Youth Ministry PDF Print E-mail

Overview

We often hear that the youth are the church of the future. However, what is really meant is that the youth are the future of the church. The fact is, our young people are a vibrant, vital part of the church today. Their needs are real and they are important.

 

We are blessed at Meridian Woods with a wonderful group of young people. They are cheerful, enthusiastic and excited about their service to God. But they are also in constant need of an ear to listen to their trials as they sort through how they fit in the great plan of God.

 

The purpose of our Youth Ministry is straight forward but challenging. Simply stated it is, "to provide overall care and spiritual development for the Meridian Woods youth through weekly Bible study, prayer, regular small group and specific events and activities designed to encourage individual and group growth".

 

Our young people are a special resource that God has entrusted to our keeping. It is only through focused, specific instruction and tender loving care that they will develop the character that God has imbedded within them. As we look to the future of the church, we understand that these are the Bible school teachers, the preachers, elders and deacons of the next generation. It is imperative that we provide them and their parents with the proper tools so that they can realize and fulfill the role God has for them.

 

The Leaders

God has blessed our youth ministry with very special leaders. Chris Williams is the deacon who has the responsibility of developing this ministry. Along with the parents of our youth and other concerned members, we provide the guidance and opportunities for our young people to become strong servant leaders.

 

What's needed

As with every ministry, the leaders cannot complete what they have undertaken without help from the rest of the members of the church. They need manpower to help transport and chaperone the various activities that are planned. They need other members to provide space in their homes for the youth to have devotionals and other activities.

 

There is always a need for Bible class teachers, special financial help for scholarships and other events and people who will engage our youth in conversation concerning their spiritual lives and activites. Of course, everyone can spend time in prayer on their behalf.

 

What's coming up

As the next year approaches, our Youth Group will be extremely active. In the plans are weekly devotionals, SonQuest, and Survivor.

 

There will be a lock in ust before school starts in the Fall as well as various activities during the Summer.

 

Additionally, plans are being made for an entire week of service that will help teach the value of helping others.

Each of these activities will be conducted in such a way that the goals of bringing the youth closer to each other, and reaching out to those who don't know Jesus and aren't part of the youth group can be accomplished.

 

The spiritual development of our young people has got to be a top priority. While our Youth Ministry can certainly assist in that development, the simple truth is they can't do it alone. Parents, grandparents and other significant adults must be involved in reaching into their lives and helping equipping them to be faithful servants of God and His people.

 

No matter how old you are, you can be a positive influence in the life of one or more of our young people. Please, keep them in your prayers and reach out to become part of their lives as they strive to be righteous in a world full of darkness.
 
Lads to Leaders PDF Print E-mail

Overview

Training our people in the church is an important matter to consider. The Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes programs develop young Christians for responsible leadership roles not only in the church, but in the home, school, community, and business world.  The Meridian Woods church of Christ is committed and very active in the L2L program. The congregation continues through the support of our elders to add L2L activities each year; but more importantly the congregation's young people continue to increase their personal involvement.

 

Goal

To provide churches with effective, year-round youth leadership training tools that can be adapted to individual congregational needs.

 

Benefits

The Lads to Leaders & Leaderettes programs increase the following:

  1. Self-esteem
  2. Self-worth
  3. Communication skills
  4. Personal confidence
  5. Social skills
  6. Spiritual strength
  7. Personal abilities
  8. Listening skills
  9. Intellectual skills
  10. The Self-Starter habit
  11. Positive attitudes toward problem solving
  12. Desire to learn and lead
  13. Ability to get along with others
  14. Ability to deal with authority figures
  15. Personal responsibility and dependability
  16. Ability to make good decisions
  17. Knowledge of the roles of elders, deacons, teachers, preachers, and members
  18. The setting of high standards of personal morality
  19. Church attendance, giving, and conversions
  20. The setting and achieving of goals
  21.  

How it works

  • Parents sign-up their children for specific activities
  • Some activities are individual while others are team-oriented
  • Children participate in an activity under the guidance of a coordinator
  • Most activities meet on Sunday afternoon; others meet at specific times
  • Children and parents work together to keep up-to-date on activities
  • Children practice at home allowing for family time together
  • Children, in speaking or reading activities, have an opportunity to present to the congregation prior to the trip to Nashville
  • We go to the National Convention in Orlando