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Youth Ministry at Grace Bible FellowshipA Note to ParentsCurrently our youth ministry consists of one group for grades 6th through 12th. We take ministry to youth seriously at Grace Bible Fellowship. Even though we are a new church plant that started from scratch, we had the conviction that we needed to be committed to our youth from the beginning. Many church plants don’t have a youth group or youth Sunday school class from the start. As such, the young people may feel ostracized or disconnected. We have a proportionately large group of children and youth for a new, little church. And they are a breath of fresh air. They bring great vitality and energy to the corporate body.
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The teen years are some of the most important years of spiritual development and discovery. Young people need to have deliberate, systematic, biblical ministry directed toward them during this all-important, and impressionable time period of their lives. They need to know that God has answers for all the questions and challenges they will be confronted with during this unique time of life. The Psalmist asked, “How can a young man [teenager] keep his way pure?” Then he answered his own question by saying, “by keeping it according to Your Word” (119:9). It’s not impossible to keep from losing your kids during the teen years. This verse gives us hope, and even assurance. | |||
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Our youth are bombarded daily in every area of life with ungodliness and all that is antithetical to the Bible. Christian families and the local church need to do everything possible to protect, nurture and prepare our young people to survive the assault. And we can—through biblical training, prayer, personal discipleship and coordinated relevant ministry to youth. Armed with the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and our sufficiency in Christ (Ephesians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3), we have everything we need to aid our young people in resisting the evil tide of the world, the flesh and the Devil. The key is to help them cultivate godly habits, Christian patterns of behavior and a biblical worldview. This will help them solidify a foundation for living that rests on knowing Jesus Christ personally. With a foundation like that, even our teenagers can live victoriously for Christ in the midst of a perverse and evil generation. That’s the promise of God Himself (Matthew 7:24-27). What we are studyingCurrently our youth meet for Bible study on Sundays at the church from 9:30 - 10:45. We spend time getting to know each other, meeting new visitors, doing a creative ice-breaker, then we open up God’s Word. Right now we are studying the Book of Proverbs together. We take one chapter each week. The Book of Proverbs was written for young people. It was purposefully directed at youth to train them in godly living. The phrase “my son” occurs all throughout the book (i.e., 1:8). God gave this book to believing parents to train their children in spiritual living. It is incredibly pertinent and practical for where teens are at today. For example, Proverbs talks about how to handle money, how to choose good friends, how to deal with peer pressure, how to develop good work habits, how to avoid evil like lust, alcohol and other temptations. It talks at length on how to begin to prepare for godly marriage. It repeatedly addresses the issue of how young people are supposed to respect the authorities in their lives—especially their parents. It warns about being lazy, a gossip, a cheater and a thief. It tells of the folly of being foolish and flippant. This book was made for teenagers. So that’s why we are studying it and are trying to live it. It’s been a great study so far. Here’s a testimonial from one of our young people who has been through the first 12 chapters: “I have learned how important it is for me to show my parents respect. That is what Proverbs says God expects of me. And if I respect them, then God will bless me.” -Grant, age 14 Our youth leadersOur youth are taught by Pastor Cliff McManis and Mr. Dave Willow. Cliff has four children, two of which are currently in the youth ministry. He has been ministering to youth since 1989. He served as a full-time youth pastor in a previous church and is currently the Pastor-Teacher at Grace Bible Fellowship. At one time, he also was a teen-ager. Dave Willow is married, has 3 children who are all categorized as “youth” and has a very cool dog named Toby. “Uncle Dave” has vast experience working with teens in two previous church ministries. He specializes in service projects with the youth, making visitors feel welcome, wrestling with teenagers who think they are tough and brings a winsome practicality to church life. He also leads the kids in weekly prayer and discussion. Dave has been accused by some as acting at times like a teenager. Come join usIf you are reading this and you are a youth, or the parent of youth, then we’d love for you to come visit us on a Sunday afternoon. You will be warmly welcomed and you will also get the meet of God’s Word to feed your soul. If you have any questions about the ministry, then please call the church at 650 630-0009.
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