Consistent Role Models
Between school, extracurricular activities, and social lives, many teenagers feel like they don’t have time to attend church or grow in their faith. Macey and Andrew want to be safe, stable people for these students when everything else in their lives seems to be moving really quickly. Andrew shares, “A lot of these students are experiencing change in their personal lives, so we are committing to be those consistent people for them on Sunday nights.”
Andrew has been with the same Student Community Group for four years and gotten to see students grow from seventh to tenth graders during that time. He shares that “It’s really important for them to see consistency – someone who has been there every week year after year.” It isn’t always easy for people to discuss the hard things right away, but Andrew is there every week for when they ask hard questions about faith or need someone to encourage them.
Macey has been leading a group of high school girls for a little over a year and has seen her group of girls grow more confident in their faith. She shares that “The biggest thing that has helped them grow is offering up our own vulnerability. Modeling that kind of openness as leaders helps students be more vulnerable themselves.” The girls in Macey’s group have been consistently making their faith a priority and are taking initiative by inviting their friends and asking the hard questions.
We are all a part of the body of Christ and serve a purpose in helping each other grow spiritually. The next generation needs good leaders in a world that can feel overwhelming and isolating.
Go to hppres.org/students to learn how you can help students find and follow Jesus.