Greetings, Parents!

Working with students and families, I’ve found that one of the biggest hurdles to overcome in the teenage years is the transition to something new, especially the transition into new groups whether at school or at church. For some students, they never get to experience all that our youth ministry offers because they didn’t get involved during the first few months of junior high or high school. I want you to know that I’m very concerned about getting your teenager involved in our ministry and want to help in whatever way I can. There are a few “F” factors to keep in mind as you consider how to help your teenager get connected to the youth ministry:

FEAR: The transition into a new group, especially if you’re on the younger end of a group, can be scary. Being a teenager is a time of change and adjustment, and sometimes that can create anxiety and pressure, especially pressure to fit in. It is hard showing up to an event where you’re not sure if you’ll be accepted. Let your teenager know that their feelings are natural and real. Encourage your teen to move beyond their fears and try to get involved in what’s going on. We strive to create an environment where everyone can feel safe, loved, and accepted.

FUN: Our youth ministry is fun. We want students to have a good time with us. A lot of what we do includes laughter and hanging out. Many students would be inclined to use the word “boring” to describe what they’d expect from church. Because of this, we attempt to shatter the stereotype that church is dull. You may hear of some wild things over the next years and chances are good that they were intentional.

FOOD: One of our youth team is usually available to grab ice cream or coffee with students if you think it would be helpful to have your child meet with us. We want students to feel free to drop by the office, call us on the phone, or shoot us an email if they have any questions or issues about faith and life or just want someone to talk to. We don’t have all the answers and we’re not therapists, but we do want to make ourselves available to students to listen and pray for them and help however we can.

FAITH: Our primary goal is to help your teenager mature in his or her faith. We have a defined purpose and strategy with programs that help us come alongside students in their spiritual growth. Our goal is the same goal God has for all Christians: to grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ. We know that one’s spiritual growth isn’t solely dependent on our youth ministry. God uses many ways to draw young people to Himself. We believe family plays a primary role in this and we want to come alongside students and families using the best resources available to us. If a student wants to grow in his or her faith our aim is to be able to help at any place in the spiritual journey.

FINISH: We want to see students finish high school strong in their faith. One of the most affirming things for our leadership team is to see students who have graduated from the youth ministry who have strong convictions about their faith, a lifestyle that reflects their convictions, and are actively continuing to grow in faith and serve God during their college years. Because the years after high school are so pivotal for your child, we want to equip them to be able to continue developing a strong faith even after they have graduated from our ministry.

FRIENDS: Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” It is true that peers can have a tremendous influence on young people. Even though students don’t like to hear these words, I’ve seen that truth played out over and over. Almost everything in middle and high school revolves around friends! To finish strong, good friends are vital.

Even though my title at the church is Director of Youth Ministries, our church is blessed to have many wonderful youth ministers. We have a great team of adult volunteers who love the Lord and love teenagers who partner with us to come alongside the students and families to help them grow. Even though we have a large number of students who participate in various activities, our goal is to maintain a “small” feel where every student is cared for.

We’d love to talk to you or your teenager any time. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help, we’re here to do whatever we can for you and your family.

-Jon Paul

Our Purpose

The purpose of the FCC Youth Ministry is to invite teenagers into a relationship with Jesus Christ and a community of Christian love, develop in them Christ-like maturity, and mobilize them for service to His church and the world, in order to glorify God.

Our Strategy

The teenage years are a critical time in the spiritual development of an individual, for the believer or the lost teenager. The Youth Ministry at Free Christian Church addresses the need to reach out with Christ to Junior and Senior High School students. We seek to grow teens toward Christ-likeness through our various programs. Our strategy embraces the emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual needs of students. Teenage students are experiencing dramatic changes in each of these areas, and it is imperative that they receive ministry at each area of need if they are going to develop into confident, mature believers. Additionally, we seek to equip our students to reach out to their peers by training our students in the area of personal evangelism and by providing appropriate events and programs for student outreach.

Ministry Opportunities

The success of the Youth Ministry is indisputably dependant on the faithful service of adult volunteers who come alongside our teens and invest in their lives. Our youth leaders have the privilege of seeing changed lives as students grow in faith and commitment to the Lord.

Youth leaders don’t need to be young and hip. Anyone who is willing to be authentic, loves Christ, and loves teenagers might be the kind of person who would make an awesome youth leader. Current leadership needs include:

• Small group leadership/apprenticeship
• Bell House Partners (decorating, facility maintenance)
• Student contact assistance (event promotion/mailings/phone ministry)
• “Feed-the-Teen” classroom snack program
• Service Project, Special Event, and Retreat Chaperones/Drivers
• First Fridays Team
• Sunday School Youth Leaders/Assistants
• Youth Database Management

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For more information contact:
Jon Paul
Director of Youth Ministries
978.475.0700 ext. 21
jpaul@freechristian.org

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