WHO WE ARE
The purpose of CCC's Student Ministry is to, in partnership with parents, develop students into mature disciples of Christ who exalt God's glory, are equipped to love and serve within the body of Christ, and seek to extend God's kingdom wherever they live, work, and play.
One way we describe it is to use three relational directions: upward, inward, and outward.
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
Psalm 34:1-3
We want students to understand the importance of developing their relationships with God. When we are together, we spend time in God's word (because we know this is how He speaks to us) and in prayer (because we know this is how we speak to Him). We believe that the more we do these things, the more we know God—and the more we know God, the more we love Him and want to exalt Him.
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
Ephesians 2:19-21
Our desire is for students to be loving and learning from each other as well. We play games together, we share about our lives, and we pray for one another. Because we are united in Christ, we know that the differences that sometimes divide students out in the world don't need to do the same thing here. This inward direction also emphasizes the role of students within the local church. Students aren't just the "future" of the Church; they are an integral part of the body of Christ right now! In light of this, we aim to equip students to recognize and use their gifts to bless the church.
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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."
Matthew 28:18-20
We seek to be a youth group that loves the world the way that God does—whether by serving the Carmel community, being involved in CCC’s mission work, or lovingly engaging with the friends, neighbors, and classmates God has put in our lives. We want our own love for Jesus and His gospel to grow so big that we can’t help but extend His kingdom by sharing it with others! Because of this, we desire the youth group to be a place where newcomers are welcomed, questions are encouraged, and students are growing in their ability to articulate and live out the gospel.
WHAT WE DO
There are a variety of ways that we get to spend time together and grow as a community. While the pandemic has led to a few changes, we are thankful to still be meeting together to have fun, learn from God's word, and develop as disciples of Jesus. Check out the things we have going on below!
YOUTH GROUP
Sunday evenings // 4-6pm
(for the time being, masks are required)
Every week we gather to grow together in Christ. We begin with a time of fellowship and games, followed by a large group lesson rooted in Scripture. Then we break for a snack and meet together with our small groups for discussion and encouragement.
Our small groups, which are gender and age based, are a key component for building community. These groups use relevant discussion questions meant to help students apply Christian faith to their everyday lives. They serve as a relationally foundational time of sharing, fellowship, and prayer.
SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES
Throughout the week
Studying the Bible together is an essential part of growing in our faith, and our experience in the Word is enriched when we're able to do it together. Currently, the high school girls meet weekly on Thursday evenings (contact Jessica Livermore at j.livermore@christcommunitycarmel.org for more info), and there are plans in place for high school guys, middle school girls, and middle school guys to start Bible studies this Spring.
Topics or books of the Bible are chosen by the youth team members who lead the individual studies, and more information will be posted soon.
EQUIP CLASS
Sunday mornings // 9-10am
(for the time being, these classes are not offered)
Our Equip Classes on Sunday mornings aim to engage teenagers with issues relevant to their biggest questions, struggles, and concerns. Our goal is to go deeper in seeing how Jesus Christ's work in his life, death, and resurrection applies to particular issues of daily teen life. Our class seeks to make mature disciples by providing students with a solid foundation of confidence in Scripture's ability to speak to the most challenging and pressing issues of day-to-day life.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Youth Retreats give us a chance to unplug from the demands and anxieties of the busy world, and re-center ourselves on what matters most: our relationships with Christ. We do a Winter Retreat at the beginning of the year, and join in with the other youth groups of the Central Indiana Presbytery for the annual Fall Retreat.
Mission Trips generally take place in the summer, and are open to the whole church family. They offer fantastic opportunities to partner with the global Church in extending God's kingdom, as well as a chance to grow in servant leadership and develop relationships with other members of Christ Community.
Gatherings are planned throughout the year and include movie nights, outdoor adventures, night games, and basically anything else that sounds like a ton of fun.
Email Brad at b.hough@christcommunitycarmel.org if you want to receive the youth group newsletter, which contains information about upcoming events!
