ALIVE Youth Church is ALIVE in Christ

I said it on Sunday, but I'll say it again. Sunday nights are my favorite nights of the week!!

Two nights ago, 140 students and leaders gathered to worship, read scripture, and break into small groups to learn more about Jesus. We read Acts 9 together, the story of Saul's conversion. A powerful display of the gospel. What an honor to witness and be a part of it. Thank you students, for continuing to show up ready for what God is going to do. Thank you parents, for partnering with us. I am truly excited for what is happening in the life of our church, ministry, and city. This generation has its eyes set on things above (Colossians 3:2).

If you didn't hear already... Next week time change takes effect! Starting at 6:30! And we are starting on time. Students get ready for AYC Late-Nite starting at 8pm every Sunday night. A time for fun, food, and friends. Come at 6:30 ready for worship, message, and community groups. Stay after youth group ends at 8pm for AYC Late-Nite!! 

Alive in Christ

I had a few conversations with students this week, which have left me thinking. One student asked how we can have a youth group every day of the week, because school is too much sometimes, and once a week at church just isn't cutting it. Another student asked if we could have a midweek gathering, because they have too much to share and discuss when Sunday rolls around. Don't get me wrong, this is every youth pastor's dream, students want to be at church more and have too many questions and things to talk about! But these conversations this week have led me to a general thought: 

What is the purpose of our youth ministry?

It can be easy to get caught up in the fun, and we have a lot of fun.

Or caught up in creating a welcoming place that students want to be at. 

Or getting more students through the doors.

More midweek gatherings are awesome; we love small groups, fun events, and time together.

But are we missing something important if students aren't equipped to go out into their everyday lives?

We need to create a lasting relationship with Jesus, our savior, that isn't reliant upon group gatherings. Said differently, we can't have Sunday-to-Sunday faith; we need an everyday faith. My prayer for AYC is that it can be a place for students to experience Jesus and be equipped to have a lasting relationship with Him long after graduation, and a consistent relationship with Him through the week. A place for learning, questions, and growth, as we begin being bold for Christ outside the walls of the church on Sunday nights. We gather once a week, for a few hours at a time, it isn't enough to sustain you. Only Christ can sustain you. AYC and the leaders are there for you. But we will always point you towards Jesus and lead you in His direction.

Let's not just attend Alive Youth Church, let's live like we are ALIVE in Christ. Everyday. 

-Isaac Fehlen

Youth Pastor