1.  What is the mission of the CCC student ministry?

 Our mission is to make the life-changing message of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ clear to every middle school and high school student that we come into contact with.

2.  Why does the CCC student ministry exist?  (What is our purpose?)

The Great Commandment and the Great Commission help us to define our existence.

Great Commandment:  “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

Great Commission:  “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Our ministry exists to REACH OUT in love to all students, provide opportunities for them to GET OUT with other teens, help students learn to LIVE OUT God’s will for their lives, and encourage them to ACT OUT their faith in service to others as well as SHOUT OUT their praises to God.

This purpose statement (the why) reflects the five purposes of the church that were made well known by Saddleback Church in California.  Pastor Jerry has preached on these five purposes.

v     Evangelism – Sharing the gospel message of salvation in Jesus Christ

v     Fellowship – Healthy/God-honoring time with other Christians

v     Discipleship – Growing in knowledge and likeness of Jesus

v     Ministry – Meeting the practical needs of others in Christ’s love

v     Worship – Praising God

 

3.  Who are we ministering to?

This portion of the youth ministry overview takes a look at all possible student groups.  It will be a guideline to help us determine if every student is being considered and reached, regardless of his or her current spiritual maturity level.

v     Community – Community students are committed to not attending church - they are living apart from Christ.

v     Crowd – Crowd students are committed to attending our church – they are hearing about Christ.

      v     Congregation – Congregation students are committed to a small group – they have a relationship with     Christ and with other Christians

  v     Committed – Committed students are committed to spiritual habits – they are growing in Christ.

  v     Core – Core students are committed to doing ministry – they are serving because of Christ.

4.  What are the core ideals that we value in our student ministry?

This is a brief summary of the ideals that we consider to be most important.  This list will be a guideline to help us determine if each core value is incorporated in our overall student ministry.

Salvation of every student is of paramount importance.

Growth is necessary if students are to mature into Christ-like followers.

Relationships are critical to evangelizing and discipling youth.  Relationships of this nature include student-student relationships as well as leader-student relationships.

Student Leadership is the next step for students who are spiritually mature.  Furthermore it is a means by which ministry of the youth pastor and leaders is reciprocated and multiplied.

Bible Study is the means by which students come to know Jesus and God’s will for their lives.

A Fun environment sets the stage for participation and excitement in our student ministry.

Safety of students both emotionally and physically is good stewardship of the ministry that God has entrusted us with.

5.  How does the CCC student ministry carry out its mission and fulfill the purposes outlined above?

The CCC student ministry carries out its mission and fulfills the purposes outlined above by ministering to students through both large and small group meetings, open gym, special events, retreats, and camps.  Our week-by-week scheduled meetings are listed below along with their specific goals.  This list is followed by our yearly ministry opportunities.Open House – Sunday Evenings 6-7:30 pm

Goal/Purpose:   To attract unchurched, non-Christian, and fringe youth to a safe environment where, God-willing, they will meet Jesus Christ and from there desire to become more involved with the church and their own personal growth.

Methods:          This goal is accomplished through a large group setting where students can come, feel welcome, and participate in games, fellowship, and learning.

Goal/Purpose:   To create a safe but challenging environment where Christian students can invite and minister to their peers.

Methods:          This goal is accomplished by giving students opportunities to plan and lead in the following areas: contacting (phone calls/cards), welcome team, skits, music, and devotions.

 AWANA – Monday Evenings 6-8:00 pm

 Goal/Purpose:   To provide an opportunity for students to establish and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Methods:          This goal is accomplished through weekly study and memorization of the Bible, fellowship with other Christians, and corporate worship/prayer.

Bible Basics (Quarterly or Semi-annually)

Goal/Purpose:   To welcome and incorporate new, young, and growing believers into God’s family (the church) and teach them the essentials of God’s Word.

Methods:          This goal is accomplished through a periodic offering of basic Biblical truths (perhaps quarterly).  Bible study, discussion, partnership with other Christian students, relationship with Christian adults, and prayer are all part of developing new believers.

Goal/Purpose:   To invest in the lives of a few students in order to grow mature, healthy Christ-followers who are equipped for Christian action and leadership.

            Methods:          This goal is accomplished through increased accountability, higher expectations, a deeper study of God’s word and a distinct mentoring relationship between the youth pastor and students.  TLC students will also be given specific ministry responsibilities that are both practical and formative.

 Yearly Ministry Opportunities:

                             Summer Camp – Provides students with a fun week filled with learning, worship, and Christian fellowship.  A week of camp can provide a huge boost to the spiritual development of a teenager.

                            Winter Retreat – Winter retreat is a unique opportunity to break through the winter “blahs” and energize students in their walk with Christ.  Evangelism opportunities abound.

                            Summer Mission Trip – One word…service.  This is an opportunity for students to fulfill God’s call to Christian action.  The “service” includes both spiritual and physical outreach.

                           Christian Concerts – Can provide a wholesome alternative to what the secular world offers.  Christian music is uplifting, fun, and God-honoring.

                           Christian College Visits – Attending a Christian college or university is a way for a student to be nurtured beyond the confines of our local ministry.

                           Conferences/Evangelism Training – These periodic training opportunities can be formative and encouraging in ways beyond the capabilities of our own student ministry.  They are an exposure to the greater church and its mission for Christ.