We don’t want to be a “typical” youth group. In what ways is our student ministry not “typical?”
First, we are not scared of hard questions. At Grace Fellowship we believe in the teaching of God’s Word. This gives us a tremendous confidence that there are answers to every question teenagers are searching for today. Also, we do not “dumb down” teaching simply because some may think that students can’t “get” the deeper truths of Scripture. We think that students, when taught at an appropriate level and style, can—and should—work through challenging themes in the Bible.

Second, we also see students as young adults, and we treat them as such. Some of the greatest examples we have in the history of Christianity (most if not all of the Apostles, King David, Charles Spurgeon, etc.) are of teenagers who had a burning passion to follow and spread God’s fame and we believe that the standard should not be lowered to meet the culture.

Third, we have offer programs at four distinct levels of a students development – “reaching, building, equipping, leadership.” This means that we can meet students where they are and seek to move them to where they can maximize their unique God-given abilities.

Fourth, we believe the parents are the primary “movers and shakers” in the lives of their children and we consider it a privilege to join with them in shaping their children to spread the fame of God. We encourage parents to be involved in the student ministry in a variety of ways. Whether it is serving on the Student Ministry Team, helping to plan retreats, attending events, or just providing transportation, we believe that family involvement is vital. We also hold parent meetings to encourage and equip parents in their God-given role three times a year. The parent meetings are a great time for parents to get to know other parents and be strengthened in their resolve to be God-centered families. We simply do not follow the belief that teens need to get away from their parents in order to develop.

What about fun? We believe that having fun is sin… just kidding! We have a blast in all of our events! Whether it’s Capture the Flag, Game Night, retreats, or mission trips, we always have a good time! Is it all about fun? It can’t be… that’s not what the church has been called to. We have been called to spread God’s fame by making disciples of Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:18-20). It can’t always be about fun, but we sure have a whole lot of it on the way to carrying out God’s Great Commission! Why? Because Jesus is our hope, joy and having a blast together can be the response of our lives!

Wanna see some fun? Check out the FourWords Student Channel on YouTube.

Our purpose is the same as the church at large, even though we are just aiming at students: to spread the fame of God through reaching, building, and equipping students in the character and priorities of Jesus Christ.

Dare to Share 2009

Check out our recap video of our Dare to Share conference. This is one event out of many in which our students get the opportunity to introduce their friends to Christ. It was a great time of teaching, growing, and actually going out and giving the gospel.