Junior High Discipleship at Neighborhood Church
by Calvin Robertson
Have you ever wondered what happens in room H at the church building? What exactly goes on in there with those crazy teens and preteens? Well, maybe this brief summary will help you out.
My name is Cal Robertson. My wife, Jenae, and I have been working with young people ranging in age from 11-14 for a number of years and get a great deal of joy watching them grow in the knowledge of our Lord.
The group we lead is called 180. As the name suggests, 180 signifies an abrupt change of direction. We are turning 180 degrees toward Christ. And so, the entire purpose of what we do, what we teach, and who we are is defined by this new identity that is moving toward Christ and away from all other things.
On Sundays, 180 consists mostly of a group of junior high students eager to learn about God’s word. We are presently teaching a curriculum by Desiring God Ministries specifically designed for middle school students. It is called “Your Word is Truth.” I feel especially blessed to have this curriculum to teach because of its adherence to the gospel and its outworking in our lives.
Bart Hauptman, Graham Maxwell, Jeremy Flory, Mark Robertson, Jenae Robertson, and myself have taken active roles as teachers on Sunday mornings.
On Tuesdays, 180 meets as a youth group at NCAC to expend some pent up energy, sing praise to God, read and understand Scripture, meet with spiritual mentors, pray with one another, and experience fellowship as the present-day church.
The primary emphasis in youth group this next year will be small groups. Please be praying for the addition of more mentors for these small groups. Also, be in pray for the many students who have yet to know and experience a life following Jesus.
On Thursdays, I have the great honor of donning my nerf basketball, some markers, my Bible, and a smile at West Cottonwood Junior High. Every week for lunch I meet with 6th-8th graders as a group called Life Squared to talk about biblical application, gospel sharing, and cookies. (Well, actually we just eat the cookies).
It is so amazing to see many of these students who are unfamiliar with God’s word full of questions and interest in the things of God. It is rewarding to hear of how God is already using some of these students for his glory in the world.
I am excited for the next generation of teens! I am excited because they are young and intelligent! I am excited because God is using them for His purposes! I am excited because they can be empowered by God to make much of His name and reputation.