Grades 7–12
Who we are?
Our Philosophy of Student Ministry
As we have looked at what the Bible says, these are some of our core convictions as a Student Ministry.
- The discipleship of students is primarily the responsibility of their parents.
- The church is here to help equip parents and come alongside parents to help them in this task.
- A student ministry is one way that churches can minister to parents and their teenagers.
- A student ministry is not disconnected from, but rather an extension of the overall ministry and goals of the local church.
- A student ministry should be gospel-centered and theologically challenging, setting high standards and expecting much from the parents and students.
A Word to Parents
At Gainsville Baptist Church we believe wholeheartedly that it is primarily the role of the parent to raise, teach, and disciple their children and teenagers in the Lord. With these convictions, we do not view our youth ministry as a replacement for godly, biblical parenting. However, we want to do everything that we can to equip you and your students while walking alongside and helping you whenever we are able. Youth ministry is one way we can do that.
At GBC we want to partner with parents as we minister to your teenagers. Though parents in some churches are seen as an obstacle or hindrance to youth ministry, at GBC parents are seen as a vital element and asset to the youth ministry. We look forward to partnering with you in producing a generation of students who treasure Christ above all else. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you as you as a parent.
What we do
Youth Sunday School
From 9:45 – 10:45 a.m, upstairs in the G.A.’s room. Currently, the students at Gainsville are studying 1 Corinthians. The church at Corinth was situated in a wicked city and faced many challenging situations. In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul responds to and addresses their church’s many struggles. As we are studying this book, we are learning to apply the wisdom of God to the challenging situations our students face in their day to day lives.
Discipleship Classes for Youth
From 6:00–7:00 p.m. Sunday evenings, in the educational wing. Student ministry discipleship is divided into two groups.
Grades 9–12 are encouraged to join a study in deterinming God’s will entitled
Just Do Something. Too often Christians think of God’s will as something difficult to know. We hope for writing in the sky, dreams, or visions to guide us. Or we rely upon “open doors†or Bible verses read at random. DeYoung encourages Christians to “do something†by relying upon the sure foundation of God’s revealed will in Scripture.
Grades 7–8 are encouraged to join and assist in How to Study your Bible—for Kids. This study teaches basic Bible study skills by using a combination of fun illustrations, games, puzzles, and activities. Climb up to the tree house of the M and M Detective Agency and let Max, Molly, and Sam the Beagle put you through a special six-week “inductive detective” training course. The agency has a big mystery to solve—the mystery of discovering for yourself what God’s Word says. Wow! Sounds like an adventure!
Credo—Wednesday night study
From 7:00 – 8:00 p.m in the Fellowship Hall. Credo is Latin for “I Believe.†During this time, students are being challenged to think carefully and deeply about God. Our time begins with a game and a time of musical worship, and continues with a recitation of the Nicene Creed. (The Nicene Creed is a 4th century confession of faith shared universally by Christians.) Our meeting concludes with a time of teaching on a theme that rotates between explicitly theological and more directly applicational. Currently the students are working through a series on biblical dating, bringing scriptural principles to bear on their opposite sex relationships.
The Gathering
The Gathering is an annual Discipleship-Now weekend that includes churches from the South Fork Association and Lincoln County. Focused on topics such as “Don’t Waste Your Life,†“What is Worship,†and “Love God; Love Others,†these weekends join together challenging Bible teaching and authentic worship experiences with the opportunity to serve others within our community. Godly hosts open up their homes for small group Bible studies and a night’s rest, and students are pushed closer to one another and to the Lord.
Reading Good Books
Living in a technology-driven culture, often times students can graduate from High School without ever having read a book outside of their regular studies at school. We are committed to creating a hunger in students for good books – both new and old – about God, theology, Christian biography, Christian living, etc. During the summer we commit ourselves to read one good Christian book while we are out for summer break.
Creed Summer Camp
This is an exciting week. This year, Gainsville will join other like-minded churches in a solid, biblically faithful, trustworthy summer camp that has an emphasis on the local church. Often at summer camps, you never know what you are going to get. But at Creed Camp we can promise wholeheartedly that your student will get the very best teaching and preaching that is available, because we personally know those who will be teaching. Elders from each of the churches will be our preachers for the week. And don’t worry, there will be plenty of fun and games there.
Mission projects
On alternating years, the students at Gainsville participate in a week-long mission project in which they seek to advance the Gospel by means of sports camps, backyard Bible clubs, construction, or other means. Past projects have taken place in Greensboro, NC, Red Springs, NC, and Shelby, NC. This summer students will serve similarly in Lincolnton, joining with Gainsville’s 317 Sports Camp and venturing into a local neighborhood to host a Bible club.
Other Activities
It’s good to have fun with fellow Christians—and we value offering activities accessible to our students’ friends who may not know Christ. So from time to time we’ll host sleepovers, game nights, midnight bowling events, camp outs, and Wii tournaments, or we’ll simply head to Cook Out for milkshakes after evening worship.
Want to Volunteer?
We are always looking for faithful volunteers to serve in our Student Ministry. Come see Pastor Michael White if you are interested.
Questions? Contact Us!
If you have any questions about the Student Ministry at GBC, feel free to contact Michael White at mwhite@gainsville.org or (704) 732-0293.