Youth Ministry and Eastside.

First off, when we say “youth ministry” what are we talking about?  Specifically, a ministry for those in Middle school and High school.       This time is unique.  It differs tremendously from childhood as children begin to utilize abstract concepts and begin the path of independence.  It also is distinct from early adulthood in that this age group still lives at home and is routed in the routines of school life and social structure.

Although they fall under the same umbrella, MS and HS are somewhat independent of each other.  They have different classes on Sunday morning.  They attend different life groups on Wednesday evenings.  They often have separate retreats, camps and various activities.  This is so to better target the developmental stages.  MS is more movement while HS is more thought.  Yet the goal is for both to exist and grow together.

Of course we have many goals for this ministry.  We not only desire to build a sense of community in our youth; we specifically want that community to be Christ centered.  To be lead by the Holy Spirit, to see Christ as Lord and not just savior, to know Him and His word, to manifest the fruit of the spirit so to mature. Lastly, to understand that to walk with Christ is to have life abundantly.

Here at Eastside we have many tools to build this community.  Weekly we spend time in corporate worship service, Sunday AM classes and Wednesday evening life groups.  We also get together every Sunday Evening for events such as area wide gatherings, in home devotionals, activities specifically geared toward girls or boys, MS or HS only activities and even just getting together to play.

When schedules permit we will have week long mission trips, summer camps, or even a wilderness trek.  We will definitely go on weekend retreats and short day trips during the summer.

These events come and go as the years change but what is constant is the desire for our youth to spend time together in a healthy environment that is God focused.  The desire to see them get involved.  To have ownership in the youth group and therefore the Church.  To establish a foundation of faith that they can build on the rest of their lives.

If you are in MS or HS and have a heart for Christ, we need you in our youth group. If you are in MS and HS and are not sure about this church stuff, we need you in our youth group.  If you are in MS or HS and are trying to find out what life is all about, we need you in our youth group.  If you are in MS or HS, we need you in our youth group.  The best part is if you are in MS or HS this youth group is for you!

Youth Group Values

No matter where you come from, this youth group wants you to BELONG, BELIEVE and BECOME.

First you should know that you have a place here.  You don’t have to look a certain way or even know what you think about “this church stuff.”  BELONG

While here, you can ask the important questions.  See if God really makes sense and decide for yourself; is this Jesus really my Lord and Savior.  BELIEVE

Being a part of the body of Christ is transformational.  The more you encounter Christ the more you want to be like him.  We all go through the process of transforming into his image. BECOME

Goals

Our desire is for each member to establish the following as personal goals.  PARTICIPATION – you have to invest to get a return.  COMMUNITY – building your relationships with others. DISCOVERY – be a learner and an explorer of life. Personal INTEGRATION – applying what the Holy Spirit reveals.

Overview

Youth Group includes grades 6-12 and promotion into the group takes place at the end of the summer.  A weekly e-mail detailing all things youth goes out every Thursday.  Click here to access the latest weekly update.

YOUTHGROUP UPDATE is our Facebook page. Click on the Facebook icon to access our Facebook page!

Bobby Crews is our director of youth ministries, and you can reach him by e-mail if you click on his picture!