By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Teenagers of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Winners Crown Parish, Kwararafa, Lokoja, on Sunday, brought a refreshing blend of nostalgia, spiritual conviction and godly values to the church as they staged an inspiring “Old School” service to round off the 2026 RCCG Family Weekend.
The colourful and spiritually uplifting service, themed “Old School” Give Me Old-Time Religion by the Teenagers, saw the teenagers appear in elegant old-school outfits, demonstrating that Christian values, modest dressing, discipline and responsible living remain relevant despite the changing trends of the modern generation.
With spirited renditions of gospel songs reminiscent of the 1980s, the teenagers led the congregation in an atmosphere of heartfelt worship and praise, rekindling memories of an era when Christian faith, holiness, reverence and commitment to God occupied a central place in family and church life.
Beyond the nostalgic presentation, the service carried a profound message to parents, the Church and the younger generation on the importance of preserving the foundations of genuine Christianity and deliberately raising children who will remain committed to God throughout their lives.
The Bible reading was taken from Joshua 24:15, which declares: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Preaching on the Family Weekend theme, “The Family That Serves God,” Pastor Jonah Joshua challenged parents to recognise their indispensable responsibility in building a generation that fears God and upholds Christian values.
He emphasised that the greatest inheritance parents could leave for their children was not material wealth, social status or worldly achievements, but the life of Christ demonstrated through godly character, sound upbringing and an enduring commitment to God’s commandments.
According to him, childhood presents the most important opportunity to establish a lasting spiritual foundation, urging parents not to postpone the responsibility of leading their children to God.
He stressed that parents must intentionally catch their children young for Christ, instilling in them the values of holiness, obedience, discipline and devotion before the influences of the wider society begin to shape their choices.
The Old School presentation also offered a compelling picture of what the teenagers could become as they mature into adulthood: young men and women who would not abandon their faith, but sustain their fellowship, commitment and service to God in the RCCG and the wider body of Christ.
The service reinforced the biblical instruction in Proverbs 22:6 that children should be trained in the way they ought to go, with the assurance that such foundations would continue to guide them even when they grow older.
It equally challenged the misconception that modern civilisation, technological advancement and changing social lifestyles must necessarily lead young people away from godly standards.
Through their appearance, conduct, worship and presentation, the teenagers demonstrated that the jet age is not an excuse for indecent dressing, irresponsible outings, ungodly associations or behaviour inconsistent with Christian identity. Rather, young people can embrace contemporary opportunities while maintaining the timeless principles of the Christian faith.
A major highlight was a dramatic playlet presented by the teenagers, which exposed the dangers of errors associated with end-time and new-age religious practices.
The presentation cautioned against the distortion of the Gospel through the excessive promotion of prosperity at the expense of salvation, holiness and purity. It further revealed the importance of the infilling of the Holy Spirit, genuine repentance and a life that reflects the character of Jesus Christ.
The message was a call for the Church to return to the essential pillars of the Christian faith, where salvation takes precedence over material acquisition, holiness is not compromised for popularity, and the power of the Holy Spirit remains central to Christian living.
Indeed, the “Old School” service was more than a colourful display of vintage fashion and nostalgic gospel music; it was a spiritual statement that the values of old-time religion must not be allowed to disappear with changing generations.
It reminded parents that the home remains the first school of faith, the Church that its teenagers are not merely the future but an important part of its present spiritual responsibility, and the younger generation that following Christ is a conscious decision that must be reflected in every aspect of life.
