At First Baptist Church of Morganfield, Ky., we believe in students. God's Word instructs them in this way: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 The Youth are NOT the church of tomorrow, they ARE the church of today! Our goal is to equip students to leave the youth ministry and enter the world able to do the following: 1) relate to their Creator/Savior on a daily basis, 2) know how to share their friendship to Jesus with others, 3) know their spiritual gifts and how to use them in service, and 4) to know that their future is determined by the wise choices they can make as they seek God's direction. Our youth (grades 7-12) are the object of our investment. The ministry at Morganfield First includes the following:
I. Through the church family:
1) Sunday morning worship and Bible study - The church body gathers together to encourage and build each other up. As we live in the world, we need strength to face the enemy and to lovingly impact those around us. Worship with fellow believers gives us the ability to encounter our God and to go out and give to a world in need. Sunday morning Bible study helps students see that God cares about every part of their life, and that every moment is a spiritual/eternal opportunity.
2) Huddle - Sunday night allows students to get together to eat, laugh, and share more intimate discussions. We rotate a cycle that includes discussion nights, guest speakers, game nights, or doing an act of kindness (ministry).
3) Creative Ministries - includes drama and interpretive movement. These groups will share during Sunday morning worship or other events. This takes place before 24/7 on Wednesday nights.
4) 24/7 - Wednesday nights focus on how we are to be on mission every moment of our life. We often have mission projects where we collect items for specific peoples in need. This is when we focus on seeing our mission field as anywhere we are, whether school, in the community, or at home.
5) Loft nights - once a month we meet at the LOFT (Old National Bank 3rd floor) just to chill out and spend time together in a casual setting. We play board games, ping-pong, pool, air hockey, etc.
6) Open house - Held at Bro. Bill's home once a month, students eat and spend time discussing topics that God's lays on his heart. Usually smaller in nature, it's very informal and personal.
7) Other annual/special events including: Disciple Now weekend (spring), Annual retreat (early fall), Youth VBS, Annual Valentine's Banquet, summer mission trip, Christian concerts, paint ball, bowling, going to Evansville to eat and catch a movie, etc.
8) One of the most exciting things is when students sense God leading them to develop their own ministry. One student has created "Level Up Gamer's night." Youth come and play approved video games at the Loft, then share in a short student led devotion.
II. Through the school/community:
9) F.I.S.H. - This ministry is held before class starts at both the middle and high schools once a week. It is student led and open to students from all denominations. This is a great time of encouragement for students as they minister in their greatest mission field: their school.
10) Y.E.S. - (Youth Encounter the Savior) This ministry consists of two weekends in the spring and two in the fall. One is for girls and one for boys. It is inter-denominational and draws from three to five counties. Students hear from speakers (youth and adults) and how God has impacted their lives. Young people can return and serve as a team member, learning how to become leaders.
God wants to see students surrender their lives to Him. Students are more likely to listen to peers, so we encourage our youth to care about others their age. Morganfield First believes in the power of Godly youth who love Jesus, each other, and the future God has for them.
