Colonial Church has Evangelistic Talent Show

Randallstown, Md. — In an effort to reach unchurched youth, Colonial Baptist Church, Randallstown, had an evangelistic talent show, that included a meal, for kids in middle school to age 25.

Vince Mckennie, the church’s youth director, was pleased with the response—eighteen contestants and 50 volunteers, in addition to the families who came to watch the program. Almost all of the contestants and family members were from outside of the church. “When I asked for a show of hands on how many were first-time visitors over 70% raised their hands,” Mckennie said excitedly.

The event was supported through a BCM/D Strengthening Churches Grant. The church advertised heavily, including on secular radio stations popular with young people. They provided dinner to all who attended, and they offered cash awards of up to $100 for winners.

Mckennie said he knows many came for the money, not for Jesus, but they heard the gospel proclaimed. And that was the plan.

Following registration and prior to the show, Mckennie shared a salvation message.

He talked about heaven — “Heaven is paradise. There’s no crime, there’s no hate, no violence, racism, cancer, diabetes, and earthquakes. The most important thing that is not there is sin.” He went on to teach that sin is “anything you do, say, or think that disobeys God’s laws or what he disapproves of.”

Mckennie used the “ABC” method to explain — A. admit you are a sinner; B. believe in Jesus, and C. confess that you prayed and asked Jesus to be Lord of your life.

Explaining lordship, Mckennie said “Making Him Lord means giving Him the keys to the house, the bedroom, the school, the car. He wants to drive you around with you in the backseat, but we get in the front seat. Then we hit a bump, or get lost, or get in an accident and say, ‘Jesus, you take the wheel!’ No, he’s driving all the time. That’s what it means for Him to be Lord and Savior. He doesn’t just want to save you from your sins, but He wants a relationship — a serious one,” Mckennie said.

He wants people in middle school and high school, Mckennie told the crowd. “I was 8 when I accepted Christ. That’s the most important decision I ever made in my whole life.”

Mckennie challenged the audience, if you die, where will you go? “You better know who’s your daddy,” he said.

Talent Contest
Eighteen contestants ranging from middle school to 25 years old, competed in singing, dancing, rapping, and poetry. Most competed in multiple events.

The audience was supportive, clapping, cheering and at times giving standing ovations. They voted via text and results were shown on a screen in real-time, which added to the excitement.

Meals were served in two shifts. Volunteers served pizza, chicken nuggets, and chips along with desserts and drinks.

Church members had multiple opportunities for engaging the visitors — at registration, dinner, and chatting before and after. The church will also follow up with families.

The talent show is just one of many outreaches the church has been doing to reach young people and grow their youth program. Earlier in the year, the church partnered with several local churches to host a basketball competition that drew 150 people. Thirteen made decisions to follow Jesus.

Mckennie is passionate about reaching the youth. Most leave after high school, he said. “They either don’t come back or come back when they’re 38-40.” The church wants to make a difference in that number.

Did anyone raise their hand to say they accepted Jesus? No. But Mckennie isn‘t disappointed. Seeds were planted, and three people registered to join Colonial’s youth group — offering more opportunities to share Jesus and help youth walk with the Lord.