Youth Ministry Mission
SSBC YOUTH exists to make adult disciples
whose faith took root in their teen years.
It is our desire to reach the unchurched students in our community as well as the "church kids" who have been raised in the pews. We believe both groups need the same thing: the good news of the grace and love we receive through Jesus Christ.
When you (or your student) come to youth group, they will have fun - but more importantly, they will find a group of teenagers who are being formed by biblical fellowship, worship, and the teaching of God's Word. In addition to our weekly Youth Group and Sunday School ministries, we offer a variety of events and retreats.
Sign up for the Parents Newsletter to keep informed of all that's happening (sent on Fridays during the school-year, and as-needed during the summer).
Our Regular Gatherings
Gathered Worship
Sundays, 9:00 AM
We believe it is crucially important for students to worship with the church on Sunday mornings. If our goal is to raise up students who walk with Jesus throughout adulthood but provide alternative programming for them during SSBC's worship service, then we're short-circuiting ourselves and training students to view gathered worship as irrelevant and uncool. So join us on Sunday mornings for church!
Sunday Nights (other than first Sun/month): Youth Groups
Sundays, 6:30-8:00 PM
Our Middle School and High School youth will gather from 6:30-8:00pm on Sundays for fellowship and friendship, prayer and teaching. Our night follows the structure outlined below. Our students' small groups are co-ed and are a safe place for students to gather together with mature adults to discuss how the gospel transforms everything about life and faith.
First Sunday/Month: Youth Group Workshops
First Sunday/Month, 6:30 PM
First Sunday of each month we will host various workshops for students to attend. We'll kick off in Fellowship Hall with a few songs, led by our youth worship team, and then students can choose which of the workshops they want to attend. Some months, the workshops will follow a special emphasis, others there will be a variety. Some sample workshops may include: "How to share the gospel with your friends," "Can I be actually trust the Bible I'm reading is the Bible they wrote," and "What does the Bible teach about abortion." Some sessions will be offered multiple times, so if you miss it the first time around you'll have another chance!
Sunday School
Sundays, 10:45 AM
Middle School- Jonah
The book of Jonah shows us a God who relents, a God who is sovereign, and a God who is present among the mercies and trials of life. This class will also explore how we are more like Jonah than we might think and will bring the text to life by examining our own motives and affections.
High School- Gospel 101
This class focuses on the “big picture” message of redemption. It equips students with the language of the gospel to confidently move past the fear of sharing their faith by living out of gospel community and Scripture knowledge. By defining the gospel and why it matters, readers will learn about God, humanity, Christ,justification, our response, and the implications of the gospel through pointed questions, Scripture reading assignments, and encouraged discussions.
The gospel is so much more than an evangelism tool - it shapes everything about life and everything about ministry. Our ministry has adopted the five pillars of gospel-centered ministry from The Rooted Ministry as our core commitments. Here's a quick overview.
- Gospel Centered
The cross and empty tomb are central to all of Scripture, why would they be absent from anything we do in ministry? Everything we do - from the way we play dodgeball and the way we handle conflicts between students to the missions trips we take - is all shaped by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. - Expository Preaching
If the Bible really is the Word of God, then why would our students benefit more from anyone's advice more than they'd benefit from hearing God's Word? Everything we teach is anchored in Scripture, because God's Word is truth. - Relational Discipleship
Our mission is to make life-long disciples who either met Christ or who grew in Christ during their teen years. That won't only happen through ministry that happens in programs, but through meaningful relationships the extend beyond the church walls. - Partnering with Parents
Study after study continues to affirm what Scripture teaches: Parents are always the most influential people in a child/youth's life. Our youth leaders want to encourage parents in order to co-evangelize and co-disciple students in partnership with parents. - Intergenerational Ministry
Secluding teenagers from the older generations might seem cooler or safer for students, but it robs them of the treasure that comes through seeing what the Christian life looks like at the different stages of life. Additionally, teenagers often add a fresh wind of vitality and optimism that other generations have lost. We want teenagers to be valued contributors in the entire church (not just in the youth ministry).
What do we mean by "Gospel Centered Youth Ministry?"