They say it’s not easy being a teenager these days.  They encounter a lot of temptations and pressure that were not out there a couple of decades ago.  Unfortunately, the statistics tell us that only 25% of our kids that grow up in our churches remain faithful when they leave home.

     The purpose of the Royal Oak Youth Ministry is to:

Train, mentor and equip our youth to live everyday with passion, integrity, faith and service as the light, life and love of Jesus works through them.

     Living a balanced life is essential as our teenagers mature into young adults.  There’s more to reality that what is found on television, iPods, Hollywood, Internet and the classroom.  Where do people go to find purpose, integrity, character and direction?  Sadly, many are wandering through life without purpose or direction.

     The Royal Oak church is committed to providing a youth program that helps kids live for Jesus.  Our objective is to encourage our youth to develop and mature in the four major areas of life: mentally, physically, spiritually and socially.  The Bible clearly points out that Jesus grew in these areas, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”  (Luke 2:52)  The greatest foundation that our kids can build upon is in their relationship with God.  The Lord will instruct them how to make wise decisions, give them a heart of love, and empower courage for victory.

     Our goal is to give our teens the tools to make wise decisions, have solid friendships, be active in serving others and learning God’s plan for their lives.  Their experiences and training in our youth group will also prepare them for future service in the Kingdom and ultimately enter heaven.  We’re helping build a relationship with Jesus that will last -  now, later, forever.  Our plan in the Royal Oak youth ministry is to provide at least one spiritual enrichment, one service project and one fun & fellowship event.

      It is imperative that we provide every opportunity for our young people to know, love and follow Jesus.  Our kids are at an ideal time when their ears can hear and their hearts are open.  Solomon, the wisest man ever to live, told us to, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’”  (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

     People, young and old, need goals, direction and purpose so that they can life a fulfilled life.  We have to know what to run from and Who to run to.  In Paul’s letter to Timothy, a young evangelist, he wrote, “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

      Shawn Martin, serves as our part-time Youth Minister, with the help from several parents and other capable volunteers.  You’ll find a lot of information, including upcoming events on the teen bulletin board in the hallway near the main entrance.

TEEN EVENTS OVERVIEW

Every month we will engage in each of the following activities:

A)  Spiritual Encounters

(devotionals, Bible studies, youth rallies, Winter Camp, retreats)

B)  Fellowship & Fun Events

(movie night, lock-in, Cedar Point Park, Grand Prix, New Years Eve party)

C)  Service Projects

(God's Helping Hands, Gleaners Food Bank, helping our seniors)

Royal Oak Youth Group have opportunity to participate in:

-  Area Wide Youth Events

-  Metro Detroit Youth Chorus (MDYC)   link to:  www.mdyc.com

-  Youth Camp at Michigan Christian Youth Camp (MCYC)    link to:  www.mcyc.org

-  Challenge Youth Conference (CYC) in Gatlinberg, TN

-  Great Lakes Bible Bowl

-  Michigan Mission Trip

-  Local and State Youth Rallies

click here for:  PARENT / TEEN PERMISSION FORM

GOD EQUIPS YOU TO SOAR ON EAGLES WINGS . . .

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  (Isaiah 40:29-31)