The International Bethel City Church (IBCC) youth ministry
is the cornerstone of the church. In fact, it is often said
to be the foundation upon which the entire church is built.
This ministry is an educational program for our young folk which
focuses on enhancing their spiritual growth. Young men and women
of the IBCC are involved in many projects. One such project is
Rejoice Africa, an international musical group that performs to
raise funds for children in Africa.
The members of the youth ministry are especially important, as
they are also being trained to take over the leadership of the
church in the future. Most of us believe One day they will lead
this church to the top of the mountain and let it shine as bright
as a star.
To connect to young people is easy, if one is simply willing to
share life’s lessons. Recently, I watched a football game on TV,
and one of the players did something that no one was expecting.
The player caught the ball and then ran about 70 yards to score a
touchdown, bringing the team to victory. He danced and celebrated
for some time in the opponent’s camp. From this small glimpse into
life, I came to realize that our youth also need opportunities to
catch the ball for Jesus and run with it tightly to score a touchdown
for God, our Father, and dance and celebrate victory in the enemies’ camp.
Youth Activities
The young people of the International Bethel City Church are a vital
part of our church family. "Remember now thy Creator in the days
of thy youth," we read in Ecclesiastes 12:1, and encouraging
young people to do this is the reason for our emphasis on
youth-oriented activities.
The direction in life chosen by the young people under our
influence is very important to us. Their salvation and spiritual
growth is our primary goal.
We are planning to have a children(Youth) choir. During a special
youth service, the youth choir and orchestra will perform. We will hear
testimonies and special musical pieces will be presented by young
people. One youth minister will leads the service, and another brings
the message that especially targets the concerns and interests of
this age group.
One Sunday of each month, a special service will be held for
the younger age group and will be called Children’s Church. It is
designed for the preschool and grade-schoolers of our congregation.
A young adult meeting is held in our main sanctuary on the second
Saturday of each month and is also structured by and for the young
people of our church to discuss about their spiritual and morality issues.
Youth camp
Every summer, a youth camp will be held for young people from
the fourth grade through high school who regularly attend our
Sunday service. The purpose is to give young people extra
opportunities to hear God’s voice. Away from their normal
environment, they eat, play, and worship together, and the hearts
of many have been changed as a result. Games, swimming in the
lake, sport competitions, and lots of energy-demanding activities
will be a part of each day. There will be also daily chapel services,
Bible learning activities, evening programs, and devotional
times. Counselors will be coming to personally acquaint with the young
people in their group, allowing them to identify and minister to
the spiritual needs of each camper.
Vacation Bible School
Toward the end of August each year, children ages 4-12 will be invited
to join us for Vacation Bible School. Held Monday - Friday mornings,
VBS gives children a chance to have fun with games, crafts, singing
while learning more about God and how He can help them. More details
about this year's Vacation Bible School will be available here.
Special activities
Special outings and activities for our young people will be scheduled at
various times throughout the year. These include weekend youth retreats,
activity nights featuring films, music, skits and other types of entertainment;
prayer and Bible study breakfasts, Sunday school class or department outings,
and trips to some of our nearer branch churches for combined services.
Visitations
Young people of high school age and older, will visit some of the elderly and shut-in
members of our congregation on a regular basis. On scheduled Sundays, vanloads
of young people enjoy a quick visit to those who are unable to attend church services.
These afternoons are greatly anticipated by those visited, and they are a blessing to the
participating young people as well.
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