2002 BLAZE Youth Ministry Report
BLAZE is a ministry focused specifically on youth in grades 7-12, having the goal of seeing them come to know Christ as Savior, grow in their knowledge and relationship with Him, and learn to serve Him in all of their lives. This is accomplished through a combination of teaching (in Sunday school, small group Bible studies, and BLAZE Sunday night), experiences (events, retreats, summer trips, etc.), and, mostly, relationships (with adult leaders and with peers). A significant change this year was the decision to begin youth ministry involvement with 7th graders instead of 6th graders, as was the previous practice. This was done in order to narrow the age range within BLAZE, allowing for more focused, age-appropriate ministry. In addition, 6th graders can still be involved in the AWANA ministry, insuring that their spiritual needs are met.
In May of this year, a large group of involved BLAZE youth graduated from high school and then began college in the fall. Their successful transition into the next stage of life has been encouraging for those of us involved with the youth ministry. Equally encouraging was the way many younger youth filled the informal peer leadership roles that were left. It is a joy to see the students mature in their faith and personalities and then successfully transition after high school. After all, this is the goal of youth ministry: to see youth grow in Christ and serve God now and to prepare them to do this for the rest of their lives.
A highlight of the year was the backpacking trip taken to Colorado in July. Six youth and four adult leaders camped, rappelled, and backpacked in the mountains and woods of southwestern Colorado for about a week. We partnered with Reach Mountain Adventures (now called CORE Expeditions), who outfitted us with supplies, served as professional guides, and facilitated the spiritual growth of the group. The focused time spent in the beauty of God's creation without the distractions of modern life, combined with the challenge of the trip and times of group and individual devotions, all served to help the youth (and adults!) grow in their trust of and faithfulness to God. Though the details vary, each person on the trip was changed by the experience.
Another key development this year was the addition of several new adult leaders to the ministry. BLAZE stands or falls on the quality and quantity of its adult leaders, as they are the ones who build the relationships with the youth that are so influential and transforming in the life of a teenager. Adult leaders serve as examples, friends, and guides to the church's youth at a crucial time of life. Obviously, the more (and better) leaders a ministry has, the more potential it has for reaching more youth with a depth and quality of relationship. This year, in addition to our veteran leaders (Jesse & Nancy Mueller, Vicki Schuette, Kari and Matt MacKellar), three new leaders have become involved: Bridget Huston, Greg Blamer, and Doug Ferrell. Without exception, they are quality, committed people who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. I am very thankful for the sacrifices and motivated service of all our leaders.
The adult leaders have also stepped up their level of commitment even further with the announced departure of Kari and myself In addition to their regular tasks, they are also providing overall direction for the youth ministry until another pastor is hired. BLAZE is a ministry with much potential, as youth can do much for the Lord, and there are many youth in our community who need to know of God's love for them. My deepest prayer for the youth ministry as we leave is that God would continue to work powerfully through it and that the church would do everything possible to continue to support and further this crucial ministry.
— Pastor Matt MacKellar
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