Youth Ministry Philosophy

Edgefield Church youth ministry exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world, and to equip followers of Jesus for Christian ministry. It contributes to this mission by providing teaching, discipleship, and community for teenagers that are integrated into the life of the church, but is also responsive to the unique context of teenage children. We base our ministry on the tools that God has given us for ministry, His Word and Spirit. As God’s Spirit works through His word to give faith to teenagers in our ministry, we partner with parents to disciple them to grow in their faith and participation in the life of the church. 

Our Youth ministry is designed to provide gospel-centered teaching and discipleship in a safe and welcoming environment that supports God honoring friendships with other students and adults at Edgefield. Our teaching focuses on the good news about Jesus and what it looks like to follow him in this world. We aim to be both evangelistic—calling non-believers to faith and repentance, and edifying—teaching and encouraging followers of Jesus to walk in greater faith and holiness. Our discipleship is geared toward helping teenagers who are professing faith in Jesus work out the implications of Christian teaching into their lives and draw them into the life of the church for mutual discipleship, accountability, and encouragement. 

Our teaching ministry occurs during Sunday morning bible study and Wednesday night meetings. In these contexts we provide systematic teaching on core Christian doctrines. We design these lessons to be accessible and relevant to all teenagers in our church. Those expressing interest in following Jesus have opportunities to engage in focused discipleship with smaller groups to consider how faith in Jesus and church membership will influence all aspects of their lives. These groups will occur for 6 weeks in the fall, spring, and summer. Teenagers at Edgefield who have been baptized and affirmed as members can participate in Edgefield’s Small Group ministry. We also carry out occasional short-term events to either foster relationships among students or for discipleship.