As I have stated we follow the systems/structure of the Purpose Driven model created by Rick Warren at Saddleback church. In that model Warren uses concentric circles to illustrate the levels of commitment to the local church related to the programs directed toward that audience. The goal is to move the people on the outlying circles to the inner circle. The order goes, Community, Crowd, Church, Committed and Core.
Our ministry has programmed to all of these circles to some degree with a hope that some students will move from the Community to the Core over time.
For the Community we offer community events like “Movies Under the Oaks” – this is a done outside and we choose good movies but not necessarily “christian” movies. We also do several Family Events throughout the year. Our Fall Festival on Halloween night is a huge community even as is our Easter Egg drop. We are a presence at the HS football games and in other community festivals and events.
For the Crowd we focus on Campus Ministry. At our HS we have a weekly study called “Jesus Pizza”. It is exactly what it sounds like…pizza and a bible study. At our MS campuses we do a lunch study once a month and bring in Chickfila and do some games and bible study.
For the Church we have Surge worship which is our “big” meeting. Music, relevant teaching and plenty of hang time. We also offer a recovery program for teens called The Landing. This program can be a 1st step into the church for teens who are struggling with addiction, cutting, self esteem issues etc.
For the Committed we have small groups that are age and gender specific, Sunday morning bible study and Huddles which is a part of our Surge worship experience.
For the Core we encourage our teens to be the church and serve the church. They help in the kids ministry, tech ministry and other areas as needed. We are also launching a leadership study for a few teens that show next level skills.
That is our process for striving to connect with the random kid in the school and move them toward commitment to the gospel and the church.
Sean Rheaume 