Why we do what we do?
We believe that sin is a problem. Sin leads to death and separation. When we sin we separate ourselves from God and from the people that we sin against. The Gospel is the answer to the problem. Jesus died to pay for our sins and He rose again with power that we might be reconciled and connected back to God through Jesus’ sacrifice. We then have the same power to have Jesus change our lives rebuild and repair damaged relationships or maintain healthy ones. This happens through the gospel, through walking with Jesus in a relationship and living with repentance and forgiveness in our lives.
We will invest in the students’ lives by spending time with the students and teaching them about the gospel. The goal is an attitude of worship in the their lives as we teach and model for them what it means to let the gospel inform us and guide our lives. Some character traits should proceed from the teaching of the gospel and from learning that there is forgiveness for our sins. The character traits that proceed from the gospel are graciousness, holiness, forgiveness, repentance, righteousness and joy.
What’s the purpose of Wednesday night? Personal Philosophy of Youth Ministry:
We believe that youth group functions as little church, a gathering of young people who belong to Jesus (2Tim. 2:19). We meet to celebrate God’s goodness and grace, to encourage each other and to learn God’s Word (Acts 2:42 , 1Thess. 5:11, Hebrews 3:12, 13, 10:24, 25). The students should grow in a deeper knowledge of God’s love, (in their understanding of why they need Jesus in their life and in confidence in their walk with Jesus (1John 5:13, 14, Hebrews 3:14, 4:16). “Walk” has the implication of a relationship with God that has been reconnected, (reconciled) because of Jesus (2 Cor. 5:18). The students should grow as disciples of Jesus that can in turn disciple other people (Matt 28:18, 19).
Youth Group should also function as an outreach but this is the secondary purpose. Youth Group should be a safe welcoming environment and should attract the youth to it. Jesus attracted people to himself and then He was able to teach them. We attract kids with games and events but more importantly by teaching them about Jesus. The games are a means by which God’s word can be taught to them. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17).” And it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus did miracles and then proclaimed the Gospel.
For the Parents…
We will intentionally disciple the youth, through hanging out, finding what they are into and doing that together if we can in fact glorify God in whatever that may be. We will find opportunities during this time to ask them about their walk with Jesus, encourage them to grow in wisdom and their understanding of the Scriptures and to challenge them to grow in their relationship with you (Luke 2:52).
We are not here to replace you but support you. We are here to supplement the discipling that the students are getting at home (Proverbs 22:6, Eph. 6:4). Our hope is that we partner as a team to raise up an army of teenagers who know and follow Jesus, are being changed by Him and are committed to His cause, (Matthew 4:19) “Come and follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
The cause is to save the world by reconciling people to God through Jesus (this is the Gospel).