Let Them Serve

August 2, 2026

Dr. Paul Cannings

When I accepted Christ at twelve years old, my mother took my decision seriously. She enrolled me in discipleship classes and gently encouraged me to become involved in the life of the church. I remember signing up for an evangelism class. At times I heard comments questioning why a young boy was in the class, but I stayed and completed the entire training.

When the classes ended, we were expected to go into the streets and neighborhoods to share the gospel. After a few weeks, I was the only person who continued to show up. One of the church leaders simply told me, “Go,” and faithfully made sure I had evangelistic tracts each week. Before long, I was asked to lead the church’s evangelism ministry—to the dismay of some adults. I began helping with evangelistic street rallies and singing in various parts of the country. Not long afterward, I was on a mission trip to a Hindu village in the interior of Guyana, South America, proclaiming the gospel and singing with a music group.

At times, people would say that I was too young to go, but someone would always respond, “No, let him come.” Neither my father nor my mother ever stood in my way. In fact, my mother continually encouraged me to serve. Before long, I had become such a familiar part of ministry that I was allowed to sing in the church’s adult choir and participate in adult concerts.

Then, at the age of sixteen, while living in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Ruben Conner entrusted a teenage boy with the leadership of his youth ministry. That young man began taking the youth into the streets of South Oak Cliff to share the gospel, challenged them to serve during youth revival, and, because of Dr. Conner’s confidence in him, preached his very first sermon.

After college, Dr. Conner watched me continue to faithfully serve the church and its youth. One day, for reasons only God fully knows, he stopped me and said, “Go to Dallas Theological Seminary and meet with my close friend, Dr. Eddie Lane. Sign up for seminary.” Ministry had already become my way of life long before I realized it was God’s calling on my life.

This is not a story about Paul Cannings, Sr. It is a story about people who refused to discourage a little boy who found joy in serving God.

*It is about parents who encourage their son.

*It is about a mother of eight children who taught her child to love God.

*It is about ministry-minded believers who saw service as an opportunity for growth rather than something

reserved only for adults.

*It is about mature Christians who believed that children should be discipled, not sidelined.

*It is about Dr. Ruben Conner, who saw something in me and opened the door for me to attend Dallas

Theological Seminary.

*It is about Dr. Eddie Lane, who honored the recommendation of a trusted friend.

It was not until my third year at Dallas Theological Seminary that I fully realized God had called me into ministry. Looking back, I now understand that God had been preparing me all along through the people who welcomed, encouraged, challenged, and believed in me.

Because none of these individuals pushed me away when I was a child, a young boy, a teenager, or an enthusiastic young adult, I stand before you today.

Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14–15 (NASB)

As we celebrate Youth Month, may we remember that the next generation is not merely the future of the church—they are part of God’s work today. Let us encourage them, disciple them, trust them with opportunities to serve, and rejoice as we watch God shape their lives for His glory.

This is our Youth Month. Come, rejoice and celebrate what God is doing through our young people!