Basic HTML Version
PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, September 17, 1980
Page 4
You pastors are responsible for the types of music and dance routines
your cheerleaders use. Some routines of the past have shown very poor
taste and have not represented the teachings of God's Church. (Our
young girls have been seen bumping and grinding to some very foul lyrics.)
Talent Contest
The talent competitions of recent years have revealed some really fine
performers. But occasionally an objectionable act has made its way to
the Feast of Tabernacles where it becomes a real embarrassment. Please
screen the contestants carefully at all levels. While outside judges
can recognize talent, they can't know what meets our moral and aesthetic
standards. These young people must properly reflect the same values Mr.
Armstrong has always required of the Church and Ambassador College.
Dances
Y.O.U. members have regularly chosen dances as their most popular activ
ity. This can be used for good if these dances provide a proper atmos
phere for real social development. But, again, care must be taken to
insure that these are not just worldly activities"sanctioned" by the
Church.
A dark room, punctuated by blinding strobe lights and filled with deafen
ing noise masquerading as music, will hardly foster the social graces.
Nor can it be described as good, clean fun. With a little direction from
concerned adults, young people can enjoy dancing in a family atmosphere
with more moderate music. As a minister of God, you should not feel
compelled to let the kids "do their own thing"! But it will tak°elnitia
tive and plannTng to keep them interested and teach them right values.
We have before us a tremendous challenge. Satan's world offers our young
people many alluring ways. Yet, those ways lead to misery and death.
And while we cannot and should not be trying�convert them, God allows,
yes, commands us, to teach them right ways by which they can be richly
blessed. Parents especially must catch this vision. Don't let them down!
--Joe Tkach, Ministerial Services