I’ve had two readers contact me in just the last few days, asking my opinion on Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes (LTLL).
And then the Christian Chronicle just ran a story on both LTLL and Leadership Training for Christ (LTC). LTC is an alternative program to LTLL.
I have absolutely no personal experience with either program. My congregation has never been involved with either, nor has the church I grew up in.
However, I have met Jack Zorn, the now-retired founder of LTLL, and have enjoyed some deeply spiritual conversations with him.
Back in 2012, the Christian Chronicle ran a very thoughtful article on LTLL and LTC. I commend it to your reading, because it explains the differences in philosophies between the two groups very well.
In 2011, the Chronicle also ran an editorial suggesting some concerns with both formats.
Back in 2009, Matt Wisdom posted a blog expressing some frustrations with the LTLL format, especially as it applies to girls.
And then earlier today, I received an email questioning the wisdom of the following debate topic for LTLL:
Resolved: In Christianity, believing and defending sound doctrine is equally as important as caring for and helping those in need.
Much to my surprise, when I reviewed the material for the debate coach, the material was all about the “Emerging Church Movement.”
The debate coach is told —
This debate is an effort to educate and prepare our young people for troubling doctrines in what has been called the “Emerging Church Movement.” The wording was particularly challenging this year because this dangerous movement defies easy analysis. Proponents minimize the importance of doctrine, commandments and even assembling together. Instead, they urge that Christians should just immerse themselves in the culture and “wait” for churches with all sorts of varying characteristics to “emerge” from society.
So, anyway, that should give a feel for where today’s LTLL is coming from.
That’s what little I know about LTLL and LTC. But I figure the readers have had their own experiences with both programs. In fact, I imagine that many of you were once participants back when you were kids.
What do you think? Would you recommend that a church participate in one or the other? Was your experience positive? Did it help you as an adult Christian? Would you recommend one program over the other?
