Statement of Principles Boyfriend and Girlfriend Relationships For Our Younger Youth (A Guide for Parents and House Groups)

Brief Background  This document is meant for Lamb of God underway and covenanted members.  We are a Christian community, we have a way of life.  Sex is for marriage,  marriage is for family,  family is for community,  community is for the Kingdom of God.  Why this document?  We desire to protect our young people from hurts and dangers that this area of relationship can cause if not handled in a good way.

Brief Background  The focus of this document is on the younger youth, especially those in the pre-teenage and teenage years.  We respect your final authority as parents of your children.  We do not impose these principles as ‘rules.’

Brief Background  These principles work – and they work well!  There is a way of handling dating, courtship and marriage preparation in a manner that is holy and pleasing to God.  Parents can use the principles mentioned here even to their children at a younger age.  Community leaders need to understand the principles outlined here well.

Basic Principles: 1. Our focus: on growing in Christian character during their early teenage years and in their early twenties.  Single men and women who are formed to have strong character make stronger marriages in the future.  Don’t give in to pressure – enjoy single life! Seek ye first God’s Kingdom and all these things will come as well. Move on when it is time to move on.

Basic Principles: 2. There is a proper time for dating, courtship and getting into boyfriend and girlfriend relationships.  There is very strong peer pressure to get into these relationships early in life.  Kairos New Zealand provides an environment where wholesome and friendly relationships are encouraged, as brothers and sisters in the Lord, in purity and holiness. 3. We discourage recreational dating at all stages of their single life.

Some Problems with Bf/Gf Relationships Early in Life 1. A distraction to their priorities. 2.It limits their social development and social sphere now and in the future. 3. Maturity for handling  Conflicts  Temptations  Selflessness  Forgiveness

Some Problems with Bf/Gf Relationships Early in Life 4. We want our youth to be spared from emotional ups and downs, and the pain and turmoil of entering into relationships early in life. 5. Sexual temptation is real. 6. Damage resulting from pre-marital sex.

Are there any questions? [but before that…]

Focus of Kairos Auckland – 2010: 1. Grow in personal prayer. 2. Grow in praise and worship. 3. Learn how to evangelise. 4. [EDGE - Introduction to community life] 5. Others: Encourage men through  Sports Activities  Friday social nights with the men of the community EDGE/EJ/Pre-J Socials Social outreach for EDGE and EJ

Focus of Kairos Auckland – 2010: How can you help as parents?  We encourage daily family prayer [morning and/or night]  Encourage them to have personal daily prayer time.  Teach them how to praise and worship God out loud.  Encourage them to be open about their faith with their friends and invite them to community.  Support our activities – encourage your children to participate our activities.

Are there any questions?