Rev. Steve McKinney -  Pastor of  Youth

BIG CREEK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

YOUTH GROUP HANDBOOK

First Edition July 2008

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

I Timothy 4:12

RESPONSIBILITIES:

We realize that the youth of today’s church will be the leaders of tomorrow’s church. As a member of the Big Creek Baptist Church Youth Group, you will be expected to take responsibilities and serve the Lord. Members will be asked to join in discussions and decisions made by the group. We ask you be polite and understand in any activity you participate in you should show complete respect for yourself, others, church property and the Lord at all times.

Ye shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and cleave unto Him.

Deuteronomy 13:4

REQUIREMENTS:

To be considered a youth member, you should be in grades 6-12. Regular weekly services include, Sunday School, Youth Discipleship, and Wednesday Youth Bible Study. These classes are for ages 12-18. Throughout the year, a variety of church youth activities will be planned. Each member that attends regularly will be invited to participate in these activities. The older members of the youth may be asked to assist teachers in Vacation Bible School during the summer.

*You will also be required to have a parent or guardian fill out a release/consent form when needed and return it to the youth directors at the proposed time.

*All overnight trips will be planned in advance and a release/consent form for each person must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian each time for these events.

*All youth are encouraged to participate in youth fundraisers and other outside youth activities.

STATEMENT OF FAITH:

As a member of Big Creek Missionary Baptist Church Youth Group you must understand our beliefs and faith in Christ:

*We are believers in the one and only True Living God.

*We believe the Bible is without error and is the living word of God.

*We believe in the trinity of God: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

*We believe that Jesus Christ lived and died here on earth for our sins and that on the third day he rose again and ascended to heaven.

*We believe that the Holy Spirit abides and guides each person who has confessed their belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

*We believe that the only way to heaven is by accepting Jesus Christ, believing in His death and resurrection and confessing our sins     to Him. This is followed by believers baptism and possible church membership.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT:

As a member of Big Creek Baptist Church Youth Group, we are to conduct ourselves in a Christ-like manner at church and in our daily lives. When at church we are to be reverent, respect those around us, love one another, and to have a heart for worship.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

I John 4:11

STATEMENT OF DISCIPLINE:

If a problem arises between a fellow church member, youth group member or visitor, the issue is to be addressed immediately with the Director of Youth or the Pastor of the church. The church reserves the right to question, investigate and or suspend a member’s activity depending on the severity of the problem.

Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured

Proverb 13:18

STATEMENT OF CHRISTIAN APPEARANCE:

God gives our bodies to us and we are to take responsibility of our outward appearance. As members of Big Creek Baptist Church Youth Group, we are to dress modestly, not revealing, and appropriately for worship, any other church event or outing. We recognize that different activities will warrant different attire, but all dress, whatever the situation, should not be embarrassing to our Savior. Tobacco, alcohol, and drugs will not be tolerated during any church session or activity within or outside the church and grounds.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

I Corinthians 6:19

STATEMENT OF BEING AN EXAMPLE:

Being the “older youth” in the church, you will be expected to be role models for the younger generation. You must realize that they watch the way you worship, your actions, attitude and your dress. Therefore, you should walk as an example of Christ before them both at church and in the community. We ask you would treat them as your brother and sister in Christ no matter their age and include them whenever possible.

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God, but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

3 John 1:11