Youth Ministry

For decades youth ministry in America has been characterized by programs designed to excite and entertain. Usually, a meetings started with a couple of games or icebreakers, then led to some worship time, and was followed by a short sermon or devotional. The formula demonstrated what most adults grew up with in their church youth ministries. Results often lacked depth and led to a lack of confidence in an adolescent’s spiritual life.

At St. Peter’s, we believe God brings every young adult into our community. We will not undermine God’s potential work in them by simply providing entertainment. After over 40 years of collective experience in youth ministry leadership, one thing becomes clear: Teens don’t need more entertainment. They need to be fed. Surprisingly, that’s exactly what they want as well. In response, we offer Biblically-based, spiritual nourishment for this starving generation.

Knowledge Without Purpose is Dead

Much like James who wrote that faith without works is dead, our youth ministry believes that teaching without doing is pointless. Our weekly meetings focus on useful truth from the Bible that can be applied in each teen’s life. Since we have a high leader to youth ratio (1:4), each teen has the opportunity to hear about ways to practice their faith that is specific to them.

The Process Outweighs the Outcomes

We have a limited time with students and many of the outcomes we would love to see happen after they graduate. Only God can create the outcomes he desires for our teens. Peace, patience, kindness and other fruits of practicing our faith singularly come through the power of the Holy Spirit. Because of this, we focus on the process of living by faith.

Created Identity

In Ephesians 2:10, Paul tells us that we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ for good works. As ministers to St. Peter’s youth, we feel a deep responsibility for our role in proclaiming that truth to each teen involved. We tell them, as often as we can, how they are uniquely God’s work of art. We then encourage, equip and train them to be able to live out this calling from Ephesians.

Opportunities

Every Sunday morning we gather for a time of learning at 9 A.M in room 108. We meet regularly on Sunday nights from 5 – 7 P.M. (Sr. High context) and Wednesday nights from 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. (Jr. High context) when we have church wide programming for Wednesday nights. Also, there are small groups that meet weekly for girls and boys at their convenience. In addition, we have retreats, special trips and events that provide the time to reinforce all of the ideas talked about in our larger groups.

Contact the youth pastor, Paul Martin, for more information.

Also check out the ideas that drive the youth ministry:
Philosophy of Youth Ministry
Strategy for Youth Ministry