The GBC student ministry exists to support, encourage and enhance the work of parents in raising their children and strengthen the bonds between youth and their parents. The GBC student ministry provides middle and high schoolers (6th – 12th grades) and college age adults an opportunity to know Jesus through participation in the regular worship services of the church, weekly youth group meetings, youth and college Sunday School classes, and other regular times of fellowship, worship, and service.
We believe that:
*** Youth exist to worship their Creator as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
*** Parents bear the primary responsibility to raise their children in the fear of the Lord.
*** The local church has been appointed by God as the broader context in which all of God’s people, including the youth, grow in love for God.
*** The student ministry exists to support, encourage, and enhance the work of parents in raising their children and to strengthen the bonds between youth and their parents.
*** As youth believe and persist in worship and fellowship, God captures their hearts with his grace and love and transforms them into his image.
*** As youth are continually awed by God’s love in Christ, they become passionate church members and ambassadors who are called and enabled to make disciples of all nations.
In 1 Timothy 4:12, the apostle Paul says, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” In this passage Paul reminds us that we are never too young to bear the responsibly and joyful privilege to set others a living example of Christ-likeness. As a church, we seek to carry out this calling by setting forth the gospel of Jesus Christ and encouraging people of every age to respond in passionate obedience and dutiful delight. For more information, check out the following student ministry opportunities:
Sunday School
The purpose of our Sunday School ministry is to teach God’s word to children and to adults, and to help them enter into and grow in a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. On Sunday mornings at 9:45, Grace Baptist Church provides a complete, graded Sunday School program for children, ages 2 through high school.
*** Sixth graders meet in Room 303 to study and discuss God’s Word.
*** Seventh through twelth graders meet in Room 209 to study and discuss God’s Word.
***College and Career meet in Room 210 to study and discuss God’s Word.
Youth Group (Grades 6th – 12th)
Youth Group is a midweek time to gather for singing, teaching, discussion and fellowship. The Youth Group meets the second, third, and fourth Wednesday nights of the month at 7:00 PM in the GBC Chapel
Youth Praise & Worship
The youth holds a praise and worship time on the second Sunday of the month starting at 7:40 PM with the location posted in the bulletin and church calendar. This is a monthly opportunity for our youth to come together for fellowship and food, praise, and testimony.
High School Winter Retreat
Every year during Christmas break our high school group packs up and heads to the mountains for four days of focused worship, fellowship, and fun. Each year we head to YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly with the youth groups from sister churches. Past speakers include: Stephen Speaks (RUF Clemson Campus Minister), Dr. Kenneth Turner (Professor at Bryan College, Dayton, TN), and Matt Foreman (Pastor, Faith Reformed Baptist Church, Media, Pennsylvania).
College and Career
The years immediately following high school are a strategic time to set the course for the rest of life. During this time the faith of many young adults becomes theirs by conviction, as some of the protections of family are removed and they take on the responsibilities of living away from home or being entirely on their own.
Our college and career ministry seeks to:
*** Equip young adults to understand and engage the philosophies and questions they meet as they seek to make disciples in the world.
*** Encourage ongoing relationships in and commitment to the local church which is crucial for ongoing spiritual growth and transformation.
*** Provide opportunities for training in leadership, responsibility, fellowship, and service to God’s people and the surrounding community.
COLLEGE & CAREER LUNCH
The first Sunday of every month the college and career group are hosted in a church home for lunch and a time of fellowship and encouragement. Location is announced in the bulletin.
COLLEGE & CAREER BIBLE STUDY
The college and career group meets every other week to discuss God’s word and how it is that we as individuals and as a church are to pursue Jesus and carry out his purposes in the world.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
All college and career adults are encouraged and welcomed to participate in the regular weekly community group meetings on Wednesday night at 7:00 PM. We believe relationships with believers, both older and younger, is critical to ongoing spiritual development and growth in love for Christ and his bride.
CONNECTING
The best way to connect with our college & career group is by attending worship at GBC, and participating in the Sunday morning college & career class. Also, to get more info on dates & events, join us in the GBC College & Career group on Facebook!