engaging students in evangelistic conversations. We also highlight some of the most effective strategies for evangelism on a school campus, including ways to overcome obstacles and challenges that students may face.

One of my favorite features in this issue is the “Evangelism Roundtable” with 8 youth ministry leaders and artists interacting on this vital subject.

We believe that these resources will provide valuable insight and guidance for youthworkers as you seek to equip and encourage your students to be bold and confident in sharing their faith on their school campus.

We know the power that today’s Christian music has to connect with young people and speak to their hearts. It is such an effective outreach tool because it is relatable and relevant to young people. It addresses the challenges and struggles that students face and offers hope and encouragement through the message of Christ. Students are exposed to the truth of the Gospel and can be drawn to the love and grace of Jesus.

This issue of YLO & MVL contains over 25 ready-to-use Youth Group Bible Study Sessions written by veteran youthworkers for songs by today’s best Christian artists such as MercyMe, Tedashii, Zach Williams, and more!

Christian music is an important evangelistic outreach tool for youth workers and students alike. It provides a natural entry point for evangelistic conversations and can help create a culture of evangelism within a youth group. Let’s embrace the power of Christian music to reach students with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Shouting loud and clear for all to hear,
Rob Brower
rbrower@interlinc-online.com