Kurt Copeland has been a faithful youth pastor at the Franklin Road Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for many years. God has used he and his wife to make a difference in the lives of countless young people. His faithfulness is an example to me and his friendship an encouragement. You will enjoy these thoughts from his heart.

It has been my goal since the day I started preaching to reach teenagers for Christ. Now, nearly twenty-seven years later, that goal has only gotten stronger. How can we effectively reach teenagers for Christ in today’s society? I have heard it said, “It’s not how you start the race, but how you finish that really makes the difference.” I do agree with that statement. We all know people who were great at the start but did not finish well. Often times we are notorious in spotting that deficiency in others, but it is hard to see it in our self. If I can be transparent, I am guilty of trying to motivate others sometimes and yet not being very motivated myself. I am reminded of what the Apostle Paul said, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27). I want to finish experiencing REVIVAL!

As a teen, I remember talking with an adult who was reminiscing about how much God had worked in his life in his younger years. I remember how it stirred my heart as he told me of all the great “miracles” he had seen God accomplish in his life. He motivated me to strive to accomplish so much for the Lord.I was sadly disappointed, however, during a similar conversation with the same man to hear him say that he has never felt as close to the Lord as he did when he was younger. I didn’t say it then, but I do remember thinking in my mind that I don’t ever want to say those words! I want today to be the closest I have ever been with my Saviour! I then want to be closer tomorrow than I am today! I want to finish my race for Christ strong!

Can I ask you to strive to run today as if it were your last day to serve Christ here on earth? I hope and pray it is not my last day, but I want to live like it. Be a strong finisher!  Don’t stumble across the finish line. Your next finish line may be leading a teenager to Christ that will turn the world upside-down. Whatever your finish line might be, finish strong! I am cheering you on. Please don’t quit!

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”

Kurt Copeland has written a helpful Sunday School curriculum to help young people understand basic Bible doctrine and Baptist distinctives. Not Just Your Mommy And Daddy’s Religion is a full-length book and accompanying student study guide. For more information, you may contact him directly at youthman@frbc.com.