Free Risky Business by Nicole O'Dell Page B

morning attendance of our teens has doubled. We can’t reach them if they aren’t here. And even though some of them are technically here, they aren’t being reached.”
    Oh boy. Some people aren’t going to like this one bit
.
    “One thing I want to caution the young people on, though, is to hold fast to the teachings and traditions of those who’ve come before you. They’re rich and meaningful. Someday you’ll be grateful to know ‘The Old Rugged Cross,’ ‘Amazing Grace,’ and ‘It Is Well with My Soul.’ Don’t forsake your roots for what is new and fleeting. In all things may we all be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and willing to move where He leads.”
    The entire congregation broke out in spontaneous applause and got to their feet—every single person. Molly looked on in awe. Something was finally being changed for the better.
    The pastor moved into his sermon for the day, but Molly couldn’t stop thinking about the very first youth service that would take place in just one week. Now to figure out how to get Jess to come.

    “Hmm, I don’t know. I guess I have mixed feelings about it.” Molly’s dad hesitated as he turned the key in the ignition.
    “Well, I think it’s fantastic.” Mom nodded vigorously. “If you want my opinion, this should have been done a long time ago. The Wednesday night youth group is more about fun than Bible teaching. Sure, there are devotions and a little bit of teaching, but I think we’ve missed out on some real opportunities with our young people. They need to learn the Bible and be held to higher standards of living.”
    “Well, sure. But doesn’t that happen on Sunday mornings?” Dad countered. “Pastor Marshall teaches the Bible.”
    Molly looked out the window, trying to disappear into the landscape.
    “That’s the whole point, John.” Mom flipped her sun visor down hard. She took a deep breath. “They don’t relate to the adult teaching. It doesn’t reach them where they are in their lives.”
    “Well, that’s only a problem because we as a society have taught them that it’s all about them. We have to cater to young people instead of having them learn from us. Whatever happened to ‘children should be seen and not heard’?”
    That’s it
. Molly whipped her head around. “Dad! Seriously? Let me ask you this…. When you train people at work, do you train them all the exact same way or do you figure out how to reach everyone differently and how each individual is best motivated according to what will achieve the most results?” Molly waited confidently.
    “You know the answer to that, because I’ve explained it to you before, Moll.” His knuckles were white on the steering wheel as he looked up at the roof of the car and collected his thoughts. “You know what? You’re one smart cookie.”
    Molly wiggled her eyebrows and grinned with victory. She offered a concession by throwing him one of his beloved clichés. “Chip off the old block.”

Chapter 9
SHALL WE DANCE?
    Monday morning magic awaited Molly, Sara, and Jess when they entered the school. Festive posters lined the hallways, and the doors were brightly wrapped like Christmas packages with shiny paper and bows. Glittery stars and sparkly icicles hung from the drop ceilings in classrooms. Teachers had their bulletin boards and windows decorated with die-cut Christmas trees and ornaments. Holiday music softly played on the PA system.
    “I think they’re trying to get us in the holiday spirit, wouldn’t you say?” Sara gestured down the hallway strung with blinking colored lights.
    “I don’t remember them getting this decked out before. Do you guys?” Molly turned in a full circle as she gazed at the decorations.
    Before they could answer, the music stopped and the system squawked and squealed as someone got ready to speak into the microphone. “I think we’re about to find out what’s going on.” Jess pointed up at the speaker on the wall.
    Students collectively