Christ's command to spread the gospel is clear: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19). It compels all believers to bring the message of salvation everywhere, to all people of all ages. Thus, the Great Commission guides the ministry of ONE28, which aims to make disciples among a targeted people group - students.
The teenage years tend to be a unique challenge as young adults face increasingly complex decisions, influences, and situations. Thus, student ministry presents an extraordinary opportunity to see the gospel work mightily. Our goal is to help these students learn and grow in light of the reality of the saving and sanctifying power of the gospel.
We desire to make, mature, and multiply disciples of Jesus Christ and to see every Junior High and High School student mature in Jesus Christ. We've modeled our mission and our name after* the Apostle Paul, who says in Colossians 1:28-29, "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”
There are three commitments we share as we minister the power of the gospel to the teenagers in our church:
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To partner with parents in their ongoing gospel witness to their children. The work of student ministry is supplemental to the diligent, godly parenting that happens within our church families (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4). We desire to point students to Christ so that they may be saved, as well as sanctified, being conformed to Christ more and more each day (Colossians 1:28).
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To build students to be active church members. A significant goal of student ministry is to equip saved students to live lives committed to the church by providing opportunities to serve and live in fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25).
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To equip students to be effective witnesses. It is a tremendous encouragement to see students seeking to obey the Great Commission by inviting friends to ONE28 events. We aim to equip students to proclaim the good news to unsaved friends throughout their week (Matthew 29:19-20).