Journey Groups
To provide a weekly youth group experience that emphasizes discovery – discover who God is, discover who they are, and discover the life God has for them.
We consider this discovery to take time and involve decisive steps for each teen where they choose to listen, receive, and reflect upon God, themselves and life. It is an ongoing journey of discovery. We as a youth group are traveling together in this discovery journey.
Key Components of Journey Group:
• Personal Connection: This is the main reason for being here. It is a teaching time in a living room setting. Teaching is done through the medium of storytelling with an emphasis on practical life tied into Bible Scripture, prayer and a belief that God is here and involved in our lives.
• Friend Connection: We provide opportunity for our teens to discuss life issues relevant to their friends and themselves. Sometimes they will share about needs they know from friends or classmates; sometimes they will share about their own needs through question and answer on paper. The goal is to connect their own feelings and desires to a bigger view of life. A common need among friends can create a sense of journeying together to find God through giving and supporting.
• World Connection: I have chosen a few needs that go beyond themselves or people they know. Currently we are focusing on a non-profit organization named “Love146.” This ministry is an eye-opening exposure for our teens to an evil in the world: the human trafficking of children. Though we handle the issue with sensitivity and tact, the topic is meant to (gently) shock the senses of our teens. The awareness of such vital issues tempers the easily over-inflated emotions of our teens with genuine concern for those in real need.
• Fun: There are plenty of games to break up the serious tones. From hanging out with snacks and board games or video games to all over the church scavenger hunts, we try to keep it interesting and integrated for all the teens that are here.
Values: Things that are important to us in Journey group.
• Experiencing love and acceptance from God as displayed in the Bible.
• Learning to love and accept each other.
• Giving who we are to the needs around us.
• Safety of each teen emotionally and physically.
• Value of each person.
Click here for a video “walk through” of Journey groups.