Student Ministries @ CCGV

For many people, the term, “Student Ministries” can conjure up a variety of images. Some envision a social group revolving around various activities with a little Jesus sprinkled in on the side. Some imagine a place of pure chaos, where hormonal teenagers run rampant as volunteers try and corral them into some form of godliness. But for others, student ministry speaks of a time where serious spiritual growth begins. It’s a season in life where the Bible comes alive, where Jesus gains prominence in a young person’s life and godly relationships are established. It’s a time when a young person’s Christian faith becomes really real.

I count it a privilege to be a part of this important ministry in the church. I know Student Ministries is much more than an adolescent social club or teenage daycare; it is strategic ministry that unites the zeal of youth with a love for Jesus.

The Bible is filled with stories of young men and young women whom God used greatly to accomplish His purposes and bring Him glory. These accounts are filled with deeds requiring great boldness and demonstrating tremendous faith in what the Lord can do. This is part of the reason that Student Ministry is so exciting for me and the rest of the Student Ministries Team. It’s a time in many teenagers’ lives where faith becomes truly personal and when they begin to grasp what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I’d like to take this opportunity to give you a behind the scenes look at what’s going on in Student Ministries @ CCGV by sharing what God is currently doing in our high school and junior high ministries.

HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY (a.k.a. HSM)

This year’s graduated seniors hold a special place in my heart because they are the first group I’ve been with since their freshman year! It’s great to see how many of them have grown from being timid freshmen, to gospel-minded graduates who are ready to move on in life. In addition to these examples of personal growth, I believe the high school group, as a whole, has also grown in unity and fruitfulness throughout this year. We have explored the importance of knowing God at our Winter Retreat, studied the reality of our transformation in Christ at Beach Camp, and experienced the significance of humility and obedience to the Lord in our mission trip to Mexico.

I’m also excited to let you know that we are close to finalizing plans for a new location for high school summer camp! We’re looking to partner with Calvary Chapel Modesto to host a high school summer camp in July 2008. I’m a firm believer in the value of summer camp ministry. For many students, summer camp has been a pivotal point in their relationship with the Jesus Christ. Look for more information on this exciting new opportunity in spring of 2008.

Speaking of camps and events, you can keep up-to-date on all high school news and activities by dropping by the HSM blog. Our blog is a source for news, updates, and events pertaining to the high school ministry. I think you’ll find it to be a valuable tool in keeping updated on what’s going on in HSM. The high school web page is also a great place to read about our ministry and how you can get involved.

ministry contact:

JR HIGH MINISTRY

This summer marks a time of change for our Junior High Ministry. Jeff Alaways, our veteran Junior High pastor (8+ years) has transitioned out of Junior High and will continue to serve in various capacities on our pastoral team.

This transition has created an opportunity for Dane Foster to step in and oversee the Junior High Ministry. Dane has not only been a student in the Junior High and High School Ministry, he has also served as a High School Ministry intern for the past two years. Dane’s passion for Jesus and love for junior high students will make him a great fit for this ministry. He has already begun assembling a team of leaders who will seek to model a gospel-centered life for our junior high students and encourage them in their love for Jesus.

Junior High Ministry is a crucial time in a teenager’s life and we are excited to see how this ministry will develop over the next few months. If you are a parent of a junior high student, be on the lookout for upcoming events aimed at building friendships and sense of community among the students.

ministry contact:

I hope this information has helped clarify what the term, “Student Ministries” means at CCGV. I can’t underscore enough the sense of honor I feel in serving in this ministry. Everyone on the Student Ministries Team appreciates your prayers, support, and partnership as we move forward in our call to impact students with the gospel and equip them to live as committed disciples of Jesus Christ.