Youth

The 21st century church is faced with 3 growing issues.

1. The majority of church-going students will stop attending upon high school graduation.

2. We are not preparing the students for the faith challenges they will face post-graduation, and

3. Students’ faith, while still in middle and high school is many times easily shaken.

First Baptist Church of Trenton’s student ministry is attacking these issues by making disciples who make disciples. We don't feel that they must wait until they "grow up" to learn how to make disciples. It's is a life-long journey and a command from Jesus so we refuse to wait!

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

 SPIRITUAL MATURITY - Just like babies need to be fed and nurtured, when we give our lives to Christ we have a lot of growing up to do. But not everyone matures at the same rate. Remember that five foot 3rd grader you knew?! Yeah, he may have been intimidating but he was still growing, too. Our leaders understand this and work with each of our students to make sure they are growing more like Christ every day, at their own pace. No comparisons here!

 SPIRITUAL GIFTS - God has gifted each of us in different ways. As they grow, our students will discover their gifts and will be challenged by their leaders to use them now. Why wait? A student who serves in the church is more likely to see it as theirs and not just where their parents make them attend. Under leader guidance, they will only get better with practice.

 SPIRITUAL MULTIPLICATION - The students will also be challenged to share their faith with others so that the kingdom of God will grow and be glorified. To be the disciple-makers that Jesus has called them to be, they must take ownership of the job. That can be scary, but when our leaders do their part, they will become a well trained disciple ready to take it on!