And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:24,25 (ESV)
The Youth Ministry of Crossway Church exists to glorify and exalt God. The intent of all we do is to see the gospel applied in the lives of teenagers and to cultivate spiritual fruit that results in teens who worship God, live in obedience to His Word and passionately proclaim the gospel.
Parents have primary responsibility for the biblical training and discipleship of their children through the teenage years. Parents play an irreplaceable role in the forming of Christian character in the lives of their teens. Effective parenting guides youth beyond family into commitment, membership, service, and fruitful involvement in the local church.
The fundamental purpose of peer relationships for teens is the cultivation and enjoyment of biblical fellowship. This fellowship never replaces parents, however, but supports and affirms their primary role in influencing their kids. Wisdom, integrity and purity should characterize all peer relationships, especially those involving the opposite sex. We believe that God has ordained romance for those prepared for, and in pursuit of, marriage.
Pastoral care is an important means of grace to equip parents in effectively discipling and preparing their teens for life as mature, God-honoring adults. The responsibility of the church is to support and supplement parents as they seek to direct their children, while also providing an essential teaching voice that offers biblical clarity on family issues. In our desire to support the families, we provide pastoral care and counseling for parents and teens, parent training seminars, Parent/Teen Small Groups for Junior and Senior High students, service and ministry opportunities, and a yearly Youth Camp where our teens go away for a week of relevant teaching, exciting worship, and fun activities.
The teenage years are filled with unique opportunities for parents and the church to inspire and equip the next generation for its role in God’s plan. These years need not be synonymous with the rebellion or unsupervised independence that is characteristic of our culture. We are excited about what God is already doing and will yet do in and through our Youth Ministry.