Philosophy of Student Ministry
“Preaching and Practicing the Word of God”
Matthew 28:19-20 – 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.
Preaching the Word:
Expository Preaching (Crowds) – Weekly, students should gather to hear God’s Word. It should be taught proceeding verse by verse through a selected passage, explaining and applying scripture from the author’s intended meaning to the current situations of the hearers. This is accomplished through a historical, grammatical, and literary method to display the worth of Christ (Nehemiah 8:8), equipping students in theology, ministry philosophy, and methodology.
Life Groups (Small Groups) – Other teaching opportunities can be accomplished through more informal means such as small groups. These groups are heavily concerned with application and discipleship. These informal meetings can be done around a meal at someone’s home and are profitable for discussion and biblical explanation (Luke 24:25-27).
Nouthetic Counseling (One-on-One) – The Word of God can also be administered to young people on a one-on-one basis. There are two types of counseling (discipleship): preventative and corrective. Preventative counseling is applying the Word of God to someone’s life in order to progress the process of sanctification in his or her life. Corrective counseling (part of church discipline) is when a student has drifted into sin and the Word of God needs to be administered to a specific action to produce Godly living. The hope for change in biblical counseling is based on the Word of God as sufficient for all problems (2 Peter 1:3-4) and on God's promises and power in Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 3:20).
Practicing the Word:
Prayer – Because the Lord is sovereign, in prayer we are submitting ourselves to His Lordship. Prayer is vitally important in the life of the Christian. It is the source of strength, fellowship, and communion with God. Thus, prayer will be central to every aspect of biblical ministry (Matthew 7:7-11, Luke 11:9-10; 22:40, John 14:13).
Evangelism – The church’s mission is to “go make disciples.” One goal of student ministry is to train young people to share the gospel and be relationally passionate enough to share it with others. Along with training (The Way of the Master), opportunities for practice, coaching, and implementation should also be given. The objective is to never stop speaking of “what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
Worship – Worship is the natural response to the preaching of God’s word and presentation of the person of Christ. It is an overflow of the devotion and love from the believer’s heart. Believers exist to make much of God through Christ-centered worship. This exaltation of Christ should happen at school or home, in word or sacrificial action, and with inward heart or outward giving (Romans 12:1, Psalm 5:7; 29:2).
Community – Discipleship happens as a group of people live in community together. It is at fellowship events that we grow close together, invite each other into one another’s lives, and encourage each other to passionately pursue Christ as the treasure of life. The hope is to cultivate a group that “plays and prays” together. The Christian life cannot be lived in isolation. Monthly events should be planned, along with various camps and retreats throughout the year (Acts 2:46).
Missions – A healthy church is a church that sends out people who give their lives for missions and the furtherance of the kingdom. The student ministry ought to foster missions in the hearts of young people. Considering Kindred’s geographical location, missions to Mexico ought to be frequent. High School Students should also be given opportunities to serve overseas. Jr. high students should be given opportunities to serve locally and perhaps in other parts of the U.S. (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). We desire a full ministry of missions, from the neighborhoods to the nations. Our kids will serve in the soup kitchens in our city and around the world.
Service – Practicing God’s Word includes serving the poor, widows, and orphans in acts of benevolence and Gospel ministry (James 1:27, Isaiah 61). Opportunities should be provided to serve the poor and needy.