Colors is a short, 69-page booklet that's easily overlooked. My printing is from 2002, and judging by how hard it is to find, it doesn't seem to have been reprinted much after that. But, if you manage to get a copy, it's well worth it.
The basic premise of the book is to help Youth Pastors and Leaders most effectively minister to the unique qualities of the teens they are trying to serve. A "One-size fits all" approach, as he states in the preface, will only end in disaster.
The titular "colors" are five different categories of teens, each in need of a special approach to best reach and grow. Some will respond well to memory verse challenges and deeper studies, some are cold and apathetic to everything, and others may not even be saved. This book tackles each group, giving tips, hints, and ideas to best reach teens and draw them to God.
The first chapter offers brief summaries of the different colors. He emphasizes the need to find the overall youth group color, while also noting that not every teen will always fit into the same color as the larger group.
"Ice Blue"
Chapter 2 deals with those teens that are generally polite and cooperative, but lacking any spiritual desire. They are apathetic towards getting a deeper relationship with God and most likely not even saved. They don't actively have conversations about God, have little desire for the Bible, and although they will give the right answers on how to be saved, it's honestly questionable if they truly are.
The advice given here is to build a relationship with them first. Spend time with them outside of church, encourage them, and rather than asking "knowledge questions" ask things like "what do you get out of prayer?" Emphasize the biblical evidences of salvation, rather than the feelings. Don't be afraid to teach "get saved" and "get lost" messages to help them settle the issue.
Page 23 - "Some have the philosophy that you should not get close to your students, or they will lose respect for you. Nonsense! The closer you get to your teens - if you are what you ought to be - the more they should admire you and want to be like you."
"Fresh Green"
Chapter 3 deals with the vibrant and alive youth group that's full of enthusiasm and energy. This group is immature, but growing. Often they are dominated by younger students, or those young in the Lord. They are excited by even the most mundane activities. However, that enthusiasm might be from age, and not actual life change. They may not be saved, nor even growing in the Lord, and often run on emotions. However, since they are ready for anything, it's advised to offer simple Bible studies and emphasize award times by worthwhile awards for those that show spiritual interest.
"Cool White"
Chapter 4 covers the Christian kid equivalent to the "Ice Blues." These are washed-out, faded, and bored. They are sophisticated, spoiled, and callused to it all. These are often saved, Christian-School children that know the answers in their heads and even have the right standards, but resemble the biblical pharisees. The externals are all in place, but their hearts are full of envy, greed, bitterness, and resentment. They imagine themselves to be cool, but have hearts of stone. Many are spoiled, browbeaten, and yearn for somebody to just listen to them.
The author advises leaders to not try dazzling or impressing them. They've already seen all the spectacle. Instead, let them talk, try to understand them, and note the ringleaders. Be genuine with them, and only put into leadership those with spiritual qualities, not just leadership or social abilities. One of the best ways to help them is involve them in Christian service.
"Warm Yellow" & "Fiery Red"
The final chapter covers both of these groups.
Both groups have spiritual desires and participate in memory challenges, take notes, and love each other. The defining characteristic dividing the two is that yellows are defined by their desire to spend time together. They are a close-knit family. Reds, however, have a higher priority set on serving the Lord with their lives. Also, while yellows are interested in spiritual things, only the reds have actually committed their lives to them.
Advice for these groups is aimed at increasing spiritual depth and their relationships with God. Spiritual disciplines like meditation, listening to good music, learning to preach, prayer meetings, and taking leadership roles with grow them.
There's no real conclusion or summary to the booklet. As soon as the description of the yellows and reds is over, there's a blank page, and the end cover. I'd have loved a final charge that encourages youth leaders and leaves them excited and positive about God's ability to work with any teen.
Final Thoughts
This booklet serves two obvious purposes.
The first, is to inform leaders about the different groups of kids and how to help them.
The second is a shameless promotion of Positive Action for Christ's Teen Materials.
Now, besides two booklets by Frank Hamrick, I've not read anything by the company. They do not seem to identify by any denominational stand, however the group was founded by a Baptist Church in 1969. Judging by some clues in colors, as well as online, they seem to be a conservative Baptist group.
At the end of each chapter, several paragraphs are given to promoting which of their many curriculum would best address those in that group. They also heavily promote their "Proteens" clubs and other material.
In short, this booklet is incredibly helpful in setting expectations for youth leaders and aiding them to take a personalized approach to the youth group they are trying to minister to. It's well worth the price if you can find it.
5/5
Sadly, I can't seem to find the book from the publisher, so the cheapest place to buy it is actually my college bookstore! Buy it here from the Heartland Bookstore.