Encounter NXTGEN Youth Group

M – Missionary Minded

It is our goal to raise up the next generation of mission minded Christians. Today’s youth want to be involved in making a difference. They don’t want to stand on the sidelines and watch a world that hates each other, they want to make a difference. And what better way to make a difference than by getting them involved in Missions. 

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you[a] a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.  – Acts 13:47

E – Engage

To engage someone is defined as “to occupy, attract, or involve” or to participate or become involved in. The first thing my mentor told me when my wife and I started in youth ministry was, “you have to meet the kids where they are at.” That has stuck with me, but what does that mean though? It means instead of bringing them into our building to do “church” the way we know it, meet them where they’re at. Today’s youth longs to feel connected. Small group settings, more open discussion, again less about what we want, and more about what we feel is important and more about meeting their needs at that exact moment.

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” – Romans 12:16

E – Encounter

Give every youth member we come in contact with a chance to encounter the love of Jesus Christ through us, our ministry, this church, and the other youth members. We are a vessel for God’s children, they will only encounter the love and heart of Jesus if we are modeling our lives in that same way.

“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” – Luke 6:40 

T – Train

Train up the next generation of leaders in the church. It is our goal to build up the next generation of healthy leaders, ones with zeal, ones with a strong foundation, and ones that are not easily discouraged by darkness in the world.

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6