"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
In an age of bullying, gossip, slander and hatefulness (which can destroy a teenager's self-identity), teenagers need other young people who can lift them up, encourage them and challenge them in all the right ways.
Life Group is more than just the games we play on Wednesday nights, more importantly it is a place where teenagers can discover their spiritual gifting and begin to use it to serve others. This will help them have a heart to selflessly serve others for the rest of their lives!
Often teenagers who struggle with sin and temptation feel like they have nowhere to confess and confide. They feel trapped by their sins. In addition to talking to you, Life Group is a safe space for teenagers to open up and talk honestly about their struggles. Of course this doesn't mean they should confess every sin to everyone. But it does mean that they should have a handful of others who know their struggles and can pray for and encourage them to walk in victory over those sins.
Yes, I know that teen life is busy. But it would be a shame if our teenagers graduated from high school and were catapulted into "the real world" without an opportunity to be KNOWN. At the end of the day, our teenagers embracing and embodying their faith is more important than sports and more important than academics. Getting them involved in Life Group is worth fitting into a crazy, busy schedule. Ablaze Student Ministry strives to awaken a love for Jesus in the hearts of students so they will know Him, follow Him, love the Scripture, and be launched into the world.
Adapted from Dare2Share by Greg Stier
Praying for you and your family!
-Chris