Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
This verse can be applied to any ministry and should be applied to every believer's life. The glory of God is the motivation behind everything we do at Lifepoint Students. We sing praises to God, hear Bible lessons, fellowship together, and even play games for the glory of God. The students should graduate not only believing this Biblical truth but holding it precious to their life.
The teaching style for the students on Wednesday nights is mainly Expository. This simply means we take the text (a few verses or a whole story) and walk through it from beginning to end, verse-by-verse. I believe this deals with the Scriptures the most accurately and gives it the reverence it is due. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is the passage that motivates the preaching of the Word in this way, it says 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. I start at the first verse of the first chapter of a book in the Bible, and each Youth Group service take it verse-by-verse until we reach the end of the book. Only deviating if I think I should for that given Wednesday. This could be because an important holiday is near, or I want to take some time to talk about small groups, worship, church membership, etc. This is my conviction for teaching in any circumstance.
During Youth Group we make it a point to spend time worshiping the Lord together. This is either led by the students, or we play a youtube lyric video that we can sing along with. I believe it is important to sing songs to the Lord but to especially do it together. As this is done we can spurn each other in good works and faithfulness. This is why we receive warnings in Scripture about the importance of meeting together as a church, and especially worshipping together. Hebrews 10:24-25, 24 And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, 25 not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. I think it is important to pay attention to what we sing. It is easy to think we are doing the "right thing" as long as we sing a worship song. But we must make sure we are singing songs that are bound up with truth, songs that are aimed towards the Almighty; not man. Asking ourselves, "How does God want to be worshipped?". Psalm 95 and Psalm 100.
The model for small groups are broken up between gender; men with men and women with women. This is to create an environment that is easy to be open and honest, also there may be topics discussed that are not ideal with both genders being in the same conversation. The goals for the small groups are to be able to speak into each other's life, but also to be able to open up about struggles and sorrows. I believe that confessing sin is a crucial part of small group ministry. The confession of sin allows us to practice Galatians 6:1-5, "Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted. 2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each person should examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in respect to someone else. 5 For each person will have to carry his own load." We are to help one another out of sin, helping each other bear the load. Each time we meet as small groups, we have questions tailor-fitted to the lesson from that evening. These questions are designed to fulfill two purposes, the first is to further ingrain the truth revealed that evening; and the second is to apply the truth we have learned. But within these small group settings, we try to cultivate an environment of honesty and inclusion. Not inclusion for inclusion sake, but inclusion because we are all of one body and when one part is struggling; the whole is effected.
We have time set aside where students can ask questions regarding faith, the Bible, church, God; you name it. I believe that the Church is the best environment for these questions to be asked and answered. Your student is living in a world that is teaching lies and falsehoods, and the church is the only place they can ask these questions and know they will receive and answer from the Word of God. These questions are encouraged, either through text or paper; and we receive them anonymously to avoid a question not being asked due to possible embarrassment. I do not claim to have the answer to every question, but I do my best to deliver one from God's Word. But sometimes at the end of the day, we have to trust God and be satisfied that we will not know it all until we see Him in glory. 1 Peter 3:13-17, 13 And who will harm you if you are deeply committed to what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be disturbed, 15 but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. 16 However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. As it is important to ask questions and seek answers, this is designed to help the students outside the church was as much as it does inside. When they have the answers to their deepest, most prodding questions; they will have all the more confidence in the sufficiency of God's Word. 1 Peter 2:2-3. 2 Like newborn infants, desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for your salvation, 3 since you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Events are probably the part of the Youth Ministry that gets the most attention and are displayed front and center. I would not be being 100% open and honest if I didn't say that it is a little disappointing that most of the students' favorite part of the youth group is the 10-15 minute game! But I get it, most have school all day and the last thing they want to do is come and listen to more teaching. I just have to trust that the Lord is doing work within them during the time I do get with them during the week. But the events are fun, whether this is the game time during youth group or the parties we have, or the retreats we take them on. Not all events are created equal though, and not all are treated the same. For some parties, I will take some time (5-10 minutes) to do a devotional. At some parties, there is no devotional and it is simply all "fun". These events are designed to get your student out of their normal environment and fellowshipping with other Christian students their age. They can play games, eat, listen to music, have conversations, etc. in a safe place with adults who love your kids and seek the best for them. So far, what baffles me is that through events like these; your students tend to open up to me more afterward! Once more I think that 1 Corinthians 10:31 can apply to our events.
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
The goals for Lifepoint Students Youth Ministry are as follows.