Partnering with Parents to disciple the next generation.
“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
1 Timothy 4:12
Calv’s Youth is for high school students (yrs 7 though 12). We are passionate about equipping the next generation and believe one of the best ways to do that is to invest in our youth, helping them to understand not only what they believe but why they believe it.
Because we believe that the Scriptures teach that parents are the primary disciple-makers in the lives of their children (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4), our goal with Calv’s Youth is to come alongside families and partner with them in the discipleship process. The primary way we go about this is by creating intentional environments where students can learn, be mentored, connect with one another and have fun with their friends. We especially emphasise critical thinking to help students understand both what they believe and why they believe it, while instilling a zeal for personal godliness and devotion to living life according to God’s design.
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
Sunday Sessions
Instead of meeting every Friday night we gather during the regular 4:00-5:30pm meeting once a fortnight for a Bible study and time of prayer. This Bible study is conducted at a church family’s house about 75 metres down the road. In the off weeks the youth are encouraged to either sit in the main meeting or to help with kids church (which many of them do).
Friday Socials
As well as this fortnightly meeting, we also run a monthly Friday night social that focuses on outreach and developing deeper intra-youth relationships. During this time the regular youth attending Calv’s invite their friends along.
On a given Friday, we get together to eat dinner, hangout, do something fun and cap the night off with a Bible talk that is focussed on apologetics or evangelism. Location and the nature of these socials vary month to month, but they usually run from 6:00-8:30pm.
Meet Brad!
Hey! I’m Brad, the Youth Pastor at Calvary Chapel Newcastle. Calv’s has been my home since late 2012. I grew up overseas on the mission field where I had Christian adults speaking into my life on a regular basis. Having mentors in my life from such a young age was hugely formative in helping me make my faith ‘my own.’ As a result, I’ve had a desire from a young age to help other young people in their journey of faith, that they might “reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). God has blessed me with a job as a school teacher here in Newcastle, where I get to do that everyday.
I am passionate about mentoring, discipling, teaching and training our youth at Calv’s that they might see God’s plans and purposes for their lives come to fruition. My desire is to see these young people grow into men and women with a deep, solid, and genuine love for God and all people, who know the Scriptures and believe in confidence in the saving message of Jesus.
FAQ
Simple: to partner with parents to lead students into an authentic, relationship with Jesus Christ.
The short answer is: that depends on what event we’re talking about! However, that being said, we are a Bible believing church, so it’s pretty much guaranteed that whatever the event, there will be some Bible involved!
Depending on the event, there is usually some free socialising time, some organised games and activities, and also some formal Bible study and prayer time.
No, although we do encourage students to attend as frequently as possible. Our leaders work to engage the students actively because relationships are critical to fostering spiritual growth.
We take Child Safety very seriously at CCN. All members of our Pastoral Team and any volunteers working with children are required to be screened (background checks), have a cleared NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC), and must abide by the Calvary Chapel Newcastle Code(s) of Conduct in accordance with our Governance Documentation and Safe Church Framework.
Additionally, teachers and volunteers working with children, youth or young persons receive annual training in child protection and teaching strategies.
All youth events are have a minimum of one male and one female screened adult leader in attendance.
Calv’s Youth is for high school aged students (yr 7 through 12).
Yes! Whether you attend a different church or have a different faith, Calv’s Youth is open to all people from all walks in life. While we encourage parents and students to see the home as the primary place for spiritual growth, we understand that is not always possible for various reasons, so all high school aged students are welcome to come along to Calv’s Youth. We want our young people to feel like they belong and to grow in understanding of their purpose as disciples of Jesus.
Occasionally Calv’s Youth will go away for a youth camp or be involved in a program or activity that may come with a cost. However, we have a budget for Youth Ministry and our Sunday Sessions and Friday Socials are entirely free!
All leaders and volunteers involved with Calv’s Youth in any formal capacity are required to be regular attendees of the church in good standing, and must undergo screening in accordance with our Governance Documentation – irrespective of whether one is a parent of a student.
While we have strict controls in place for youth leadership and volunteering, we believe strongly that partnering with parents is the best way to raise a personal faith in the next generation. That’s why we want to partner with you to support the family to:
- answer any questions you may have to ensure confidence in the welfare of your child(ren);
- socialise any issues or concerns we may have regarding your child(ren); and
- provide and share resources and tools to support and equip parents in discipling their children at home.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about our Youth Ministry.