The Lasting Value of Youth Group Involvement

3 Reasons to Get Involved in a Youth Group

Intermountain Christian School (ICS) is a Christ-centered learning community composed of Christians from a variety of denominations. Though we’re a community of Christians, ICS does not aim to replace church involvement.

For many middle- and high school-aged Christians, a key part of their early faith development happens at Church, but not only on Sundays … at Youth Group.

What happens every day in the halls of ICS is wonderful, and we don’t need to understate the opportunities for discipleship at ICS to also highlight the unique role a Youth Group can play in a young Christian’s spiritual and social growth.

We asked the Youth Minister at Risen Life Church for his perspective on the lasting benefits of youth ministry involvement, and this is what he shared:

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The most important thing for Christians to be involved in is the local church. Today, it is common for some to neglect the church or feel that it’s not needed or useful, especially if it isn't serving us the way we want it to. The Bible says quite the opposite (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:23-25).

This is true for both adults and kids alike. As a middle school minister in Salt Lake, I am honored to care for the youth in this valley. The goal is simple: share Jesus with the kids through intentional discipleship, friendship, and the Word. Our team of adult volunteers, with varying backgrounds and ages, works hard to provide a space where kids hear the Word of God clearly, build relationships, feel safe expressing themselves, share their struggles, ask tough questions, and be discipled. It is my genuine belief that youth group is the most important thing for teens to be involved in over anything else. Here are three reasons why:

1. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Part of being a teenager is struggling with identity. It’s asking the question “who am I and where do I belong?” Prioritizing youth group means you are putting them in a space where Jesus is being preached at their level. It’s a place where they can process life through a biblical lens with Christian friends and adult leaders and hear the Bible being explained in ways that make sense to them. Students will even have conflicts within the youth group, and then learn how to resolve them.

2. It’s their space. It is the parents’ job to raise their kids in the faith, but part of growing up is deciding whether or not you want to follow in the footsteps of your parents. Youth group gives kids the opportunity to work through their faith away from their parents, with the guidance and wisdom of other trusted adults. At this age, kids begin to be more influenced by non-family members. Put them around good influences. Balancing sports, jobs, and academic load is a reality for high school students, but active involvement and belonging to a church body have lifelong effects and lasting fruits.

3. It’s fun! Youth group is focused on sharing Jesus, and part of that is having fun with each other! Some of the best memories from my childhood are from youth group. Whether it’s mission trips, camp, activity nights, or just Wednesday night games, youth group consistently creates lifelong memories that kids will cherish and associate with Jesus!

It’s my hope that parents will prioritize youth group and work with their churches so we can serve our kids and raise up the next generation of Christians well.

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Want to Learn More About Intermountain Christian School?

The best way to get to know ICS is to experience our community firsthand. Schedule a campus tour to meet our teachers, see students in action, and learn how a Christ-centered education can help your child thrive. We would love to welcome you to campus and help you explore whether Intermountain Christian School is the right fit for your family.

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Rooted in Love: How ICS Encourages Your Student to Pursue Jesus

Rooted in Love: How ICS Encourages Your Student to Pursue Jesus

By Dean of Student Life Mr. Hobbs

ICS school verse logo 2023-24

ICS is a Christian school not only in name, but all the way down to our roots. What is most important to us is that we show students the love of Jesus and encourage them to love others in response. That is why we have chosen Ephesians 3:17b-19 as our key verse for this school year and encourage faculty, staff, students, and parents to commit this passage to memory.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

In our effort to allow more time and opportunity for parents and students alike to be “Rooted in Love,” we have made the following changes for the 2023-24 school year:

1. Chapel Message Theme and Live-Stream

Last year our chapel messages were focused on the “Fruit of the Spirit.” This year we will focus on being “Rooted in Love” through messages on our Statement of Faith and the parables of Jesus. These messages will also be live-streamed on YouTube to allow parents and family members who cannot attend in person to worship along with us.

2. Friday Morning Elementary School (ES) Chapel

ICS high school worship band leads our community in worship during our all-school chapel on the first day of school.

Last year, ES Chapel took place from 9:30-10:30 each Wednesday morning. This year, we have moved ES Chapel to Fridays from 8:30-9:00. This change allows us to wrap up the week worshiping together as well as give parents more opportunity to attend with the earlier start time.

3. Weekly Middle School/High School (MS/HS) Chapel

Last year, MS/HS students would attend chapel together each week, with one group leaving after the singing had ended to go to small groups. This year, MS/HS students remain in chapel the entire time to hear a message from God’s Word each week. Moving MS/HS Chapel to the end of the day on Friday also gives parents more opportunity to attend with the later start time.

Middle and high school chapel

4. Weekly MS/HS Small Groups

Last year, MS/HS students would attend chapel together each week, with one group leaving after the singing had ended to go to small groups. This year, small groups take place every week during Community allowing for deeper relationships among small group members and leaders.

5. Student-led MS Small Groups

Last year, MS small groups were led by MS faculty. This year, we’ve adjusted the time these groups meet to allow HS students to lead these groups. This change not only allows opportunities for HS students to disciple others in the student body, but it also brings an increased excitement for attending small groups for our MS students.

Our school verse, changes to our schedule, our continued commitment to Teaching for Transformation, and our prioritization of Bible classes at each grade level are all part of our continued efforts to show our students their need for a Savior, His love for them, and the incredible joy that comes from being “Rooted in Love.”

Questions about any of the above mentioned information? Click here.

A high school girl’s small group completes an activity together.