MINISTRY PHILOSOPHY

OUR PHILOSOPHY...

        If a little child places his hand in wet clay and then removes it, he will leave an imprint of his hand in the clay. The imprint that is left will be identical to the shape of his hand. Only his hand can make that imprint, no other hand can form it for him. In a world where many search for truth, hope, and a future, a right focus can bring about a world of difference. Use of an improper “hand”, however, leads to an imperfect imprint. The problem with the world is that they are using the wrong “hands” in the clay. The purpose and intent of our programs and products is to give a picture of the perfect image, and allow us to mold our lives into its likeness. We desire to be just a little more like Jesus Christ every day. Rough edges must be scraped away, and the pressure must continue to be applied in order to further this process in our lives. Endurance in this process will yield vessels of honor and tools that God can use for His kingdom.

 

GOALS OF OUR MATERIALS...

The overall goals of our materials:

    - To point youth first and foremost to Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3:18, Col

       1:18)

    - To prepare youth to rightly divide the Word (2 Tim. 2:15)

    - To produce youth who will serve God in the ministry to which they are

       called (Eph. 4:11-12)

 

The specific goals of our materials are to produce youth who are:

    - Saved – (1 John 5:12-13)

    - Dedicated to Christ – (Gal. 2:20, Phil. 3:10, Rom. 12:1)

    - Separated from the world – (2 Cor. 6:14-17, 1 John 2:15-17, Rom.

       12:2)

    - Determined to do God’s will – (Mark 3:35, Eph. 5:17. Rom. 12:2)

    - Properly related to their families – (Eph.6:1-4)

    - Desiring the Word of God and wisdom – (2 Pet. 3:18)

    - Active in reaching the lost – (Matt. 28:19-20, Matt. 9:37-38)

    - Active in service in the local church (Gal. 6:20)

 

METHODS OF OUR MATERIALS...

Instruction in Scripture Knowledge – (2 Tim 3:16-17)

    - Expeditions contains scripture memory and application

    - Teen Sermons include areas such as:

            - Foundations - Knowing the basics of Bible doctrine

            - Combat - Battling the Outside issues of worldly thinking

            - Invasion - Battling the emotions within

            - Survival - Tough decisions for the Future

            - Evidence - A case for Christ, creation, and the Bible

 

Instruction in Character development – (1 Tim 4:11-13)

    - Each Expeditions book focuses on a different fruit of the spirit

    - Teen sermons include areas such as:

            - In the Shadow of Giants - Following in the shadows of Biblical

               Giants

            - Impact –- A Replica of the Master

            - Reflections –- A reminder of Salvation

            - Parables and Miracles –- learning at Jesus’ feet

 

Instruction in Outreach – (Acts 1:8, 2:32)

    - Expeditions books encourage children to reach their friends

    - Teen sermons include areas such as:

            - Explosion –- A witness that has an impact

            - Expansion –- Seeking opportunities to serve

            - Replication –- discipling others to spiritual maturity

            - Instruction in Real Life Application (James 1:22, John 4:42, Mark 5:19, Lam. 3:27)

 

        May the FOCUS of the Youth Ministry be that of 2 Corinthians 3:18 which states, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. The FOCUS and endeavor shall be to turn the faces of teenager and child to the “glass” that they might behold the majesty, honor , power, glory, love, grace and strength of the King of kings and Lord of lords, the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.