Structured risk connects students

One of the key characteristics of our church is Adventure. And what better starting point is there for reaching out to middle-school and high-school students? Kayaking, paintballing, backpacking, climbing, concerts, road trips, and pizza all become entry points for connecting students to Christ and to the mission of ACTS: ‘Sending changed people into a changing world.’ Although we place a high priority on each student’s safety*, we appropriately structure risk in order to better understand the call of Christ to come follow him, whatever the cost!


*Our priority on each student’s safety means that we provide appropriate insurance, establish standards of conduct, set policies for drivers of vehicles, and conduct background checks for volunteers.

Middle-school (6th through 8th grade)

On weekends we integrate middle-school students into the multi-generational Gatherings that take place in our worship area. However, middle-school students are also a natural fit in leading our younger children in KidsQuest, or assisting in our nursery. Middle-school students are active in the Sending efforts of ACTS and make energetic volunteers! In addition, we meet monthly with our students in small groups, as they form friendships and grow in their faith. Featured crazy activities and trips are also a part of our strategy in helping middle-school students connect their friends to the value and belonging that come only through Jesus. ACTS also offers a two-year experience which leads to a public recognition of growth and faith (Confirmation). Contact us to learn more about this interactive process involving parents, mentor, and peer group.

High-school (9th through 12th grade)

Like the middle-schoolers, our high-school students also take part in the weekend Gatherings of ACTS. Yet as they get older they also take on more significant volunteer roles: playing in the band, running sound, serving on prayer teams, or teaching/mentoring younger kids. ACTS is a great lab for faith and leadership development. Students help their friends experience first-hand the ACTS components of Adventure, Community, Transformation, and Sending through weekly small groups and monthly activities. At age 16 students are able to take part in more challenging opportunities, like World Mission trips or multi-day adventures.

College-age

ACTS is fortunate to enjoy a great relationship with Concordia University, just ten minutes away. As a result, college students affect not only the look of our weekly Gatherings, but they also affect the spirit and style of what we do. You don’t have to stick around for long before you see college students leading... in our band, in our Kids’ and Youth programs, and in our Sending efforts. ACTS makes a passionate investment in students age 18 and up, so that they might be equipped for whatever God has in mind for them next!

Contact

Jordan Norton, youth leader
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (816-678-2394)
From Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Jordan grew up a stone’s throw from the Kansas City Royals’ and Chiefs’ stadiums. He is, however, strangely loyal to Texas sports and loves to watch the Longhorns play ball. Together with his friend Joel, Jordan works to bring middle-school and high-school students into the experience of ACTS: Adventure, Community, Transformation, and Sending.

Joel Schildwachter, youth leader
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (443-686-0122)
Joel helps teens discover that ACTS exists to ‘Send changed people into a changing world.’ He builds relationships with teens, in order to help them understand the part they can play today in this mission. Joel believes that the Duke Blue Devils are the greatest team on earth. He comes to us all the way from Towson, Maryland and loves to eat. But then, he’s a growing boy.