318 Youth Ministry exists to help teens joyfully BELONG, GROW, and SERVE as followers of Jesus at home, in THE church, and in the community.
Our ministry name, 318 YOUTH comes from two passages in the letters of Peter. 1 Peter 3:18 highlights the hope we have in Jesus for life transformation: "for Christ also died for sins once for all; the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God." While 2 Peter 3:18 points out the pathway to growing and being more like Jesus as his disciple: "but grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
In our youth ministry, we are after more than just big numbers or fun events; more than just a "safe place" or a cool spot for teens to make memories. We call our teens to follow Jesus for life. Not just in their younger years when dad/mom bring them to church; when their our special, fun programs for them. But also when they venture out on their own, drive themselves around, start earning their own money and making their own life decisions.
We want to come alongside our teens and point them to the beauty of Jesus' good news; the wisdom of his Word to direct their lives; and the joy of life-long obedience to him.
We aim to accomplish this vision through these regular ministries:
Sunday school
- Every Sunday from 9-9:50 AM in Classroom 1.
- This is our time to ground teens in foundational doctrines of the Christian faith.
- Our spring 2025 series includes "Proverbs: Pursuing a Life of Wisdom" and "Doctrine 1: The Bible."
wednesday night "youth group"
- Every Wednesday from 6:30-8:15 PM (Sept-May).
- This is our time to teach God's timeless truth; apply it to teens' lives in a dynamic way; and to build strong relationships.
- We open the Bible and teach; break into small groups for application, prayer, and encouragement; and come back together for a snack and game time.
- In the 2024-25 school year, we will work through a series called "Your Word is Truth: Seeing All of Life Through the Lens of Scripture." We will focus on the authority of God's Word and how we can follow it in all areas of life. Some topics include: what is truth?; world religions; the origin of the world; manhood/womanhood; your friends; ethics; tech/media; etc.
- To register your teen, head over to our 318 Youth registration page. Note: the $12 fee covers the student journal your teen will use each night.
Teen S.N.A.C.s
- We hold Teen S.N.A.C.s on the first Sunday night of the month in a different church members' home (often a teen leader or teen parent's home).
- Teen S.N.A.C.s (Sunday Night After Church) are a time to build relationships with teens, leaders, and other families in the church.
- We enjoy food, some games, and we get to hear testimonites of how God has changed that adult's life through the gospel of Jesus.
- We meet at the church 10 min. after the PM service ends (around 6:30 PM) and carpool over to the host's home. You're welcome to drop your teen off as well. Pickup is at 8:15 PM. Cost is $2.
special events
- Throughout the year, we engage in several special events to encouarge and challenge teens in their walk with God and relationship with others.
- Some of these special events include: summer camp, winter retreat, youth conferences, special activities, service projects, etc.
- For information about upcoming youth events, check out our calendar page.
Teens who follow Jesus for life.