Our vision is to present a clear picture of Jesus and the means into a relationship with Him to area youth. This is coming into fruition. We train our youth workers to give this picture and to offer the relationship. We equip our teens and to share this picture with their peers. Moreover, we cooperate with other Christian youth and adults from various denominations who share this vision.
With other Christian churches and leaders, we sponsor outreaches in the schools, such as Fifth Quarter events after sports events. We support and help lead well-attended growth groups for middle and high school students. We train youth to lead or help facilitate these groups. At Trinity Church itself, some of these teens meet on Wednesday evenings for a time of training, interaction and food. For the people of Trinity Church, “our teens” are the teens in the Gibsonburg community and general area.
Also, we encourage field trips. Such trips take our teens out of their normal setting and pattern to go, see, and participate in what God is doing in His big world. We take our youth to motivational events, such as Revolve World Tour for teen girls and Acquire the Fire for both genders. We go to contemporary music concerts in this region. We send them for leadership training. For example, Christian Basic Training is a foundational general leadership training for teens. We send them on mission experiences. Some of our teens have traveled internationally to Africa, Mexico, and Thailand. Our group has journeyed to a Native American reservation in South Dakota and the inner city of New York.
In addition, we meaningfully involve our teens in worship. They practice and present Bible readings. They put together Powerpoint presentations. They present skits. They often run the sound board for the praise singers. Some sing, and play music. Others share with the congregation the ongoing differences Jesus is making in their lives.
Finally and significantly, the teens associated with Trinity Church minister. They lead peer groups and children’s groups. They help facilitate the Good News Club in the elementary school. These teen leaders lead prayer groups with the children, tell the mission stories, and teach the Bible verses. They are fulfilling the vision through both their words and actions.
