Revolvers
What a challenging age to be a Christian. For some of us these were and are prime growing pain years, breaking away and attempting to find oneself. Trying on different faces, different groups, finding where you fit less awkwardly. Blossoming new opinions and all kinds of new bits!
Finding stability and a healthy self image is hard to do on your own, it's hard to do as an adult sometimes, so how can we expect our youth of the Northern Beaches to do it on their own? We can't!
This is where Revolve Youth comes in. There is more to this youth program than just a place to skate on ramps, muck around with the leaders, eat junk food and get ministered to on a friday night. It exists because there is and always will be a specific need for high schoolers to know Jesus and know who they are in Christ. Having been a leader at Revolve myself, I have come to learn and absolutely love this ministry and its team. Talk about dynamic, self sacrificing youth fans!!
It excites me that the sassy and passionate Esther Durham is 110% in love with this ministry too with a bursting heart for the youth of Pittwater. Enjoy sharing Esther's view on the Revolve Youth program.
1. What is the purpose of the Youth ministry, who is it aimed for?
The purpose of the Youth ministry is summed up in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
The purpose is to see youth come to know Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him! It is aimed at the youth on the northern beaches, between grades six to twelve.
2. What inspired you to become a part of this ministry?
I think this is such an important ministry; it is a time when youth are forming who they are, what they believe and how they can act and live in response to that. What a vital ministry to be a part of! It came to my attention that there was a need for leaders in this ministry (always is!) and I felt that in this season of my life I couldn’t help but respond and be a part of this.
3. How have you felt God has led you through being a leader?
In so many ways! To love Him first and overflowing from that to love everyone else as Christ does (the youth, other leaders, youth’s parents etc).
4. What changes have you seen in the youth, from being a part of the Revolve youth program?
I have seen the youth go from just coming along, to becoming a part of a community of believers that gathers every Friday night! I have seen some come to know the Lord for themselves and their lives being transformed as a result of that. I have seen youth from Friday nights questioning and being hungry for truth, hungry for God’s word. So many things!
5. What other avenues are there for the youth to become leaders themselves and to learn more about Jesus' leadership?
There is an 'internship program' at Revolve where youth in years eleven and twelve can become a part of the Revolve leadership team in various ways on a Friday night. They also get opportunities to begin to lead the small groups that meet after the message on a Friday night. Each 'intern' has a mentor to walk beside them throughout this.
6. What do the services look like on a typical Friday night at Revolve Youth?
A combo of games / activities or hanging out, some praise and worship songs. A ten to fifteen minute message then breaking up into small groups with leaders for discussion and prayer. Then some more hang out time until they are picked up. There is the odd dance move that’s busted out at the end of the night as well…
7. How can someone be involved or learn more about this ministry?
Speak to Dan Clark, myself, or speak to any of the youth leaders. It is a team full of people who love Jesus and love these kids, any of them would love to talk about this ministry.
Revolve Youth also has a thriving website with information on its mission. You can check out the leader profiles, read the Blogs from the Leaders themselves and add them on Twitter. Log on to www.pittwaterchurch.org/revolve
Or alternatively contact Esther or Dan at the church office # 9997 2386
