Equipping
When calling His first disciples, Jesus issued an invitation and a promise:
“Come follow me and I will send you out to fish for people.” Knowing they had no idea what that meant, the Lord equipped them to do so over the next three years. First, he called them to be with him, knowing everything flowed out of this relationship. Then he lovingly molded them into the people who, through his power, would overturn the world. Lastly, he graciously gave them his Holy Spirit, a calming reassurance and living reminder that he would be with them forever!
Our mission statement reads, “Introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith.” The second half focuses on our commitment to discipleship — that by following him daily, we can truly know him and his view on life.
Our faith grows when we trust the Leader, so we help kids learn how to listen to the Lord, through his written word and the Spirit’s voice. Of course, we hear better when we regularly communicate with him, so we also emphasize prayer. And because God created us to walk together, we provide community for kids with their leaders and peers.
Out of this naturally grows a desire to invite others into this loving community. We help our friends realize they’re the aroma of Christ, attractive to those who have yet to meet him.
Lastly, he’s graciously given us his Holy Spirit, a calming reassurance and living reminder that he’ll be with us forever!
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing… This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15:5, 8 (NIV)
